Exploring the Levels of Nursing: Roles, Education, Salary & Career Outlook

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions in the US. With multiple educational pathways and specialization options, nursing can provide career flexibility, advancement opportunities, and job security.

Here’s an overview of some of the most popular nursing careers with their job responsibilities, educational requirements, salary expectations and employment growth projections.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are frontline caregivers who aid patients in daily activities like bathing, dressing, feeding and mobility assistance. CNAs assist with vital sign monitoring and communicating patient needs directly to nurses or doctors. CNAs work as hands-on providers in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes or hospitals.

Education Requirements: Certified Nursing Assistant (can) must have either a high school diploma or GED. They must also complete a state-approved CNA training program lasting 4-12 weeks and pass a competency exam for certification.

Salary: The median annual salary as of May 2024 is estimated to be roughly $39,530.

Projected Employment Growth: Certified Nurse Aides can expect their employment to rise by 4% between now and 2033, similar to the national average growth. An aging population and increasing demand for long-term care services drive this expansion.

2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

LPNs or LVNs provide more advanced care than CNAs, including monitoring patients, administering medications, dressing wounds and collecting samples. They often work in nursing homes, clinics or home healthcare environments under the direction of RNs and doctors.

Education Requirements: Becoming an LPN/LVN involves completing a state-approved practical nursing program and passing the NCLEX-PN licensure examination.

Salary: On average, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) earn an hourly pay rate of $29.97 or an annual pay of $62,340.

Projected Employment Growth: LPN employment will experience a 3% annual increase by 2033 due to rising demand in residential and long-term care settings.

3. Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses administer medications, coordinate treatment plans, operate medical equipment, educate patients and families, and administer lifesaving care in hospitals, emergency rooms, clinics, schools, and public health organizations.

Education Requirements: You can become an RN by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN; two years of study) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN; four years). All RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure before beginning work, with many employers now preferring or even mandating that new hires possess one of these degrees to ensure a smooth start in this profession.

Salary: Registered nurses (RNs) typically make $45 an hour or $93,600 annually.

Projected Employment Growth: Registered nurse (RN) roles are projected to experience an estimated 6% job increase by 2033 as healthcare systems expand their capacity to provide preventative and chronic illness care services.

As you move forward in your nursing journey—whether as a CNA, RN, or Nurse Practitioner—protecting your career with the right insurance coverage is essential. BizInsure makes it easy for healthcare professionals to compare policies and find coverage that fits their role and location. From general liability insurance, which protects against third-party claims, to professional liability insurance specifically designed for medical professionals, having the right policy ensures peace of mind while on the job.

Home health nurses and those working outside traditional hospital settings may want to explore BizInsure’s tailored home health care provider insurance options. If you’re practicing in specific regions, such as Colorado or New Mexico, localized insurance solutions are available to meet state requirements. Even as your role advances, home healthcare insurance remains an important safeguard for your financial and professional future.

4. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication as part of primary and specialty healthcare services in various states. Many states allow nurse practitioners to work independently as primary care providers themselves.

Education Requirements: Educational requirements include earning both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), along with national board certification in one specialty field such as family nursing, pediatric or psychiatric nursing.

Salary: On average, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives earn an average hourly rate of $63.48 or an annual income of $132,050.

Projected Employment Growth: Nurse practitioners are projected to experience an incredible 40% employment increase by 2033, making this profession one of the fastest-growing careers within the U.S. healthcare sector.

5. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Clinical Nurse Specialists are advanced practice nurses specializing in improving patient outcomes and healthcare systems in fields like oncology, cardiology or neonatal care. A CNS may serve in clinical, administrative, or educational capacities to enhance care provision and system improvement efforts.

Education Requirements: Typically, nursing practitioners with this specialty hold either an MSN or DNP with a specialization in nursing practice, an RN license, and national certification, depending on their area of focus.

Salary: CNSs earn an average of $62.62 an hour or $146,052 per year.

Projection for Employment Growth: Although CNS roles aren’t tracked separately, demand for advanced practice nurses is expected to increase significantly due to need within the healthcare system.

6. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are responsible for administering anesthesia during surgeries, childbirth and other procedures as well as monitoring vital signs to ensure patient safety during recovery. Their tasks require sound clinical judgment and experience to carry out successfully.

Education Requirements: Before becoming certified as a CRNA, one must possess a BSN, an active RN license, and critical care experience before completing their DNP in nurse anesthesia and passing an additional national certification exam.

Salary : Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the highest-paying nurses, with estimated hourly pay of $102.98, or approximately $214,000 annually.

Projected Employment Growth: By 2033, roles for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are projected to increase by 40%. CRNAs often serve as primary providers in rural and underserved areas where anesthesia care may not be readily accessible.

7. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs)

Job Description:

Certified Nurse Midwives specialize in women’s healthcare and reproductive services such as prenatal visits, labor and delivery care, postpartum support services and family planning advice. CNMs typically work at hospitals, birthing centers or clinics.

Education Requirements: Nurse midwives (CNMs) must possess, at minimum, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an RN license and either a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited program in nurse-midwifery. In addition, CNMs must pass the American Midwifery Certification Board exam before practicing as CNMs.

Salary: On average, Certified Nurse Midwives, CRNAs, and nurse practitioners earn an hourly wage of $102.98 or an annual salary $214,000.

Projected Employment Growth: Midwifery, CRNA, and nurse practitioner roles are anticipated to experience an employment increase of 40% between now and 2033 due to rising interest in natural birthing methods and personalized maternity care services.

Protecting your earning potential

Nursing careers provide many rewarding pathways for newcomers and established nurses. But despite excellent earning potential for many nursing roles, a patient claim or lawsuit could drain your bank accounts and impact your professional reputation.

Professional Liability insurance (often called malpractice coverage) helps protect your finances by covering negligence claims, mistakes in your work, and more. Compare quotes with BizInsure and get covered in as little as 10 minutes.