New 2025 Report Shows Where Nurse Pay Is Growing Fastest
Which nursing specialties are experiencing the biggest pay increases? According to a 2025 report out of Sullivan Cotter, critical care nurses saw the highest pay increase of any specialty.
Critical care nurses reported a 3.2% median pay growth in 2025, higher than any other nursing sub-specialty. Outside of critical care nurses, nurse managers and administrators also reported higher-than-average levels of growth.
BusinessWire also points out that the numbers reflect a major shift from the crisis-driven compensation strategies of recent years toward more nuanced, role-specific investments—all of which reflect significant stabilization in healthcare. Here’s a closer look at more of the metrics and what they mean.
If you’re a nurse in a leadership role, it’s time to celebrate. Many RNs in upper management and advanced roles saw the highest levels of growth:
- RN Leaders: 3.0% median increase (up to 8.2% at 90th percentile)
- Managers: 2.7% median increase
- Charge Nurses: 2.4% median increase
- Supervisors: 1.9% median increase
At the high end (90th percentile), leadership roles saw jumps between 5.7% and 8.2%. Staff RNs, in comparison, only showed a 1.7% median increase.
The takeaway? Organizations are investing in their leaders. If you’ve been eyeing a leadership position, now’s the time to polish that resume!
Specialty nurses also saw solid pay increases, with critical care RNs leading the pack. Here’s the breakdown:
- Critical care nurses saw a 3.2% pay increase.
- Anesthesiology, Oncology, and Emergency Department nurses weren’t far behind.
- Non-acute roles like RN Case Managers saw 3.0% increases.
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), however, only received a 1.1% bump.
If you’re a nurse in the Western U.S., you’re likely earning more than your colleagues in the Northeast.
- Clinical Nurse Specialists: $96/hour (West) vs. $69/hour (Northeast)
- Staff RNs: $61/hour (West) vs. $50/hour (Northeast)
- LPNs: $36/hour (West) vs. $34/hour (Northeast)
Specialty nurses in the West also shine, with Wound Care RNs earning $74 per hour and Oncology RNs making $57. If you’re considering relocating, check pay rates before packing your scrubs.
Here’s some good news: RN turnover rates are finally decreasing. according to respondents in the survey, about 62% of organizations reported turnover rates between 11% and 20%. Extended hiring timelines (over 90 days) and vacancy rates above 11% are also dropping. It’s like the nursing labor market is taking a deep breath—but don’t relax too much. LPN turnover rates are still climbing, with one-third of organizations reporting rates above 20%.
Nearly 70% of organizations plan to review nursing market data again in late 2025, so this journey isn’t over. For now, things are looking steadier, and that’s a win.
So, what does this mean for nurses? If you’re in a leadership role or high-demand specialty, pay growth opportunities are promising. For healthcare organizations, this data is a reminder to keep investing in their workforce. After all, nurses are the glue that holds it all together.
