19 Most Popular DNP Jobs in 2025

Written By: Darby FaubionDarby Faubion BSN, RN

Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» BSN, RN

Are you a Doctorally-prepared nurse or considering pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree? Have you wondered, "What are the most popular DNP jobs?" In this article, I will share the 19 most popular jobs for DNP nurses in 2025. As you read through this article, you will find information about the job role, work settings, income earning potential, and projected job outlook for each of the 19 popular jobs for DNP-prepared nurses. Lastly, I will share a few thoughts about how to choose the DNP role that is best suited for your long-term career goals.

How Competitive is the Job Market for DNP Prepared Nurses?

The job market for DNP-prepared nurses is quite competitive, for a few reasons. First, on April 20, 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties made a commitment to move all entry-level nurse practitioner programs to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree by 2024. This push to have nurse practitioners earn a doctorate in nursing has led to more NP students enrolling in doctorate programs. Because more DNP students are completing programs, the market for DNP jobs has become more competitive.

Another factor to consider is there is a shortage of primary care physicians in the United States. That shortage means there is an increased need for qualified, knowledgeable providers to fill empty jobs. Employers realize the importance of hiring healthcare providers with a broad knowledge base and strong skill set, which is what DNP nurses bring to the table. Because employers and healthcare managers understand the need to hire the most capable staff, the hiring process can be a detailed, competitive process.

What are the Most Popular DNP Jobs in 2025?

(Based on factors such as future demand, job stability, and average salary the following are the most popular jobs for DNP Nurses in 2025.)

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Are you interested in finding a DNP job where you have a high level of work independence while still being part of an interprofessional team? Do you like the idea of working in surgery clinics or operating rooms? If this sounds like you, a career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) could be an excellent option for you.

What is the Job Role of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist:

DNP-prepared Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists provide anesthesia care for patients in pre-surgical, surgical, and post-surgical settings. CRNAs are responsible for the administration of anesthetic medications that keep patients pain-free during surgery. From the moment a patient is placed in the care of a CRNA, this specialist monitors every biological function related to the patient’s body to ensure they are safe during procedures and recover without adverse effects.

Where Does a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Work:

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists may work in any setting where anesthesia care is delivered. Some DNP jobs that CRNAs fill are in traditional hospital surgery suites, labor and delivery rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and emergency rooms. They may also work in specialty physicians' offices such as with a dentist, plastic surgeon, or pain management clinic.

What is the Job Outlook for a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist:

The nurse anesthetist specialty has historical roots dating back to the 1800s when nurses first administered anesthesia to soldiers wounded on the Civil War battlefields. The first CRNA credential was awarded in 1956, and thirty years later, CRNAs became the first nursing specialty to be acknowledged for direct reimbursement rights from Medicare. Today, the job outlook for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists remains quite promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CRNAs will experience a 13% increase in jobs between 2020 and 2030. This increase is expected to produce at least 5,600 new CRNA jobs.

How Much Does a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Make:

The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is one of the highest-paying DNP jobs in the healthcare industry today. CRNAs earn an average of $90.61 per hour, which is equivalent to $188,470 annually.

Hourly	$90.61
Monthly	$15,710
Annual	$188,470

2. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Are you looking for a DNP job that allows you to provide care to women? Do you have a particular interest in women's health issues, including reproductive health and childbirth? If so, you may find a career as a Certified Nurse Midwife is something you wish to pursue.

What is the Job Role of a Certified-Nurse-Midwife:

Certified-Nurse-Midwives are licensed healthcare providers who specialize in issues of childbirth and women’s reproductive health. A Certified Nurse Midwife position is one of the job options for nurses with DNP training and specialty credentials in Midwifery. CNMs perform annual wellness exams on women and provide counseling on women’s health, reproductive health, and childbirth. They also order and interpret lab work and other tests related to women’s health, write appropriate prescriptions, and provide follow-up care.

Where Does a Certified-Nurse-Midwife Work:

DNP-educated Certified-Nurse-Midwives work in various settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, private practices, and public health clinics. In hospitals and birthing centers, one of the primary responsibilities of CNMs is to assist laboring women through the labor and delivery process and provide care to the mother and newborn. In private practices and public health clinics, certified nurse midwives diagnose and treat gynecological conditions, monitor women during pregnancy, offer family planning and contraceptive counseling, and treat sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

What is the Job Outlook for a Certified-Nurse-Midwife:

Many women and their families are choosing to turn to Certified-Nurse-Midwives for care, especially for pregnancy and birth services, for a few reasons, making this one of the DNP jobs with promise. CNMs provide expert care during labor and delivery, but the care they continue to provide after birth makes their specialty unique. Additionally, Certified-Nurse-Midwives are often a more economical option for women’s health and obstetric needs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this specialty will experience an 11% increase in jobs by 2030, with more than eight hundred jobs nationwide becoming available.

How Much Does A Certified-Nurse-Midwife Make:

Certified-Nurse-Midwives earn average wages of just over $52 per hour, equivalent to $9,030 monthly or $108,300 annually.

Hourly	$52.07
Monthly	$9,030
Annual	$108,300

3. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Do you have a desire to become an expert clinician and provide specialized care to your patients? Are you interested in finding jobs for DNP nurses that give you options? If you answered yes, you might be interested in a career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

What is the Job Role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist:

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Clinical Nurse Specialists “play a unique role in the delivery of high-quality nursing care.” Clinical Nurse Specialists provide care in various specialty areas, including pediatrics, psychiatric/mental health, geriatrics, oncology, community health, and critical care. Their specific job duties are determined by the specialty in which they choose to practice.

Where Does a Clinical Nurse Specialist Work:

DNP-prepared Clinical Nurse Specialists work in practice settings that span the healthcare delivery system, including clinics, private practice, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and private or government agencies.

What is the Job Outlook for a Clinical Nurse Specialist:

According to research conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Clinical Nurse Specialists report being very satisfied with their jobs. The demand for advanced practice nurses, such as Clinical Nurse Specialists, is expected to increase by 30% between 2020 and 2030, making this one of the DNP jobs with a great job outlook.

How Much Does a Clinical Nurse Specialist Make:

Clinical Nurse Specialists earn generous salaries averaging a little more than $117,000 a year or $9,750 monthly.

Hourly	$56.27
Monthly	$9,750
Annual	$117,050

4. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Are you a DNP or considering earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice? Do you have a desire to work with patients of all ages instead of focusing on one specific age group? One of the jobs for DNP nurses that allows you to do this is as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

What is the Job Role of a Family Nurse Practitioner:

Family Nurse Practitioner is considered a very “hands-on” DNP job. FNPs are responsible for providing primary care healthcare services to patients with various chronic and acute health issues across the lifespan. FNPs perform physical assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans to help improve patient outcomes. They provide patients with education about healthcare diagnoses and treatments.

Where Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Work:

DNP-prepared Family Nurse Practitioners work in almost every type of healthcare facility. They may be found in hospitals, physicians’ offices, after-hours or urgent care clinics, emergency rooms, correctional institutions, or private practices.

What is the Job Outlook for a Family Nurse Practitioner:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is one of the primary resources to find information about earning potential and job outlook for various jobs. While the BLS does not provide a breakdown for specific nurse practitioner specialties, it does project growth of 52% for all nurse practitioner roles by 2030 with the addition of 114,900 new nurse practitioner jobs. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Family Nurse Practitioners make up 69.7% of all nurse practitioners. Using these numbers, at least 80,000 of the new nurse practitioner jobs will be filled by FNPs.

How Much Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Make:

Family Nurse Practitioners earn an average annual salary of $116,490. Their income, which is $56 hourly, is nearly eight times the federal minimum wage in the United States.

Hourly	$56.00
Monthly	$9,710
Annual	$116,490

5. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)

Do you have a desire to care for newborns and their families? Does the idea of being a care provider for high-risk newborns and infants who require postnatal care in intensive care units? If so, a career as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner could be the perfect fit for you.

What is the Job Role of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner:

The role of a DNP-trained Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is to provide care to infants with high-risk health conditions. Some of these conditions may include complications of prematurity, infections, low birth weight, or cardiac abnormalities. Although Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are typically considered healthcare providers for newborns, some care for infants with long-term health conditions up to the age of two years old. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners also provide education and support to families of the newborns and infants for whom they care.

Where Does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Work:

DNP-Neonatal Nurse Practitioners work in neonatal intensive care units, emergency rooms, outpatient developmental clinics, and labor and delivery units. Additionally, NNPs may work in private practices or in collaboration with obstetricians in OB/GYN clinics.

What is the Job Outlook for a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner:

Jobs for DNP nurses, like Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, are plentiful. As previously mentioned, the BLS does not currently offer projections about the job outlook for specific nurse practitioner specialties. However, using the same information mentioned in the above section and AANP data about the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty, it is reasonable to expect 1,149 new positions for NNPs by 2030.

How Much Does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Make:

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners have one of the highest paying DNP jobs. The average hourly pay for NNPs is $58.30, which is equal to $121,270 annually.

Hourly	$58.30
Monthly	$10,110
Annual	$121,270

6. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Do you have an interest in mental health and wellness? Have you considered a career where you can have an active role in patient care? As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, you can combine your interest in mental well-being with direct patient care.

What is the Job Role of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner:

The role of a DNP-prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner involves assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health needs of clients across the lifespan. Many PMHNPs order diagnostic testing, prescribe medications, and provide therapy for clients who have mental health disorders or suffer from substance abuse problems.

Where Does a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Work:

DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners work in psychiatric hospitals, mental health units, public and private hospitals, and private practices. Many detention centers and prisons employ PMHNPs, as well, to provide care to individuals who are incarcerated.

What is the Job Outlook for a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner:

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners make up 4.7 percent of the total number of nurse practitioners, as reported by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. With an anticipated growth of 114,900 nurse practitioner jobs in the next decade and the percentage of PMHNPs currently in practice, there should be approximately 5,400 new positions for this specialty, which is a positive job outlook.

How Much Does a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Make:

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners have some of the highest-paying DNP jobs, earning more than $136,000 annually on average.

Hourly	$65.37
Monthly	$11,330
Annual	$135,970

7. Director of Nursing

Are you a leadership-minded person with a love for nursing? Does the idea of helping healthcare professionals meet their fullest potential and improve patient outcomes make you feel fulfilled? If this sounds like you, a job as a Director of Nursing may be what you have been looking for.

What is the Job Role of a Director of Nursing:

Although some people in DON positions do not have a Doctor of Nursing Practice credential, it has become one of the more common DNP jobs because employers understand the experience that individuals with a DNP can bring to the table. The size of the organization where a Director of Nursing works, the number of nursing staff, and the management dynamic of their place of employment will typically determine their job responsibilities.

Directors of Nursing (DON) supervise and lead the nursing staff in various healthcare facilities. They oversee and evaluate the day-to-day activities of all members of the nursing staff, including Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses to ensure patients receive high standards of care. Directors of Nursing are typically responsible for recruiting nursing staff, training, management, scheduling, discipline, and creating and managing general accounting and budgeting as it pertains to the nursing department.

Where Does a Director of Nursing Work:

All major healthcare facilities and some smaller ones employ Directors of Nursing. DONs work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, physicians' offices, home health, and hospice agencies.

What is the Job Outlook for a Director of Nursing:

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of medical and health services managers, including Directors of Nursing, will grow 32 percent from 2020 to 2030. The data suggests there will be nearly 52,000 openings for medical and health services managers each year over the next decade, which means the job outlook for Directors of Nursing is promising.

How Much Does a Director of Nursing Make:

The average annual income for a Director of Nursing is $101,580, equal to $48.84 hourly or $8,470 monthly.

Hourly	$48.84
Monthly	$8,470
Annual	$101,580

8. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Do you have a desire to work with women and an interest in women’s health? One of our featured DNP jobs, the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, is a career path that will allow you to provide healthcare services to women exclusively.

What is the Job Role of a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner:

A DNP-trained Women's Health Nurse Practitioner specializes in providing comprehensive care to women across the lifespan. Their role includes providing services including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the healthcare needs of women of all ages. Some Women's Health Nurse Practitioners provide healthcare services to adolescent female clients. They may also offer services such as pregnancy counseling and testing, fertility evaluation, prenatal and postnatal care, and menopausal care.

Where Does a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Work:

DNP-Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners work in hospitals, private practices, OB/GYN clinics, and family planning clinics. They may also work in prenatal clinics, women’s health clinics, planned parenthood centers, and women’s prisons.

What is the Job Outlook for a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner:

Women's Health Nurse Practitioners make up 2.9 percent of the total number of nurse practitioners licensed in the United States. Using projections from the BLS, which indicate nearly 115,000 new nurse practitioner jobs will be available by 2030, the job outlook for Women's Health Nurse Practitioners should be favorable, with at least 3,300 new positions available for the specialty.

How Much Does A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Make:

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners make a little more than $114,000 each year. Their average hourly pay of $54.96 is seven a half times the national minimum wage in the U.S.

Hourly	$54.96
Monthly	$9,530
Annual	$114,320

9. Chief Nursing Officer

Hospitals and other healthcare settings use an established chain of command to define order and structure within their organizations. If you are interested in an upper-level management position in nursing and are willing to put in the time and effort to accomplish it, a job as a Chief Nursing Officer could be worth pursuing.

What is the Job Role of a Chief Nursing Officer:

The Chief Nursing Officer typically works under the Chief Executive Officer or Administrator of a healthcare facility. The CNO has both supervisory and administrative roles. They are responsible for overseeing all patient care services and nursing staff. CNOs assist with administrative duties, develop budgets, and help maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines.

Where Does a Chief Nursing Officer Work:

Chief Nursing Officers typically work in large healthcare facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. They may also work for large healthcare systems and coordinate nursing care in multiple facilities at once.

What is the Job Outlook for a Chief Nursing Officer:

As previously mentioned, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not separate all advanced practice registered nurse positions when predicting job outlook, as is the case with Chief Nursing Officer employment information. According to the BLS, medical and health services managers, such as CNOs, can expect to see job opportunities increase by thirty-two percent over the next decade.

How Much Does a Chief Nursing Officer Make:

Chief Nursing Officers earn generous salaries averaging around $150,000 annually. Hourly wages for CNOs are approximately $72, or over $12,000 monthly.

Hourly	$72.06
Monthly	$12,490
Annual	$149,880

10. Nurse Researcher

Do you have an interest in scientific research? Have you wondered what it would be like to use your nursing knowledge and skills to conduct research and find ways to improve healthcare services and patient outcomes? If so, you may find the job of a Nurse Researcher interesting.

What is the Job Role of a Nurse Researcher:

The role of a DNP prepared nurse researcher involves the study of various aspects of health, illness, disease, and healthcare services. Nurse researchers design and implement scientific studies with the goal of improving individual health, healthcare services, and overall healthcare outcomes. They accomplish these goals by designing and conducting scientific investigations, collecting, and analyzing data, and using their findings to help improve overall patient health and wellness.

Where Does a Nurse Researcher Work:

Nurse researchers work in several places, including clinical settings such as healthcare facilities, research organizations, laboratories, and academia. Some private companies whose focus is on specific health issues may hire nurse researchers to work for them on targeted projects, as well.

What is the Job Outlook for a Nurse Researcher:

Nursing research has a profound influence on current and future nursing practices, making them valuable to the healthcare industry. While physicians and scientists have vital roles in medical research, nurse researchers address many issues related directly to patient care and improving overall health outcomes for patients and populations. Because of their contributions to healthcare, it is no wonder that the job outlook for this profession is good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates positions for advanced practice registered nurses, including nurse researchers, to increase by 26 percent between 2018 and 2028.

How Much Does A Nurse Researcher Make:

Nurse researchers earn annual salaries that average $89,650 or $43.10 per hour. Although it is not one of the higher paying Doctor of Nursing Practice jobs, there is still good income earning potential and a good job outlook.

Hourly	$43.10
Monthly	$7,470
Annual	$89,650

11. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)

Are you looking for a career among jobs for DNP nurses where you can offer healthcare services to adult patients? If you are not deterred by rapid changes in health and are comfortable with the fast pace of acute care nursing, you could be the perfect person to become an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

What is the Job Role of an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner:

The role of a DNP-trained Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is to provide advanced care to acutely and critically ill adults and geriatric patients. AGACNPs address the immediate health concerns of their clients and develop care plans focused on preventing future health complications and improving patient outcomes.

Where Does an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Work:

The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is one of many NP jobs for DNP nurses. AGACNPs work in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice. Some Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners work in administrative, research, or academic settings.

What is the Job Outlook for an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner:

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, of the 328.2 million people in the United States, more than 239 million people are aged eighteen or older. Of the 325,000 plus nurse practitioners in the nation, 2.9 percent specialize in adult-gerontology acute care. As baby boomers age and experience many health conditions, the need for quality healthcare services will continue to rise, indicating a positive outlook for AGACNP Doctor of Nursing practice jobs.

How Much Does an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Make:

Jobs for DNP-prepared nurses who become Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners pay an average of $125,910 annually.

Hourly	$60.53
Monthly	$10,490
Annual	$125,910

12. Clinical Nurse Educator

Do you have strong leadership and organizational skills? Do you love nursing and have a desire to help advance the profession? If so, Clinical Nurse Educator is the job for you!

What is the Job Role of a Clinical Nurse Educator:

Clinical Nurse Educators are advanced nursing specialists devoted to teaching other nurses ways to improve their knowledge and skillset so they can provide the best care to clients. CNEs use their leadership and management skills to collaborate with preceptors, students, and nurse managers in various healthcare settings. Clinical Nurse Educators may help develop educational programs or advocate for new programs to be implemented. Because they teach nurses of all experience and degree levels, the Clinical Nurse Educator role is most frequently considered a DNP job.

Where Does a Clinical Nurse Educator Work:

Educating nurses is the top priority of Clinical Nurse Educators, and they accomplish this goal by working in a variety of settings. Some Clinical Nurse Educators work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals or healthcare institutions and oversee continuing education of nursing staff. Others work in academia and teach nursing programs.

What is the Job Outlook for a Clinical Nurse Educator:

Clinical Nurse Educators fall into the job category of health education specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health education specialist and community health worker jobs are projected to grow seventeen percent from 2020 to 2030.

How Much Does A Clinical Nurse Educator Make:

Clinical Nurse Educators earn an average of $49.51 per hour, which is almost $103,000 annually.

Hourly	$49.51
Monthly	$8,580
Annual	$102,990

13. Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PACNP)

Are you skilled at practicing patience and empathy? Are you a good communicator? Perhaps caring for children is something you have always dreamed of doing. If so, have you considered specializing in pediatric care?

What is the Job Role of a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner:

The role of DNP-prepared Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners is complex but quite significant. Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners provide care to children experiencing acute, chronic, and critical illnesses or diseases. PACNPs work with interdisciplinary colleagues, patients, and families to provide the highest-quality healthcare services possible to pediatric patients. They work to ensure quality healthcare practices and improve patient outcomes.

Where Does a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Work:

The work environment of DNP-trained Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners may vary somewhat from other nurse practitioners. This specialized group of nursing professionals may provide care in pediatric intensive care units (PICU), emergency departments, inpatient hospitals, and sub-specialty clinics. Some Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners work for home health or hospice agencies.

What is the Job Outlook for a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner:

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was estimated that more than three million children in the U.S. are hospitalized annually in need of acute care. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, as of September 23, 2021, over 5.7 million children have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Statistics like these make jobs for DNP nurses, such as Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, in high demand leaving a favorable outlook for future employment opportunities.

How Much Does a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Make:

The average annual salary for Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners is a little more than $113,000, the equivalent of $9,460 monthly or $54.55 hourly.

Hourly	$54.55
Monthly	$9,460
Annual	$113,460

14. Director of Clinical Operations

Have you considered a management job within the healthcare industry? Are you comfortable with the idea of being responsible for and leading groups of people? If you answered yes, one of our featured jobs for DNP-prepared nurses that may be of interest to you is the Director of Clinical Operations.

What is the Job Role of a Director of Clinical Operations:

A Director of Clinical Operations is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility or a department within a healthcare facility. Some daily activities may include scheduling staff to ensure productivity and patient care meet standards of care, defining policies and procedures, conducting, or facilitating training, and assessing the performance of the healthcare team for whom the Director is responsible.

Where Does a Director of Clinical Operations Work:

Directors of Clinical Operations work in various settings, including hospitals, large healthcare organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. Some people in this position work in private practices or physician-owned companies. Others may work in locations such as state or federal prison systems or detention centers.

What is the Job Outlook for a Director of Clinical Operations:

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth rate of thirty-two percent for medical and health services managers, the category under which the Director of Clinical Operations is classified between 2020 and 2030. This indicates the job outlook for Directors of Clinical Operations is very favorable.

How Much Does A Director of Clinical Operations Make:

The Director of Clinical Operations earns approximately $54.55 hourly or just over $113,000 yearly.

Hourly	$54.55
Monthly	$9,460
Annual	$113,470

15. Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)

If you desire to be a primary care provider for infants, children, and adolescents, one of our featured DNP jobs, the Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is worth considering.

What is the Job Role of a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners provide care to infants and children from birth through young adulthood. The PPCNP performs physical assessments, including well-child and preventive assessments, and manages common acute and chronic pediatric illnesses and diseases. In this role, another of our featured DNP jobs, the practitioner provides care focused on supporting the health and wellness of children within their home, family, community, and environments. Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners order and interpret diagnostic testing and laboratory work, create care plans based on their patient’s diagnosis and needs, provide follow-up monitoring of their patients, and counsel patients and their families about their diagnoses.

Where Does a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Work:

DNP-trained Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners work in diverse environments, including pediatric clinics, hospitals, specialty clinics. Some PPCNPs work in school-based healthcare centers and urgent care, convenience, or after-hours clinics. Additionally, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners may work in colleges or universities and teach nursing programs.

What is the Job Outlook for a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner:

Using data from the BLS, there are an estimated 231,790 nurse practitioners in the United States, and only 7,417 of them are dedicated to pediatric primary care. With nearly 75 million children in the nation, and the population growing, it is safe to assume the job outlook for Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners will remain positive.

How Much Does A Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Make:

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners earn generous salaries of nearly $125,000 each year, making it one of the highest-paying jobs for DNP-prepared nurses. This income averages $59.97 hourly or $10,390 per month.

Hourly	$59.97
Monthly	$10,390
Annual	$124,730

16. Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)

Are you considering jobs for DNP-prepared nurses but only want to work with adults or older patients? Have you considered becoming a primary care provider but were unsure if there is a job that only specializes in adult care? There is! A career as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner could be an excellent option for you.

What is the Job Role of an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner:

DNP-prepared Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners have a vast array of responsibilities that vary depending on the setting they are employed in and their geographic location. Daily job functions include performing physical assessments, ordering laboratory or other diagnostic testing, and interpreting results, and educating patients about health and wellness. AGPCNPs analyze their clients' risks for illness and disease and create and implement care plans focused on the management of active disease as well as preventing the occurrence of disease development or exacerbation.

Where Does an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Work:

DNP-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners may work in their own private practice, physicians' offices, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, correctional centers, long-term care, or assisted living facilities. Some AGPCNPs work for insurance agencies, home health agencies, or businesses that require a medical provider to be on staff.

What is the Job Outlook for an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner:

The United States Census Bureau reported more than 258 million people living in the U.S. in 2020 were eighteen years old or older. With increased awareness of the importance of preventive healthcare measures, better access to healthcare services, and a baby boom generation that is aging, the job outlook for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners is expected to remain constant.

How Much Does an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Make:

The average annual salary for Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners is $126,710 or $60.92 per hour.

Hourly	$60.92
Monthly	$10,560
Annual	$126,710

17. Dean of Nursing

Do you have a love for nursing and education? One of our featured DNP jobs, the Dean of Nursing, is an excellent option for combining both for a great career.

What is the Job Role of a Dean of Nursing:

The role of a Dean of Nursing includes managing the administrative functions of a college of nursing. The Dean of Nursing develops initiatives and participates in planning and policy-setting for the department of nursing at colleges and universities. The Dean is typically involved in the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff for the nursing programs they oversee and oversee the efforts for student recruitment and retention, as well.

Where Does a Dean of Nursing Work:

A Dean of Nursing works in college or university nursing departments. Nursing programs conducted through university hospital systems may employ a Dean of Nursing to work within the hospital system as the direct contact and liaison between the school of nursing and the healthcare delivery system.

What is the Job Outlook for a Dean of Nursing:

For almost a decade, the United States has reported a nursing shortage. Now, more than ever, that shortage has been complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for more nurses means there is a need for people, like Deans of Nursing, to design and implement programs, recruit students, and prepare them for nursing careers. This means the job outlook for a Dean of Nursing is favorable, to say the least.

How Much Does a Dean of Nursing Make:

Although the Dean of Nursing is not the highest paying of the DNP jobs we have featured in this article, nurses in this position average a six-figure salary of about $101,580 or $48.84 per hour.

Hourly	$48.84
Monthly	$8,470
Annual	$101,580

18. Chief Nursing Informatics Officer

Are you among the many nurses today who are seeking a terminal degree in nursing but want to do more than provide hands-on nursing care? Do you have an interest in how you can incorporate nursing, information sciences, and computer technology? The role of a Chief Nursing Informatics Officer just might interest you.

What is the Job Role of a Chief Nursing Informatics Officer:

Of all the jobs for DNP nurses we have featured, the role of the Chief Nursing Informatics Officer incorporates computer and information technology to further the nursing industry and improve patient outcomes. The Chief Nursing Informatics Officer uses skills that combine computer science, health science, and information technology to help healthcare facilities and providers store, retrieve and use large amounts of patient care data.

Where Does a Chief Nursing Informatics Officer Work:

Chief Nursing Informatics Officers often work in hospitals and other large healthcare facilities. Some may work in academia, preparing other nurses for this role.

What is the Job Outlook for a Chief Nursing Informatics Officer:

As the presence of computers and technology increases in the healthcare industry, the need for qualified people to work in what many call “cross-over” jobs, like nursing informatics, increases as well. This means the job outlook for Chief Nursing Informatics Officers is quite good.

How Much Does a Chief Nursing Informatics Officer Make:

A Chief Nursing Informatics Officer earns an average annual salary of $120,830, equivalent to $58.09 per hour.

Hourly	$58.09
Monthly	$10,070
Annual	$120,830

19. Hospital Chief Executive Officer

If you are interested in an upper-level management position and are considering the types of jobs for DNP nurses in this area, the role of a Hospital Chief Executive Officer is one you do not want to overlook.

What is the Job Role of a Hospital Chief Executive Officer:

The role of the Hospital Chief Executive Officer includes the planning, direction, and coordination of the daily operations of hospitals at the highest level of management. The Hospital CEO is ultimately responsible for every aspect of how the hospital performs and must ensure that all departments work efficiently and effectively. This is one of the highest Doctor of Nursing practice jobs out there.

Where Does a Hospital Chief Executive Officer Work:

As their name implies, Hospital Chief Executive Officers typically work in hospitals and hospital systems. If employed by hospital systems, the Hospital CEO may be responsible for more than one healthcare facility.

What is the Job Outlook for a Hospital Chief Executive Officer:

As previously mentioned, employment of medical and health services managers has been projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow thirty-two percent by 2030. This rate is much faster than the average for all occupations, indicating a positive outlook for Hospital Chief Executive Officers.

How Much Does a Hospital Chief Executive Officer Make:

Hospital Chief Executive Officers earn the highest salary of all the featured DNP jobs featured in this article. The average annual income for a hospital CEO is $229,350, or $19,110 per month.

Hourly	$110.26
Monthly	$19,110
Annual	$229,350

Ways to Know Which DNP Job is Right for You

If you have earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice or are considering doing so, choosing the right DNP job is essential. Here are a few things to consider to help you decide which DNP job is right for you.

1. Are you interested in a clinical role?

If you are interested in a clinical role, the DNP jobs that may interest may include becoming an Acute or Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. You may choose a role as a DNP who specializes in women's health, adult care, pediatric care, or women's health, to name a few.

2. Would you prefer to work in an administrative position?

There are several jobs for DNP nurses who wish to work in healthcare administration or. For example, a hospital CEO, chief nursing officer, or director of clinical operations are a few choices for administrative roles for DNP nurses.

3. Do you prefer to work with a specific age group?

So, you love children but choose to provide nursing care to adults? On the other hand, maybe you only want to provide clinical nursing care to infants and children. No worries! You have options! DNP jobs offer variety. You could choose to be a Pediatric Primary Care or Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and only provide care to infants and children, or you could specialize in the care of adults and the elderly and become an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.

4. Have you dreamt of having a nursing role where you can educate other nurses?

If so, Clinical Nurse Educator and Dean of Nursing are two jobs for DNP nurses that may interest you.

Is Getting a DNP Worth the Remuneration?

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal nursing degree, and with it comes the opportunity to earn excellent incomes. In this article, we have shared some of the highest-paying careers for DNP nurses. While earning a DNP can be expensive, the remuneration is usually well worth the investment.

My Final Thoughts

The nursing industry is full of opportunities for anyone willing to study and work hard to achieve their goals. Those who are genuinely dedicated and wish to earn the highest degrees look to the Doctor of Nursing Practice to move up the ladder of success. In this article, we sought to answer the question, "What are the most popular DNP jobs?” Now that you have found the 19 most popular jobs for DNP nurses in 2025, you have the information you need to make an educated decision about where you want to go next in your career. The sky is the limit, and there is no time like the present to get started.

Sources

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. Ziprecruiter.com
3. Payscale.com