A nurse practitioner salary in the USA is among the stronger healthcare salaries, especially for professionals who have advanced nursing education and clinical training. In May 2025, the median nurse practitioner salary was $132,300 per year, while the national mean wage was about $137,300 per year. That works out to around $63.61 per hour at the median level. Nurse practitioner pay can be different from one state to another, and location, experience, specialty, employer, and work setting can all change the final salary. California currently has one of the highest nurse practitioner salaries in the country at a median of $168,520, while Alabama is at $105,750. In this guide, we will look at nurse practitioner salary in the USA, NP salary per hour and per month, nurse practitioner salary by state, highest paying states, lower paying states, experience and other factors that can affect how much a nurse practitioner make.
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Nurse Practitioner Salary in the USA
Nurse practitioners, often called NPs, are advanced practice registered nurses who provide many types of patient care. Depending on their specialty and state rules, they may diagnose health conditions, order or interpret tests, prescribe medicines, manage chronic diseases and provide preventive care.
The salary is also higher than the typical pay for many traditional nursing roles because becoming a nurse practitioner normally requires graduate-level education and advanced clinical preparation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $132,300 in May 2025. The mean annual wage was about $137,300.
It is important to understand that median and average salary are not exactly the same thing. The median means half of nurse practitioners earned more than the amount and half earned less. The average, or mean, can be pushed higher by professionals earning much higher salaries.
How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Make in the USA?
So, how much does a nurse practitioner make in the USA? A useful national benchmark is the May 2025 median salary of $132,300 per year. At the median hourly rate, this is about $63.61 an hour when the annual wage is converted using a typical full-time work year.
Some nurse practitioners earn considerably more than this. The highest-paid 10 percent of nurse practitioners earned more than $174,420 per year in May 2025. At the other end, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $101,340.
- Median nurse practitioner salary: $132,300 per year
- Mean nurse practitioner salary: $137,300 per year
- Median hourly pay: $63.61 per hour
- Lower 10%: Below $101,340 per year
- Upper 10%: Above $174,420 per year
These numbers are useful for understanding the overall NP salary in USA, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed salary for every nurse practitioner. A new NP and an experienced NP working in a high-paying specialty can have very different earnings.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by State
Nurse practitioner salary by state can change quite a lot across the United States. The latest May 2025 wage data shows a gap of more than $62,000 between the highest and lowest state median wages. California has the highest reported median wage at $168,520, followed by New Jersey at $159,310 and Washington at $156,100. Alabama has the lowest median at $105,750 among the states with reported figures.
The table below uses median annual salary, not the average salary. This makes it easier to compare nurse practitioner pay from state to state using the same measure.
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $105,750 |
| Alaska | $155,170 |
| Arizona | $134,420 |
| Arkansas | $125,660 |
| California | $168,520 |
| Colorado | $132,930 |
| Connecticut | $138,470 |
| Delaware | $131,040 |
| Florida | $129,510 |
| Georgia | $129,430 |
| Hawaii | $135,570 |
| Idaho | $132,540 |
| Illinois | $130,680 |
| Indiana | $128,830 |
| Iowa | $130,160 |
| Kansas | $126,650 |
| Kentucky | $122,870 |
| Louisiana | $125,600 |
| Maine | $130,260 |
| Maryland | $131,110 |
| Massachusetts | $142,440 |
| Michigan | $131,450 |
| Minnesota | $133,260 |
| Mississippi | $124,730 |
| Missouri | $129,930 |
| Montana | $137,210 |
| Nebraska | $132,130 |
| Nevada | $140,670 |
| New Hampshire | $137,550 |
| New Jersey | $159,310 |
| New Mexico | $137,520 |
| New York | $153,510 |
| North Carolina | $128,990 |
| North Dakota | $130,070 |
| Ohio | $124,870 |
| Oklahoma | $133,390 |
| Oregon | $155,680 |
| Pennsylvania | $130,140 |
| Rhode Island | $135,970 |
| South Carolina | $123,290 |
| South Dakota | $128,840 |
| Tennessee | $117,590 |
| Texas | $131,670 |
| Utah | $130,920 |
| Vermont | $134,740 |
| Virginia | $127,810 |
| Washington | $156,100 |
| West Virginia | $127,320 |
| Wisconsin | $131,980 |
| Wyoming | $132,200 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. State figures above are median annual wages for Nurse Practitioners.
Highest Paying States for Nurse Practitioners
If you are searching for the highest paying state for nurse practitioners, California currently stands at the top of the state list. Its median NP salary was $168,520 in May 2025. New Jersey was next at $159,310, followed by Washington at $156,100, Oregon at $155,680 and Alaska at $155,170.
These states can be attractive for nurse practitioners who are mainly looking at gross salary. But a high salary does not always mean the most money left after housing and other living expenses. California and New Jersey, for example, can have much higher living costs in many areas.
- California: $168,520 median salary
- New Jersey: $159,310 median salary
- Washington: $156,100 median salary
- Oregon: $155,680 median salary
- Alaska: $155,170 median salary
- New York: $153,510 median salary
- Massachusetts: $142,440 median salary
- Nevada: $140,670 median salary
Nurse Practitioner Salary in California
California has the highest median nurse practitioner salary among the states in the May 2025 data, at $168,520 per year. California also has a large healthcare market and a significant number of nurse practitioners working across hospitals, medical offices and other healthcare settings.
For someone comparing NP jobs, California looks very strong on salary. But the higher pay needs to be viewed with local living costs. A nurse practitioner earning a high salary in San Francisco or another expensive area may have a very different lifestyle compared with someone earning a lower salary in a less expensive state.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in New Jersey
New Jersey has one of the strongest nurse practitioner salary levels in the country. The May 2025 median was $159,310 per year. This puts New Jersey just behind California in the state ranking.
NP jobs in New Jersey can be found across hospitals, physician offices, outpatient care and other healthcare services. Location inside the state can still make a difference, so a job offer should be compared using the complete compensation package rather than salary only.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Washington
Washington is another high-paying state for nurse practitioners, with a median annual salary of $156,100. The state has a large healthcare sector and major population centers where demand for advanced healthcare professionals can support strong wages.
Washington can be especially interesting for professionals comparing salary with state taxes and overall living expenses. Like every state, the actual salary offered by an employer can be higher or lower than the statewide median.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Oregon
Oregon reported a median nurse practitioner salary of $155,680 per year in May 2025. This places Oregon among the highest-paying states for NPs in the United States.
Salary can vary based on specialty, experience and workplace. An NP working in a specialized clinical role may have a different compensation level from an NP working in general primary care.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Alaska
Alaska also ranks near the top for nurse practitioner pay, with a median salary of $155,170 per year. Although the state has a smaller population and healthcare workforce compared with large states, the demand and geographic conditions can influence compensation.
- Median annual salary: $155,170
- State ranking: among the highest-paying states
- Salary can vary by location and employer
- Specialty and experience may increase total compensation
Nurse Practitioner Salary in New York
New York is one of the best-paying states for nurse practitioners in the USA. The median nurse practitioner salary in New York was about $153,510 per year in May 2025. This makes the state a strong option for experienced NPs who are looking for higher annual income.
Nurse practitioners in New York can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, community healthcare centers and other medical settings. Salary can be different depending on the city, specialty and years of experience. Jobs in larger healthcare markets may also offer additional benefits, bonuses or other compensation.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a relatively high nurse practitioner salary compared with many other states. The median NP salary was approximately $142,440 per year. The state has a strong healthcare industry, with many hospitals, medical centers and specialist healthcare providers.
An experienced nurse practitioner with a specialty can potentially earn more than the statewide median. However, people comparing jobs should also consider housing and other living costs because some areas of Massachusetts are expensive.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Nevada
The median nurse practitioner salary in Nevada was around $140,670 per year. Nevada is therefore one of the states where NP pay is above the national median.
Healthcare demand in growing population areas can create opportunities for nurse practitioners. Las Vegas and other larger communities have a wide range of healthcare employers. The actual NP salary can depend on the employer, specialty, shift and previous clinical experience.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in New Hampshire
New Hampshire reported a median nurse practitioner salary of approximately $137,550 per year. This is higher than the national median salary for nurse practitioners.
The state has healthcare jobs in hospitals, outpatient services and private medical practices. For NPs comparing employment opportunities, total compensation is worth checking because health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off can add meaningful value to a salary package.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in New Mexico
New Mexico has a median nurse practitioner salary of about $137,520 per year. Nurse practitioners can find employment in hospitals, clinics, primary care practices and other healthcare organizations.
NPs who work in specialized areas may have different earning potential from those working in general primary care. Experience can also have a noticeable effect when negotiating a new position.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Montana
The median NP salary in Montana was around $137,210 per year. This puts Montana above the national median for nurse practitioner pay.
Montana has a smaller population spread across a large geographic area. Healthcare professionals may find opportunities in both larger communities and rural areas. Rural healthcare needs can sometimes influence job availability and compensation.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Rhode Island
Rhode Island reported a median nurse practitioner salary of approximately $135,970 per year. Although it is one of the smallest states by area, it has a developed healthcare system and several types of medical employers.
The salary of an individual NP can be higher or lower than the state median. Specialty certification, clinical experience and the type of healthcare facility can all influence the offer.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Hawaii
The median nurse practitioner salary in Hawaii was about $135,570 per year. Hawaii is among the states with nurse practitioner salaries above the national median.
Hawaii can look attractive when comparing gross salary, but living expenses are also an important factor. Housing and everyday costs can be significantly different from many mainland states. Because of this, salary alone should not be the only factor when choosing an NP job.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Arizona
Arizona reported a median nurse practitioner salary of around $134,420 per year. The state has a growing population and healthcare sector, which provides opportunities for advanced practice nurses.
Nurse practitioners can work in primary care, hospitals, specialty clinics and other healthcare settings. An NP with several years of experience or a specialized clinical background may have more negotiating power for salary.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Vermont
The median nurse practitioner salary in Vermont was approximately $134,740 per year. Vermont offers opportunities in hospitals, medical practices and community healthcare settings.
Because the state has a smaller population, the number of available NP positions can be different from larger states. Professionals interested in rural healthcare may also find opportunities outside the biggest population centers.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Oklahoma
Oklahoma had a median nurse practitioner salary of approximately $133,390 per year. This is slightly above the national median for NPs.
The state has employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, private practices and other healthcare organizations. Salary can depend heavily on the specialty and employer. Some positions may also include bonuses or other benefits.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Minnesota
The median nurse practitioner salary in Minnesota was around $133,260 per year. Minnesota has a well-established healthcare sector and a number of large healthcare employers.
NPs working in specialty care may earn differently from those working in primary care. Experience, certification and location inside the state can also influence total pay.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Colorado
Colorado reported a median nurse practitioner salary of about $132,930 per year. The state's healthcare sector provides employment opportunities across hospitals, clinics and outpatient care.
Colorado has several high-cost areas, so an NP should compare salary with local housing and other expenses. A higher annual salary does not automatically mean higher disposable income.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Wyoming
The median NP salary in Wyoming was approximately $132,200 per year. Wyoming's healthcare workforce is smaller than many large states, but nurse practitioners can have important roles in communities where access to healthcare professionals is more limited.
Rural healthcare can be an important employment area for NPs in the state. Job conditions, location and specialty should be considered together when comparing offers.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Wisconsin
Wisconsin reported a median nurse practitioner salary of around $131,980 per year. Nurse practitioners work in hospitals, outpatient healthcare, physician practices and other medical facilities throughout the state.
NP salary can increase as professionals gain experience and develop specialized clinical skills. Some employers also provide additional compensation for nights, weekends or other difficult shifts.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Texas
Texas had a median nurse practitioner salary of approximately $131,670 per year. Texas is one of the largest healthcare job markets in the United States, giving nurse practitioners many different types of employment options.
Large cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio have many healthcare employers, while rural areas may have different types of opportunities. The final salary can vary by specialty, employer and location.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Michigan
The median nurse practitioner salary in Michigan was about $131,450 per year. Nurse practitioners can work across hospitals, medical practices, outpatient centers and other healthcare facilities.
For professionals starting their NP career, the first salary may be below the statewide median. With experience, additional certifications and stronger clinical skills, earning potential can improve over time.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Maryland
Maryland reported a median nurse practitioner salary of around $131,110 per year. The state has a broad healthcare system and is also close to major employment markets around Washington, D.C., which can create additional opportunities for healthcare professionals.
NPs should look at the complete job offer instead of salary only. Benefits, retirement contributions, paid leave and scheduling can make a significant difference in overall compensation.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Utah
The median nurse practitioner salary in Utah was approximately $130,920 per year. Utah has experienced population growth in several areas, and healthcare services remain an important part of the state's employment market.
Nurse practitioners can find jobs in primary care, specialty medicine, hospitals and outpatient services. Salary may be different between metropolitan and rural locations.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Delaware
Delaware had a median NP salary of about $131,040 per year. Because Delaware is a small state located close to several major population centers, nurse practitioners can also consider employment opportunities in the surrounding region.
Specialty, experience and employer type can affect the actual amount offered to an NP. A statewide median is useful as a benchmark, but it is not a fixed salary for every nurse practitioner.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Nebraska
The median nurse practitioner salary in Nebraska was around $132,130 per year. The state has healthcare employment opportunities in both urban and rural communities.
Rural areas can have a strong need for advanced practice healthcare professionals. Depending on the position, an employer may offer additional incentives along with the basic salary.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Idaho
Idaho reported a median nurse practitioner salary of approximately $132,540 per year. The state's growing communities and healthcare needs provide opportunities for nurse practitioners.
As in other states, the NP salary can change according to specialty, experience and work setting. Professionals should compare several job offers when possible rather than assuming every employer will pay the state median.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Pennsylvania
The median nurse practitioner salary in Pennsylvania was about $130,140 per year. Pennsylvania has a large healthcare industry with hospitals, outpatient centers, private practices and long-term care organizations.
Because the state includes both large cities and smaller communities, salary and job availability can be different depending on where an NP works. Specialized healthcare roles may also offer higher compensation.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Iowa
Iowa had a median nurse practitioner salary of approximately $130,160 per year. The state offers NP positions in hospitals, clinics, physician offices and rural healthcare settings.
For an experienced nurse practitioner, specialty skills and clinical experience can help when negotiating salary. Some employers may also provide sign-on bonuses or other incentives, depending on the position.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Maine
The median NP salary in Maine was around $130,260 per year. Maine has a significant need for healthcare professionals in both larger communities and rural locations.
Nurse practitioners can be an important part of healthcare delivery in areas where there are fewer physicians. This can make NP positions available in different types of communities across the state.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in North Dakota
North Dakota reported a median nurse practitioner salary of about $130,070 per year. The state has a smaller population, but healthcare professionals are needed across urban and rural communities.
NPs who are comfortable working in rural settings may find opportunities that are less common in larger states. Compensation packages can also include additional benefits depending on the employer and location.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Missouri
The median nurse practitioner salary in Missouri was approximately $129,930 per year. Missouri provides employment opportunities through hospitals, outpatient centers, physician practices and other healthcare organizations.
Salary levels can vary between metropolitan areas and smaller communities. An NP's specialty and level of experience can also make a difference in the final offer.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Florida
Florida reported a median nurse practitioner salary of about $129,510 per year. Florida has a large and growing healthcare market, supported by its large population and older adult population.
Nurse practitioners work in many areas of care, including primary care, urgent care, hospitals and specialty practices. Demand can be strong, but salary should still be compared with the local cost of living and workload.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Georgia
The median nurse practitioner salary in Georgia was around $129,430 per year. Georgia's healthcare sector includes large hospital systems, private medical practices and outpatient healthcare providers.
Atlanta and other growing communities provide a variety of NP employment opportunities. Rural areas can have different salary and recruitment conditions, so the best job for one professional may not be the same for another.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in North Carolina
North Carolina had a median nurse practitioner salary of approximately $128,990 per year. The state has a large healthcare workforce and many hospitals, clinics and medical centers.
NPs can work in family practice, pediatrics, women's health, mental health and many other specialties. Choosing a specialty can influence both job opportunities and earning potential.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in South Dakota
The median nurse practitioner salary in South Dakota was about $128,840 per year. The state has a smaller healthcare market, but nurse practitioners can play a valuable role in rural and underserved communities.
Some rural healthcare employers may offer additional incentives to attract qualified NPs. Anyone comparing offers should check whether the advertised amount includes bonuses or other payments.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Indiana
Indiana reported a median nurse practitioner salary of around $128,830 per year. Nurse practitioners can find employment in hospitals, clinics, physician offices and other healthcare facilities.
Experience can have a strong effect on pay. A newly licensed NP may start below the state median, while an experienced professional with a specialized background can potentially earn above it.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Virginia
The median nurse practitioner salary in Virginia was approximately $127,810 per year. Virginia has healthcare opportunities in large metropolitan areas as well as smaller communities.
NPs working near major population centers may see different salaries than those working in rural parts of the state. Specialty and employer type also matter when comparing nurse practitioner jobs.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in West Virginia
West Virginia reported a median NP salary of about $127,320 per year. Healthcare access is an important issue in many rural communities, and nurse practitioners can help provide primary and specialized care.
The actual salary offered to an NP depends on the position. Some healthcare employers may provide recruitment incentives or other benefits for professionals willing to work in areas with higher healthcare needs.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Kansas
The median nurse practitioner salary in Kansas was approximately $126,650 per year. Kansas has opportunities for NPs in hospitals, clinics, private practices and rural healthcare facilities.
For professionals looking at NP jobs, location can be important. A lower salary in a lower-cost community can sometimes provide better overall financial value than a higher salary in an expensive city.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Arkansas
Arkansas reported a median nurse practitioner salary of around $125,660 per year. Nurse practitioners are employed in hospitals, clinics, primary care offices and other healthcare settings.
The state's rural communities can also provide opportunities for NPs. Professionals with experience in primary care or other needed specialties may find different types of employment options.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Louisiana
The median NP salary in Louisiana was approximately $125,600 per year. Healthcare is a major employment sector in the state, with nurse practitioners working in different clinical environments.
An NP's salary can depend on experience, specialty, employer and location. When reviewing an offer, it is useful to check the expected working hours and patient workload along with the annual salary.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Mississippi
Mississippi had a median nurse practitioner salary of about $124,730 per year. Nurse practitioners can find opportunities in hospitals, clinics and community healthcare settings.
Some areas of Mississippi have significant healthcare access needs. This can create employment opportunities for NPs, particularly those interested in primary care and community health.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Ohio
The median nurse practitioner salary in Ohio was approximately $124,870 per year. Ohio has a large healthcare system with many hospitals, outpatient facilities and private medical practices.
NPs working in specialized fields may earn differently than those in general practice. Experience, certification and the employer's compensation structure all have an impact on total pay.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Kentucky
Kentucky reported a median NP salary of around $122,870 per year. Nurse practitioners are especially important in communities where access to healthcare professionals can be limited.
Primary care, family practice and other healthcare specialties can provide career opportunities across the state. Rural positions may also come with recruitment incentives depending on the employer.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in South Carolina
The median nurse practitioner salary in South Carolina was approximately $123,290 per year. The state has healthcare employment opportunities across hospitals, outpatient centers and private medical practices.
South Carolina's growing communities can provide opportunities for experienced NPs. Salary can still vary depending on specialty, location, employer and the amount of clinical responsibility involved.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Tennessee
Tennessee reported a median nurse practitioner salary of about $117,590 per year. Although this is below the national median, the actual financial value of an NP salary can depend on local living expenses.
Nurse practitioners can work in hospitals, primary care, urgent care and specialty practices. Experienced professionals may earn more than the statewide median, especially when working in specialized roles.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Alabama
Alabama reported the lowest median nurse practitioner salary among the states in this comparison, at approximately $105,750 per year. Even so, NP pay is still substantially higher than many healthcare occupations that do not require advanced practice nursing education.
Alabama can offer a lower cost of living in many communities compared with some of the highest-paying states. Because of this, comparing salary alone can sometimes give an incomplete picture of the financial situation of an NP.
What Affects Nurse Practitioner Salary?
A nurse practitioner salary is not based only on the state where someone works. Two NPs in the same city can have very different salaries. Employers look at education, certification, experience, specialty, clinical responsibilities and sometimes the type of patients being treated.
Some of the biggest factors that can affect NP pay include:
- Experience: Experienced nurse practitioners often have stronger salary negotiating power.
- Specialty: Some advanced specialties can pay more than general primary care roles.
- Location: State, city and rural location can all affect salary.
- Work setting: Hospitals, private practices, outpatient centers and government employers may have different pay structures.
- Shift: Nights, weekends and difficult schedules may sometimes come with additional compensation.
- Education and certification: Advanced training and specialty certification can support higher earning potential.
- Employer: Large healthcare systems and private employers can have different salary and benefit structures.
NP Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the common factors people consider when searching for NP salary. A nurse practitioner who has just entered advanced practice usually does not have the same earning power as someone who has worked in the field for many years.
New NPs may start at a salary below the national median. As they build clinical experience, manage more complex patients and develop a specialty, their income can increase. Some experienced nurse practitioners also move into leadership, specialty or higher-responsibility roles.
There is no single national salary increase that happens after a fixed number of years. Each employer has its own pay structure, and the salary difference can be quite large between specialties and locations.
Nurse Practitioner Salary Per Hour
People searching for nurse practitioner salary per hour often want to know what an NP actually earns for each hour of work. Based on the May 2025 median annual wage of $132,300, the median hourly wage is about $63.61 per hour.
The hourly amount can be higher or lower depending on the job. An experienced NP, a specialty provider or someone working difficult shifts may receive a higher hourly equivalent. Some NPs are also paid through different compensation models, so the simple annual salary divided by working hours may not always show the full picture.
- Median hourly NP pay: $63.61
- Median annual salary: $132,300
- Upper 10% annual wage: More than $174,420
- Hourly pay can vary by: State, specialty, experience and employer
Nurse Practitioner Salary Per Month
If we simply divide the national median nurse practitioner salary by 12 months, $132,300 comes to about $11,025 per month before taxes and other deductions.
This is a useful way to understand nurse practitioner salary per month, but actual monthly take-home pay will be lower after federal and state taxes, health insurance, retirement contributions and other deductions. Some NPs can also receive bonuses or additional compensation that changes their total annual income.
For example, an NP earning $150,000 per year would have a gross monthly salary of $12,500 before deductions. An NP earning $180,000 would have gross monthly earnings of $15,000. These are gross figures, not take-home pay.
Starting Nurse Practitioner Salary
A common question from nursing students and newly qualified professionals is about the starting nurse practitioner salary. New NPs generally earn less than highly experienced NPs because they are still developing advanced clinical experience.
There is no single nationwide starting salary set by the federal government. The first job offer can depend on specialty, state, employer, previous registered nursing experience and the responsibilities of the position.
A new NP should not compare a first job offer directly with the national median of $132,300. The median includes nurse practitioners at different experience levels. A better approach is to compare several similar job offers in the same state and specialty.
- Check the base annual salary.
- Ask whether bonuses are included.
- Check expected weekly working hours.
- Review health insurance and retirement benefits.
- Ask about paid vacation and sick leave.
- Check whether nights, weekends or on-call work receives extra pay.
Experienced Nurse Practitioner Salary
An experienced nurse practitioner salary can be considerably higher than the starting pay of a newly licensed NP. Experience gives professionals more confidence in clinical decision-making and can make them more valuable to employers.
Experience is especially useful when an NP has developed expertise in a high-demand specialty. An experienced NP may also move into leadership, clinical education, specialty care or other advanced roles.
However, experience alone does not guarantee a particular salary. The state, employer and specialty still have a major effect. An experienced NP working in a lower-paying market may earn less than a newer NP working in a high-paying state or specialty.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Specialty
Nurse practitioner salary by specialty is another important part of the salary picture. Nurse practitioners can work in many different areas of healthcare, and their responsibilities can be very different.
Some common NP specialties include family practice, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, women's health, psychiatric mental health and acute care. The demand for each specialty can vary depending on the location and healthcare system.
- Family Nurse Practitioner: Provides primary and family healthcare across different age groups.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Focuses on mental health assessment and treatment.
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Works with patients who have complex or serious health conditions.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Provides healthcare to infants, children and adolescents.
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Provides care focused on adult and older adult patients.
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: Focuses on women's health needs and related care.
The specialty with the highest salary is not necessarily the same in every location. Employers may also use different compensation systems. Because of this, it is better to compare actual job offers instead of relying on a single national specialty salary number.
Do Nurse Practitioners Make More Than Registered Nurses?
In general, nurse practitioners earn more than registered nurses because NPs have advanced education, clinical responsibilities and a broader scope of practice. Registered nurses usually enter the profession with an undergraduate nursing education, while nurse practitioners normally complete graduate-level education and advanced clinical training.
The difference can be significant, but it is not identical in every state or job. An experienced RN working overtime, night shifts or in a specialized position may sometimes earn more than a lower-paid NP position.
For someone deciding whether to become an NP, salary should therefore be considered together with education costs, time required for advanced training, job responsibilities and career goals.
Do Nurse Practitioners Make Over $100,000?
Yes. The national median nurse practitioner salary was $132,300 per year in May 2025, which is already above $100,000. This means $100,000 is below the national median for the occupation.
However, not every individual NP earns more than $100,000. Starting salaries, lower-paying locations, part-time work and different employment arrangements can result in lower annual earnings.
At the high end, the top 10 percent of nurse practitioners earned more than $174,420 per year. Some individual professionals can earn substantially more depending on their specialty, employer, location and total compensation.
Highest Paid Nurse Practitioner Jobs
When people search for the highest paid nurse practitioner jobs, they are usually looking for specialties or positions that offer greater compensation. Higher-paying opportunities can be associated with advanced clinical responsibilities, specialized knowledge, difficult work schedules or strong demand.
Some NPs also increase their income by taking leadership responsibilities, working additional shifts or moving into specialized clinical positions. However, higher pay can also come with greater workload and responsibility.
It is important not to choose a specialty only because it appears to have a high salary. Job satisfaction, working hours, patient population, location and long-term career opportunities should also be considered.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Work Setting
The workplace can also affect nurse practitioner pay. An NP working in a hospital may have a different compensation package from an NP working in a private physician office or outpatient clinic.
Healthcare employers can have different salary structures and benefit packages. Some jobs offer a higher base salary, while another position may have a lower base but stronger retirement benefits, bonuses or paid time off.
- Hospitals: Often provide a broad range of clinical positions and specialties.
- Physician offices: Common for primary care and specialty practice.
- Outpatient centers: Provide care without requiring patients to stay overnight.
- Government healthcare: May offer structured pay and benefits.
- Community healthcare: Often focuses on primary care and underserved populations.
- Private practices: Compensation can vary significantly by employer and specialty.
Government Nurse Practitioner Salary
Government healthcare employers can provide another career path for nurse practitioners. These positions may be available through federal, state or local healthcare organizations.
Government employment can sometimes be attractive because compensation is not only about the base salary. Benefits, retirement programs, paid leave and job stability can also be important parts of the total package.
However, government NP salaries can vary depending on the specific agency, location, job level and employment system. Therefore, professionals should check the salary range for the exact position rather than assuming every government NP receives the same pay.
Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared With Other Healthcare Jobs
The nurse practitioner salary is relatively high within the healthcare field. NPs have advanced responsibilities and generally require more education than many entry-level healthcare occupations.
For example, a registered nurse has a different education and scope of practice from an NP. A medical assistant has a very different role and usually requires much less education. Comparing these jobs only by salary does not show the full career picture.
For people interested in advanced nursing, the NP career can provide a combination of strong earning potential, clinical responsibility and opportunities to specialize.
Is Nurse Practitioner a Good Paying Career?
Yes, nurse practitioner is generally a good-paying career in the USA. The May 2025 national median wage of $132,300 puts the occupation well above many other healthcare jobs.
The career can also provide several paths for professional growth. An NP can work in primary care, acute care, mental health, pediatrics, women's health and other areas depending on education, certification and state requirements.
Still, salary is only one reason people choose this career. Becoming an NP requires additional education and clinical preparation after becoming a registered nurse. The education cost and time should be considered before making the career decision.
Nurse Practitioner Job Outlook in the USA
The future job outlook is another reason nurse practitioner careers continue to attract attention. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives to grow 40 percent from 2025 to 2035 for the combined occupational group.
BLS also projects about 33,300 openings per year for the combined group over the decade. This demand is connected with the need for healthcare services and the growing role of advanced practice nurses.
For someone researching nurse practitioner jobs and salary, this means the career has both strong current pay and a positive employment outlook. Actual opportunities will still depend on specialty, location and local healthcare demand.
Key Takeaways About Nurse Practitioner Salary
The nurse practitioner salary in the USA is strong compared with many other healthcare careers. The national median was $132,300 per year in May 2025, while the median hourly wage was $63.61. California had the highest state median in the data at $168,520, while Alabama had the lowest at $105,750.
- The national median NP salary is $132,300 per year.
- The median hourly wage is about $63.61.
- The median salary equals roughly $11,025 per month before taxes.
- California is the highest-paying state in the state comparison.
- New Jersey, Washington, Oregon and Alaska are also among the top-paying states.
- Specialty, experience, employer and location can change actual NP pay.
- The top 10% of NPs earn more than $174,420 per year.
- Advanced education and clinical training are required for the profession.
- Nurse practitioner employment has a strong projected growth outlook.
Is becoming a nurse practitioner worth it?
For many healthcare professionals, it can be a strong career option because of the salary, career flexibility and positive job outlook. But the decision should also consider graduate education costs, licensing requirements, clinical responsibility and the type of work you want to do.