Highest paying nursing careers?

CRNAs earn $200,000+, NPs earn $120,000-$150,000, clinical nurse specialists earn $90,000-$115,000.

Yes. Significant workforce shortage creates strong security, competitive salaries, and diverse options.

Yes. A BSN is the foundation. After RN experience, pursue MSN or DNP for NP certification.

How do I decide what major is right for me?

Start by honestly assessing your cognitive strengths, interests, and values — not just what sounds impressive. Then research career outcomes including salary data, job growth projections, and AI displacement risk for majors that match your profile. A science-backed assessment like MajorMatch can match you to specific majors using five validated frameworks and give you a fit percentage for each.

What is the most regretted college major?

According to multiple surveys, journalism, sociology, liberal arts, and communications consistently rank among the most regretted majors — primarily due to lower-than-expected salaries and limited job availability. However, regret is highly personal. A major that one person regrets may be perfect for someone whose cognitive profile and career goals actually align with that field.

Is it okay to be undecided about my college major?

Being undecided is extremely common — roughly 30% of college students enter undeclared, and up to 60% change their major at least once. However, being undecided costs real money. The average cost of changing a major is approximately $42,000 in extra tuition, housing, and lost time. Taking a structured assessment before committing can help you avoid that expense.

Do free college major quizzes actually work?

Most free major quizzes use a single framework (typically Holland Codes) and give you a broad personality type rather than specific major recommendations. They are designed to collect email addresses, not guide decisions. A comprehensive assessment should use multiple validated frameworks, give you specific major matches with fit percentages, and include real career and salary data.

What Can You Do With a Nursing Degree? (2026)

Nursing extends far beyond bedside hospital care. With a significant workforce shortage projected through the next decade, the career offers exceptional security and compensation.

Registered Nursing

Median salary ~$81,000. New graduates: $55,000-$75,000. High-cost areas: $100,000-$130,000.

Nurse Practitioner

One of the fastest-growing roles. Median: ~$121,000. Specialties like psychiatric NP: $130,000-$160,000. 40%+ job growth projected.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Among the highest-paid nursing professionals. Median exceeding $200,000. Requires DNP.

Travel Nursing

Temporary assignments at $2,000-$4,000+/week plus housing. Great for exploring regions and specialties.

Nursing Education

Severe educator shortage creates demand. Associate professors: $80,000-$100,000.

Public Health Nursing

Population-level health promotion. Starting: $55,000-$80,000. Directors: $85,000-$110,000. See healthcare careers.

Administration

Nurse managers: $85,000-$110,000. CNOs at large systems: $200,000+.

Maximize Your Career

Take our quiz. See highest paying majors.

FAQs

Highest paying?

CRNAs $200K+, NPs $120K-$150K.

Good career?

Yes — workforce shortage means strong security and salaries.

Become NP?

BSN + RN experience + MSN/DNP = NP certification.