Types of nurses ranked by salary, flexibility, and job growth

Nursing is a rewarding career path with countless options for making a difference. But how many types of nurses are there?

The answer depends on how you categorize the nursing process. Nurses work across all medical specialties and care settings, from local physicians’ offices to surgical intensive care units (ICUs) in major metropolitan hospitals. There are also different levels of responsibility in nursing, based on a nurse's education and training.

This post will provide an overview of the types of nurses and what they do, ranked by level of professional opportunity. Rankings consider salary, flexibility, and job growth.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Among the many different types of nurses, a CRNA is one of the most specialized and highest-paid. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an average CRNA salary of $214,200, or approximately $103 per hour.¹

A CRNA enters the profession with a minimum of eight years of combined education and experience, including a master's degree or higher from an accredited nurse anesthesia program.² Graduates must also pass the rigorous national certification exam.³

The projected growth rate for this highly demanding field is much faster than the average for all professions.⁴ The most significant trade-off is a lack of flexibility, due to the intense levels of responsibility. For many, however, the reward of high-level practice is well worth the demands.

Nurse practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioners earn a highly competitive salary and can enjoy more flexibility than CRNAs. The average annual salary for a nurse practitioner is $124,680, with the upper 10% earning over $165,000.⁵

NPs practice at a higher level than many other nurses, often serving as patients' first-line health care providers. They can diagnose health conditions, develop treatment plans, prescribe medication, and manage care.⁶

NPs work across many settings, including doctors' offices, hospitals, and clinics. Demand for NPs is high and is likely to remain so, given the shortage of primary care professionals nationwide.^4,7

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS)

A CNS is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with expertise in a specific population and area of medical practice. A CNS may diagnose and treat patients, oversee bedside care delivery, or work in administration.⁸ Flexibility is moderate and depends on the role, with more flexible jobs in administration or academia.

Job growth for the CNS role overall is likely to remain steady, given the shortage of providers in most specialties.⁹ The BLS estimates a 10-year growth rate of 8%–higher than general practice RNs, but lower than NPs and nurse anesthetists.^4,10

Certified nurse-midwife (CNM)

A certified nurse-midwife is an RN who focuses primarily on reproductive, maternal, and newborn care.¹¹ CNMs must have a graduate degree and an active RN license before taking the national certification exam.¹²

CNMs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and private offices.¹³ Some may enjoy flexible hours, but the demand for labor and delivery services could limit this flexibility. As with many nursing roles, details depend on the setting and employer.

The average salary for a CNM is $131,570 per year, with the top 10% earning an average of $177,530. The BLS estimates high job growth, but categorizes the role alongside nurse anesthetists and NPs, making it challenging to estimate CNM growth specifically.⁴ However, given the growing shortage of midwives worldwide, the demand is likely to increase.¹⁴

Registered nurse (RN)

An RN is the role many people think of when they consider what it means to be a nurse. These professionals provide bedside and in-office care, administering treatment and recording observations to deliver the best possible outcomes.¹⁵

Some RNs work in primary practice and treat a broad range of conditions. Others focus on a particular specialty, such as cancer care, pediatrics, or emergency medicine.¹⁵

RNs are in high demand, with approximately 189,100 job openings each year. The BLS anticipates a 5% growth rate over the next 10 years, largely due to an aging population and the prevalence of chronic health conditions.¹⁰ The median salary for an RN is $93,600, with higher pay available in hospital care.¹⁶

Some RNs ultimately decide to pursue non-bedside roles, such as in health care recruiting, personal health coaching, medical writing, and research.¹⁷ There may be more jobs available with a BSN, though clinical positions may only require an associate's degree.

Licensed practical nurse (LPN)

Among the nursing options listed here, an LPN has the least demanding educational requirements. While most RN positions require at least an associate's degree, LPNs can begin a professional training program with only a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) credential.^18,19 An aspiring LPN must then pass a national licensure examination before caring for patients.

Because LPNs have a less advanced skill set, their pay is generally more modest. The BLS reports an average salary of $60,790 per year, or $29.23 per hour. ²⁰ The job outlook is average, with an expected growth rate approximately equal to the average of all other occupations.²¹ Patients in long-term care facilities and home health situations will still need care, but the lower barrier to entry means that the jobs may be easier to fill.

A key advantage of this role is a relatively high level of flexibility. Some LPNs may work 12-hour shifts or choose nontraditional hours, such as evenings or weekends.²² These shifts can be particularly appealing to those enrolled in an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Choosing the right professional path

Aspiring nurses have a vast range of career options, from highly specialized roles such as anesthetist or midwife to primary care RN positions. While a bachelor’s degree is not required for all types of nursing, earning a bachelor's degree can help you earn more and advance your nursing career further.

Oklahoma City University offers an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to help nurses take their next professional steps.

Online nursing program admissions are open to actively licensed RNs with board-approved associate's degrees. Schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor today, and discover how you can take your nursing career to the next level at OCU.