Which nurse gets the most pay?

As of 2025, the highest-paid nursing profession is that of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), with an impressive annual salary of approximately $223,210. CRNAs play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing anesthesia care for patients undergoing various surgical procedures. Their extensive training and expertise in anesthesia management justify their high compensation. Following CRNAs, General Nurse Practitioners earn around $129,210 per year, while Certified Nurse Midwives make about $128,790 annually. Additionally, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurses, who specialize in caring for premature and critically ill newborns, earn approximately $128,211 per year. Pain Management Nurses, who focus on alleviating patients' chronic pain, also receive competitive salaries, averaging $125,412 annually. These figures highlight the diverse and specialized roles within the nursing profession, each contributing significantly to patient care and outcomes.