Types of Nurses and Their Salaries

One of the major advantages of working in nursing is that professional opportunities in the field are numerous. There are more than 100 specialties within nursing — from emergency care to geriatric care, occupational health, oncology, pediatrics, and more — making it one of the most diverse professions in health care.

Nurses with a bachelor’s degree, such as those who successfully complete an RN to BSN program, have a strong foundation for advancing their nursing careers and taking advantage of the different types of nurse roles (and salaries) in the profession today.

What Is an RN to BSN Degree?

An RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a logical step for nurses aiming to advance their education and careers. Designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) with an associate degree or diploma, a program of this type includes coursework that builds on foundational nursing knowledge, focusing on leadership, advanced clinical skills, and specialized care.

Common coursework and topics in an RN to BSN program include:

Nursing informatics: Using analytical science and data to improve the quality of patient care
Nursing leadership and management: Preparing nurses for supervisory roles, focusing on team coordination and effective decision-making
Community and public health nursing: Examining strategies for improving health outcomes at the population level
Evidence-based practice: Applying research to clinical decision-making
Health assessment: Enhancing proficiency in patient evaluations, including physical exams and health histories
Health care policy and ethics: Exploring the impact of policies and ethical considerations in nursing practice
Advanced pathophysiology: Learning the mechanisms of disease processes and their implications for patient care

Nursing Career Opportunities

Although an associate degree or diploma opens the door to many different nursing careers, completing an RN to BSN program can expand a nurse’s career opportunities, giving them access to leadership positions, specialized roles, and higher pay.

With so many options, nursing professionals should be well informed about some of the most common types of nurses and their salaries.

Emergency Room Nurse

Emergency room nurses are on the frontline of critical care, providing immediate treatment to patients experiencing trauma, life-threatening injuries, or severe illnesses. They must think and act quickly, often working in high-stress environments. These nurses also educate patients and families about follow-up care and preventive measures.

According to Payscale’s January 2024 data, RNs working in emergency rooms make a median annual salary of about $78,200.

Home Health Nurse

Home health nurses deliver personalized medical care to patients in their homes, often catering to the needs of the elderly or those recovering from surgery. Their responsibilities include administering medications, monitoring health conditions, and educating patients and their families on ongoing care. This role is ideal for health care workers who value strong patient-nurse relationships.

Payscale reports that as of January 2025, home health nurses make a median salary of around $73,000 per year.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse

ICU nurses care for critically ill patients who require constant monitoring and specialized treatments. They work with advanced medical equipment and collaborate closely with health care teams to stabilize patients. Their role demands a high skill level and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

The median ICU nurse salary is about $80,900 per year, according to Payscale’s January 2025 data.

Labor and Delivery Nurse

Labor and delivery nurses assist mothers through the childbirth process, providing both physical and emotional support. They monitor the health of both the mother and the baby, administer medications, and assist doctors during delivery. Postpartum care and education are also integral parts of their responsibilities.

Payscale reported that as of January 2025, labor and delivery nurses make a median annual salary of around $74,000.

Occupational Health Nurse

Occupational health nurses specialize in workplace health and safety, addressing employee injuries, illnesses, and wellness programs. They help organizations comply with health regulations and develop initiatives to promote a healthy work environment.

Occupational health nurses make a median salary of about $81,600 per year, according to December 2024 data from Payscale.

Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses specialize in caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment. They administer chemotherapy, monitor patient progress, manage symptoms, and emotionally support patients and their families. These nurses are vital in coordinating care and ensuring that patients understand their treatment plans.

According to Payscale data from December 2024, the median oncology nurse salary is around $83,900.

Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses provide medical care to children of all ages. They need to be attuned to the physical and emotional needs of different age ranges because caring for infants is quite different from caring for grade-schoolers or teenagers. Pediatric nurses may further specialize in areas like oncology, trauma, and cardiology.

Pediatric nurses make a median salary of about $70,900 per year, according to December 2024 data from Payscale.

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses work in community settings to promote health education, disease prevention, and wellness initiatives. They often serve underserved populations, providing vaccinations, screenings, and health counseling. Their work has a significant impact on community health outcomes.

Payscale reported that as of October 2024, public health nurses make a median salary of around $74,000 per year.

Travel Nurse

Travel nurses provide temporary staffing solutions to health care facilities experiencing shortages. They work in various locations, gaining experience in different settings and specialties. This role often comes with flexible schedules, housing allowances, and opportunities for adventure.

Travel nurses are unique among the different types of nurses and salaries in that they can negotiate their rates on a contractual basis. However, to provide a baseline, December 2024 data from Payscale shows that travel nurses make a median annual salary of about $84,100.

Expand Your Career Opportunities With an RN to BSN Program

Whether you aspire to work in a high-pressure emergency room, provide compassionate home care, or lead health care initiatives, the opportunities for nurses are as diverse as the patients they serve. For RNs considering advancing their education, a bachelor’s degree in nursing can be a stepping stone to leadership positions, specialized roles, and higher salaries.

The online RN to BSN program at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) will hone your clinical skills while enhancing your cultural competence in patient care. It can be completed in as little as one year and requires no clinicals.

Learn more about NCCU’s program and its curriculum to see how it aligns with your long-term career goals.

Recommended Readings:

Explore a Career as an Occupational Health Nurse

RN Salary in NC: Job Descriptions and Opportunities

What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?

Sources:

Indeed, “21 Types of Nurses (With Salaries, Duties and FAQs)”

Indeed, “ER Nurse Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”

Indeed, “Intensive Care Unit Nurse (ICU Nurse) Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”

Indeed, “Labor and Delivery Nurse Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”

Indeed, “Oncology Nurse Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”

Indeed, “Travel Nurse Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”