Reviewed by:
Jonathan Preminger
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 3/28/24
Curious to know more about the least stressful nursing jobs? Keep reading to discover which specialties offer a better work-life balance and job satisfaction!
Are you a passionate nurse looking for a fulfilling career without the constant stress and burnout? You're not alone. Many nurses struggle to find the perfect balance between their dedication to patient care and their own well-being.
But what if we told you that there are nursing jobs out there that offer a healthier work-life balance, lower stress levels, and still provide the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives?
In this comprehensive guide, we've researched and compiled a list of the top 20 least stressful nursing jobs for 2024. From nurse educators to public health nurses, these specialties offer a more relaxed work environment, flexible schedules, and competitive salaries.
Whether you're a seasoned nurse looking for a change or a new graduate exploring your options, this article will provide you with everything you need to know about the most rewarding and least stressful nursing careers available.
Top 20+ Least Stressful Nursing Jobs that Pay Well
Nursing can be a challenging and demanding career, but certain specialties offer a better work-life balance and lower levels of stress. In this article, we've researched and compiled a list of the top 20 least stressful jobs that provide a fulfilling and rewarding experience for nurses who prioritize their well-being.
1. Nurse Educator - $66,781
Among the many demanding nursing jobs out there, this position is considered one of the least stressful jobs on this list. Even though the responsibility of preparing the next generation of nurses is significant, the work environment is relatively low-pressure, and the work hours are reasonable.
Nurse educators teach and train future nurses, and they are responsible for developing nursing curricula and lesson plans. As one of the highest-paid nursing jobs, nurse educators make an average of $78,580 per year.
Nurse educators make about $66,781 per year on average. There is currently a shortage of nurse educators, so if you’re thinking of stepping back from patient care to education, it’s a great time to do so.
Best School for this Career: Duke University's School of Nursing offers a top-ranked MSN program with a specialization in Nursing Education, preparing graduates for roles as nurse educators.
2. Nurse Researcher - $97,088
Nurse researchers generally work in universities, colleges, or research facilities, which means their job involves minimal patient interaction. While research is not the highest-paying nursing job, it is comparatively less stressful than other alternatives.
As the name suggests, these professionals conduct scientific research in the field of nursing to improve patient care and outcomes. Nurse researchers can look forward to a promising career outlook, with a projected job growth rate of 28% from 2021 to 2031, indicating a high demand for their skills and expertise.
Nurse researchers enjoy an average annual salary of $97,088, which can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location. This salary reflects the value that nurse researchers bring to their organizations and the critical role they play in advancing nursing knowledge and practice.
Best School for this Career: Johns Hopkins University's School of Nursing is consistently ranked among the top nursing schools for graduate programs, including the DNP and PhD programs that prepare nurses for research roles.
3. Nurse Administrator - $86,390
If you're looking for the least stressful nursing jobs, consider the nursing administration career path. While getting into nursing school can be challenging, nursing administrators have the opportunity to pursue leadership positions with autonomy and flexibility.
These professionals work in hospitals to manage healthcare facilities and oversee the operations of nursing departments. They enjoy a competitive average annual salary of $86,390, reflecting the responsibilities they undertake in managing healthcare organizations and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.
In addition to the attractive salary, the nursing administration career has a projected growth rate of over 32% by the end of the decade, indicating a high demand for qualified professionals in this field.
Best School for this Career: The University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing offers a highly-regarded MSN program with a specialization in Health Leadership, preparing graduates for administrative roles.
4. Occupational Health Nurse - $92,420
For nurses who seek a less stressful job outside of traditional healthcare facilities, as well as flexible work schedules, occupational health nursing is another excellent opportunity.
Occupational health nurses are responsible for overseeing business settings and developing health and safety programs for businesses. They are responsible for promoting workplace health and safety and helping prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
Occupational health nursing has a promising job outlook, with a projected job growth rate of 6% by the end of the decade, which is as fast as the average job growth rate.
Additionally, occupational health nurses enjoy an average annual salary of $92,420, which is a testament to the value they bring to their organizations. This salary can vary based on several factors, but it provides a competitive compensation package reflecting the vital role these professionals play in promoting employee health and safety.
Best School for this Career: The University of Washington's School of Nursing offers a highly-ranked MSN program with a specialization in Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing, preparing graduates for roles in occupational health.
5. School Nurse - $55,612
A school nurse's job is an excellent choice for nurses who want a less stressful work environment. Compared to other nursing jobs, school nursing is less physically demanding and involves working regular hours with a predictable schedule.
School nurses have the opportunity to provide basic medical care to students and staff while promoting healthy habits and providing health education, which can be rewarding. The work environment is typically low-pressure, and school nurses are not exposed to the same level of high-stress situations as other nursing jobs.
The future is bright for school nurses as the occupation is expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, indicating a healthy demand for qualified professionals. School nurses also enjoy an average salary of $55,612, which can vary based on factors such as location and experience.
Best School for this Career: Emory University's School of Nursing, which ranks #3 for undergraduate nursing programs by U.S. News & World Report, offers a BSN program that provides a strong foundation for school nursing roles.
6. Home Health Nurse - $84,686
If the hospital environment is what you find stressful, rather than working with patients, transitioning from an RN to a home health nurse may be the solution.
Home health nurses provide care to patients in their homes, which can provide a less stressful environment compared to hospital settings. They are responsible for administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing wound care.
According to projections, home health nurses can anticipate a favorable employment landscape, with an estimated 6% increase in job opportunities between 2021 and 2031. The typical yearly pay for home health nurses amounts to $84,686.
Best School for this Career: The University of Michigan's School of Nursing offers a well-regarded BSN program that prepares graduates for various nursing roles, including home health nursing.
7. Hospice Nurse - $82,574
Working as a hospice nurse can provide a less stressful environment and a fulfilling, rewarding nursing career.
These nurses provide comfort and support to terminally ill patients and their families, managing pain and ensuring the patient's wishes are respected. Hospice nurses work in a more relaxed setting compared to other nursing jobs, which can reduce stress and promote well-being.
Registered nurses, including hospice nurses, can expect a steady job growth rate of 6% over the next decade. Moreover, hospice nurses can expect to earn competitive salaries of $82,574 depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location.
Best School for this Career: Duke University's School of Nursing offers an accelerated BSN program with a high NCLEX pass rate, providing a strong foundation for hospice nursing roles.
8. Public Health Nurse - $70,362
Public health nursing offers an excellent career opportunity for nurses who wish to minimize the hustle associated with direct patient care in hospital settings
Public health nurses believe that a person's health is affected by many factors, including genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment. Public health nurses focus on prevention and education at a high level. The public health realm is ideal for nurses who enjoy designing programs that promote healthy living in the community.
Employment of registered nurses, which includes public health nurses, is projected to grow by 6%. The average salary of a public health nurse is $70,362.
Best School for this Career: Johns Hopkins University's School of Nursing offers a top-ranked MSN program with a specialization in Public Health Nursing, preparing graduates for roles in community and public health settings.
9. Nursing Informatics Specialist - $99,233
Nurses who experience stress while interacting with patients but find working with computers more comfortable could not have asked for a better position. Nursing informatics specialists combine their nursing knowledge with their expertise in information technology to improve patient care and outcomes.
The average salary of informatics nurses is $99,233 per year. They can work in various healthcare settings, most notably in medical record companies. Informatics nurses are in high demand, and the field continues to grow as healthcare adopts new technological solutions for record keeping.
Best School for this Career: The University of Maryland School of Nursing offers a highly-regarded MSN program with a specialization in Nursing Informatics, preparing graduates for roles in healthcare technology and data management.
10. Nurse Case Manager - $94,248
For nurses who want to maintain patient care involvement while adopting a more targeted and personalized approach to assistance, this might be the ideal job. Nurse case managers also report high levels of job satisfaction due to the meaningful impact they have on their patients’ lives.
Nurse case manager job growth coincides with the 32% projected growth for all medical and health services managerial jobs between 2020 and 2030. The average nurse case manager salary is $94,248.
Best School for this Career: New York University's Rory Meyers College of Nursing offers a top-ranked MSN program with a specialization in Nursing Administration, preparing graduates for case management roles.
11. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) - $210,660
CRNAs are among the highest-paid nurses. They provide anesthesia for medical procedures and surgeries, and also help to prevent pain, ensuring patient comfort. CRNAs work in hospitals, surgery centers, and other settings, collaborating with doctors to provide safe anesthesia.
CRNAs have a promising career outlook, with a projected 45% increase in demand from 2020 to 2030, reflecting the growing need for their specialized expertise. CRNAs are consistently ranked at the top in nursing careers for compensation, with an average salary of around $210,660 per year.
Best School for this Career: Duke University's School of Nursing offers a highly competitive DNP program with a specialization in Nurse Anesthesia, preparing graduates for CRNA roles.
12. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - $118,711
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) play an important role in healthcare, specializing in caring for infants, young children, and adolescents. They focus on the health and well-being of young patients.
PNPs perform comprehensive assessments, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe treatment for patients. They also provide preventive care and health education to patients and families. PNPs earn an average annual salary of $118,711.
Best School for this Career: The University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing offers a top-ranked MSN program with a specialization in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, preparing graduates for roles in pediatric healthcare.
13. Chief Nursing Officer - $283,361
Though it sounds stressful, Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) are top-level nurse administrators responsible for overseeing the nursing department and its daily operations. With one of the highest salaries, they develop and implement nursing policies, ensure compliance with regulations, and manage budgets.
The demand for qualified administrators in the healthcare field is increasing due to the complexity of the systems. This has contributed to the positive job outlook. CNOs earn an impressive average annual salary of $283,361.
Best School for this Career: Johns Hopkins University's School of Nursing offers a highly-regarded DNP program with a specialization in Executive Leadership, preparing graduates for top leadership roles in healthcare organizations.
14. Travel Nurse - $82,749
Travel nurses fill short-term staffing needs in healthcare facilities across the country. They work in various specialties and settings, providing patient care and support where it's needed most.
Travel nursing offers flexibility, competitive pay, and the opportunity to explore new locations. Travel nurses typically earn higher salaries than staff nurses, with an average annual salary of $82,749.
The demand for travel nurses is expected to remain strong, especially as healthcare facilities face staffing shortages and seek temporary solutions.
Best School for this Career: Emory University's School of Nursing, consistently ranked among the top nursing schools, offers a BSN program that provides a strong foundation for travel nursing careers.
15. Nursing Director - $165,690
Nursing Directors oversee the nursing staff and ensure high-quality patient care. They manage budgets, develop policies and procedures, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for skilled nursing directors is expected to increase. Nursing Directors earn an average annual salary of $165,690.
Best School for this Career: The University of Washington's School of Nursing offers a top-ranked MSN program with a specialization in Nursing Leadership, preparing graduates for director-level positions.
16. Certified Nurse Midwife - $122,475
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) provide primary healthcare to women, including gynecological exams, family planning services, and prenatal care. They also attend births and provide postpartum care.
CNMs work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and birthing centers. CNMs earn an average annual salary of $122,475.
Best School for this Career: The University of Michigan's School of Nursing offers a highly-regarded MSN program with a specialization in Nurse-Midwifery, preparing graduates for roles in women's health and childbirth.
17. Nurse Practitioner - $124,026
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialty healthcare. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and educate patients on preventive care.
NPs work in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices. NPs earn an average annual salary of $124,026.
Best School for this Career: The University of California, San Francisco’s School of Nursing consistently ranks among the top nursing schools for graduate programs, including the MSN program with multiple Nurse Practitioner specializations. For those interested in remote education. Baylor University offers a doctor of education degree online.
18. Pain Management Nurse - $96,966
Pain Management Nurses specialize in assessing and treating patients with chronic pain. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans.
Pain Management Nurses may work in hospitals, clinics, or pain management centers. As the population ages and chronic pain becomes more prevalent, the demand for Pain Management Nurses is expected to grow. They earn an average annual salary of $96,966.
Best School for this Career: The University of Maryland School of Nursing offers a well-regarded MSN program with a specialization in Pain and Palliative Care, preparing graduates for roles in pain management nursing.
19. Neuroscience Nurse - $84,219
Neuroscience Nurses care for patients with neurological disorders, such as stroke, brain injuries, and multiple sclerosis. They monitor patients, administer medications, and educate patients and families on managing their conditions.
Neuroscience Nurses typically work in hospitals, particularly in neurology, neurosurgery, or critical care units. As advancements in neuroscience continue, the demand for specialized Neuroscience Nurses is expected to grow. They earn an average annual salary of $84,219.
Best School for this Career: Johns Hopkins University's School of Nursing offers a top-ranked MSN program with a specialization in Adult-Gerontological Critical Care, preparing graduates for roles in specialized areas like neuroscience nursing.
20. Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist - $85,429
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide expert care in a specific area, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or oncology. They work to improve patient outcomes, develop clinical guidelines, and educate staff.
CNSs may work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings. The demand for CNSs is expected to grow as healthcare organizations seek to improve the quality and efficiency of patient care. CNSs earn an average annual salary of $85,429.
Best School for this Career: The University of Pennsylvania's School of Nursing offers a highly-regarded MSN program with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist.
