What Nurse Makes $100 000 a Year? Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and specialized RNs dominate the high earners, with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) leading at over $200,000 annually, followed by Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in psychiatry and cardiology exceeding $130,000. In 2025, 45% of APRNs earn $100K+ due to demand in aging populations and shortages (BLS data). Entry-level RNs average $81,000, but certifications and experience unlock six figures. Location matters—California NPs average $150K+ vs. Midwest’s $105K.
Highest Paying Nurse Specialties Over $100K in 2025
CRNAs top the list at $223,210 median (Nurse.org), administering anesthesia in surgeries—requires DNP and 3,000+ clinical hours. Psychiatric-Mental Health NPs (PMHNPs) follow at $141,112, managing mental health crises with prescribing authority (NP Hub). Neonatal NPs earn $140,000+ in NICUs, specializing in premature infants (NursingProcess.org). Other standouts:
- Cardiology NPs: $127,000–$130,000, handling heart conditions via diagnostics and meds.
- Emergency NPs: $135,118 average, thriving in high-stress ERs with rapid triage.
- Oncology NPs: $125,000–$135,000, guiding cancer treatments and chemo. These roles demand MSN/DNP and board certification, but offer autonomy and 45% job growth.
How to Become a $100K Nurse: Education and Certification Path
Start as an RN (BSN preferred, 4 years), then pursue MSN (2 years) or DNP (3–4 years) for APRN status. Pass national exams like ANCC for NPs. Clinical hours (500–1,000) are key. Total investment: $40K–$100K in education, recouped in 1–2 years at $100K salaries. Travel RNs hit $120K with contracts, no advanced degree needed (ZipRecruiter).
Factors Boosting Nurse Salaries to $100K+
Experience adds $10K–$20K per 5 years; urban areas like NYC or LA inflate pay 20–30%. Overtime, bonuses (5–10%), and unions push totals higher. Specialties in underserved fields (e.g., rural psych) qualify for loan forgiveness up to $50K.
Challenges and Outlook for High-Earning Nurses
Burnout hits 40% of APRNs, but flexible hours and leadership roles mitigate it. By 2032, 1.2M openings project 9% growth, favoring $100K+ specialists.
Final Verdict: Aim for APRN Roles to Hit $100K
CRNA or PMHNP paths guarantee $100K+ fastest. Research via AANP.org—your specialty choice shapes earnings and impact.