The Highest-paying Nursing Jobs in 2026: Opportunities Start With an RN to BSN Degree Online

Nursing is one of the most rewarding and stable career paths in healthcare, and in 2026, it continues to offer exceptional financial opportunities for those willing to invest in their education. From bedside care to advanced practice and tech-driven specialties, nurses at every stage of their careers can find well-paying roles that align with their interests and skill sets.

Radford University's online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a first step toward unlocking these high-paying nursing jobs. For any nurse looking to elevate their career, considering an online RN to BSN program is a smart move.

Do Nurses Make Good Money?

In short, yes. The average salary for nurses in the U.S. is $92,607, according to Indeed, with significant earning potential for those who pursue advanced credentials or specialized roles. But what nursing jobs make the most money? Below, discover which nursing jobs top the pay scale in 2026, along with what they entail and how to pursue them. Note that the salary information provided is current as of January 2026, and actual salaries will differ depending on factors such as work location and experience.

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Average salary: $259,707
• Education needed: BSN + RN license + Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a concentration in nurse anesthesia
• Growth potential: High

CRNAs remain among the highest-paid nursing jobs due to their critical role in surgical and emergency care. These professionals administer anesthesia, monitor patients during procedures and provide post-operative care.

• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Average salary: $130,205
• Education needed: BSN and RN license and MSN or DNP
• Growth potential: Very high

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in high demand due to physician shortages and an increasing focus on preventive care. NPs manage complex patient needs, including assessments, diagnoses and medication management, often serving as primary care providers. Whether in family practice, pediatrics or acute care, NPs represent one of the highest-paying nursing jobs, offering tremendous autonomy and career growth.

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Average salary: $139,486
• Education needed: BSN and RN license and MSN/DNP in psychiatric-mental health
• Growth potential: High

Mental health needs are surging, and PMHNPs are stepping in to fill this crucial gap. These professionals assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions, often working in hospitals, outpatient clinics or private practice. This specialty combines a strong salary with meaningful work and increasing demand.

• Nursing Informatics Specialist
• Average salary: $134,219
• Education needed: BSN and RN license and experience and/or certification in informatics
• Growth potential: Moderate to high

The growing role of technology in healthcare makes nursing informatics jobs highly valuable. Informatics nurses bridge the gap between clinical practice and digital tools, helping improve patient outcomes through better data management, electronic health records (EHR) implementation and process optimization. A BSN degree combined with IT experience or certification can lead to this high-paying nursing career.

• Travel Nurse
• Average salary: $113,168
• Education needed: BSN and RN license and relevant clinical experience
• Growth potential: High

Travel nursing jobs are among the most flexible and high-paying nursing careers for BSN-prepared nurses. These professionals take short-term assignments in hospitals and clinics across the country, often in high-demand specialties like ICU, ER or labor and delivery. For those who crave adventure and adaptability, travel nursing offers excellent pay and career satisfaction.

Additional High-paying Roles for BSN-prepared Nurses

Even without an advanced degree, nurses with a BSN are well-positioned for high-paying nursing jobs in leadership, education or specialized clinical roles. The following are some examples of other roles available to nurses with a BSN degree, including salary information:

• Charge nurse or nurse supervisor: Salaries can exceed $153,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
• Pain management nurse: The average yearly salary for this specialty nurse in the U.S. is $131,291.
• Critical care nurse: Intensive care settings reward BSN-prepared nurses with premium pay, with the highest compensation exceeding $148,000.

Unlock the Highest-paying Nursing Jobs Today

If nurses are interested in exploring new job opportunities or pursuing high-paying nursing jobs, advancing their credentials is a great start. With the convenience of online learning, RN to BSN programs let nurses maintain their income while gaining the skills needed for future advancement. With a BSN, nurses gain clinical expertise, leadership training and eligibility for graduate programs that unlock the highest-paying nursing careers.

In today's evolving healthcare landscape, where specialized knowledge and adaptability are in high demand, investing in a BSN is one of the smartest moves a nurse can make. The RN to BSN online program from Radford University prepares professionals in this field for the future of nursing, as well as the financial and personal fulfillment that comes with it.