New 2025 Report Shows Where Nurse Pay Is Growing Fastest
- A 2025 SullivanCotter report on nursing compensation reflects a maturing approach to nursing workforce management, moving from crisis-driven, broad increases to strategic, targeted investments.
- The report showed that pay increases followed a clear pattern that prioritizes leadership roles. RN leaders received median increases of 3.0%, followed by managers at 2.7%, charge nurses at 2.4%, supervisors at 1.9%, and staff RNs at 1.7%
- In subspecialities, critical care nurses saw the largest pay increases, followed by Anesthesiology, Oncology, and Emergency Department nursing.
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.
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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.
Leadership Roles Are Cashing In
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!
How Much Did Specialty Nurses Make in 2025?
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.
Pay Varies by Region
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.
Stabilization Signals: Are We Catching Our Breath?
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.
🤔Nurses, what do you think about the report's findings? Share your thoughts below.
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