Top 10 RN Employers Paying $100K+ in 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, registered nurses (RNs) are in increasing demand—and the competition among employers to attract and retain top talent has never been greater. According to recent data from Zippia, a number of healthcare organizations and staffing agencies stand out by offering either outstanding workplace environments or top-tier salaries for nursing professionals.

Whether you're a new RN entering the field or a seasoned nurse looking for your next opportunity, understanding which companies offer the best quality of life—or the best salaries—can help guide your next career move.

10 Highest Paying Companies for Registered Nurses in 2025

While workplace culture is essential, salary is often one of the most influential factors in a nurse’s career decision. The following companies ranked as the highest paying organizations for registered nurses in 2025, according to Zippia’s nationwide employment data.

These companies—many of which specialize in staffing and travel nurse placements—often offer generous hourly rates, bonuses, and housing stipends for assignments across the country. Nurses working with these agencies may be able to significantly boost their income, especially if they’re open to travel or short-term contracts.

10 Best Companies for Registered Nurses in 2025

Zippia’s list of the 10 best companies for registered nurses is based on a combination of factors including employee satisfaction, career advancement opportunities, company benefits, and work-life balance. These organizations go above and beyond in creating supportive environments where nurses can thrive professionally and personally.

These employers consistently score high on nurse satisfaction and retention—a reflection of their commitment to better nurse-patient ratios, continuing education support, flexible schedules, and robust benefits packages.

What the Data Reveals About RN Career Opportunities in 2025

Key takeaways from Zippia’s survey include:

• Flexibility and Freedom Are Valuable - Nurses working with staffing firms or travel agencies often earn higher salaries than their hospital-based counterparts. This can be especially appealing to RNs seeking flexibility or periodic changes in work environment.
• Hospital Systems Still Reign Supreme for Career Growth - Traditional healthcare employers like Kaiser Permanente, Cleveland Clinic, and St. Luke’s provide structured career paths, clinical specialization training, and job security—elements that rank highly among nurses prioritizing career longevity.
• Work-Life Balance Matters - Companies on the "best employers" list score high in employee retention, which suggests those workplaces invest in nurse well-being through balanced scheduling, supportive management, and educational incentives.
• Geography Plays a Role - High-paying jobs are often located in high-cost-of-living areas or regions with critical nursing shortages, which may require relocation or travel to capitalize on top-tier earnings.

How Can Nurses Use This Data?

If you're currently working in a role that doesn’t align with your professional goals or personal needs, this data can be an eye-opening tool for change. Ask yourself:

• Are you looking for higher pay or a healthier work environment?
• Are you open to travel nursing or moving to a different region?
• Do you want to work in a fast-paced setting like acute care, or would you prefer home health or outpatient services?
• Are employer programs for tuition reimbursement, specialty certification, or clinical ladder advancement important to you?

By comparing your personal goals with this list of top-ranked employers, you can make a more strategic, data-driven move in your nursing career.

Final Thoughts

Registered nurses are a cornerstone of healthcare, and the value they bring to patients and communities is finally being reflected in both compensation and workplace improvements. Whether you're looking for an environment that invests in your growth or the highest salary the market can offer, the findings from Zippia’s 2025 survey provide a powerful roadmap for your next step.

To explore opportunities at these top employers or to learn more about maximizing your nursing career potential, visit Nurse.org’s job board or speak with a travel nursing recruiter today.

 

🤔 Nurses, what do you think about this new survey data from Zippia? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.