Top Nursing Jobs Based on Growth in 2023

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of nursing is expected to grow by 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. There's no doubt about it: Nurses are in demand, and that won't be changing anytime soon. However, certain nursing jobs and specializations are going to grow more than others over the next decade or so.

If you are looking for a nursing job or specialization that will serve you well for many years to come, keep the following 10 positions in mind. In 2023, they are the top nursing jobs based on growth:

1. Neonatal Nurse

Neonatal nurses care for premature infants and newborns who require specialized medical care. They typically work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in hospitals. The median annual salary for neonatal nurses is $67,680, and demand for neonatal nurses is expected to grow by 11 percent from 2020 to 2030. To become a neonatal nurse, you will need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree, and specialized training.

2. Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have specialized training in a particular area of nursing, such as oncology, cardiology, or pediatrics. They provide direct patient care, consult with other nurses and healthcare professionals, and conduct research. CNSs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. The median annual salary for CNSs is $89,930, and demand for CNSs is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2020 to 2030. To become a CNS, you will need a BSN degree, an MSN degree, and specialized training.

3. Nurse Midwife

Nurse midwives provide care to women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They also provide well-woman care and contraception counseling. Nurse midwives work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, birth centers, and private practices. The median annual salary for nurse midwives is $113,270, and demand for nurse midwives is expected to grow by 21 percent from 2020 to 2030. To become a nurse midwife, you will need a BSN degree, an MSN degree, and specialized training.

4. Dialysis Nurse

Dialysis nurses work closely with people who suffer from kidney diseases. Patients whose kidneys don't function properly rely on dialysis to filter their blood. Many of the patients need kidney transplants. The median annual salary for dialysis nurses is $66,750, and demand for dialysis nurses is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2020 to 2030. To become a dialysis nurse, you will need a BSN degree and specialized training.

5. Health Policy Nurse

Health policy nurses work at the administrative level at a variety of private and public organizations to develop and implement policies that make people healthier. They may also help to develop new healthcare laws. The median annual salary for health policy nurses is $77,120, and demand for health policy nurses is expected to grow by 17 percent from 2020 to 2030. To become a health policy nurse, you will need a BSN degree, an MSN degree, and specialized training.

6. Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners are APRNs who are authorized to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and order and interpret tests. They can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The median annual salary for nurse practitioners is $111,680, and demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 29 percent from 2020 to 2030. To become a nurse practitioner, you will need a BSN degree, an MSN degree, and specialized training.

7. Informatics Nurse

Informatics nurses collect, analyze, and interpret data for their employers. They may also be charged with training fellow employees to properly use new types of technology. Informatics nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and many other places. The median annual salary for informatics nurses is around $127,051 per year.

8. Nurse Educator

Nurse educators teach and train others to become nurses. They also train existing nurses in new specializations. The median annual salary for nurse educators is $85,000, and demand for nurse educators is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2020 to 2030. To become a nurse educator, you will need a BSN degree, an MSN degree, and experience as a registered nurse (RN).

9. Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia to patients before and during surgery. They also monitor patients during surgery and provide pain relief afterwards. Nurse anesthetists work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities. The median annual salary for nurse anesthetists is $178,590, and demand for nurse anesthetists is expected to grow by 26 percent from 2020 to 2030. To become a nurse anesthetist, you will need a BSN degree, an MSN degree, and specialized training.

10. Nurse Researcher

Nurse researchers conduct research on a variety of healthcare topics. They may study new treatments, develop new nursing practices, or improve the quality of care for patients. Nurse researchers work in universities, hospitals, and other healthcare organizations. The median annual salary for nurse researchers is $97,000, and demand for nurse researchers is expected to grow by 26 percent from 2020 to 2030. To become a nurse researcher, you will need a BSN degree, an MSN degree, and a doctoral degree in nursing.

As you can see, the nursing field offers a wide variety of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. With its strong growth outlook, now is a great time to consider a career in nursing.