Nurse Practitioner Salary in USA 2025
Pay by state, experience level, and specialty
Median Annual Salary (USA)
Nurse Practitioner Salary Overview
This guide breaks down nurse practitioner (NP) salary in the US for 2025, covering national averages, pay by state, experience levels, and major specialties. Whether you're considering NP school, evaluating job offers, or negotiating a raise, these figures provide the benchmarks you need.
Nurse practitioners rank among the highest paying jobs in healthcare, earning significantly more than registered nurses thanks to their advanced training, prescriptive authority, and expanded scope of practice. The role offers a compelling combination of strong compensation, meaningful patient care, and growing autonomy.
The data here draws from BLS estimates, nursing salary surveys, and industry compensation reports, presented as realistic ranges rather than exact promises. For context on how NP salaries compare to other professions, see our guide to average salary in the US.
What Nurse Practitioners Earn: National Snapshot
Nurse practitioners in the US earn strong six-figure salaries that place them well above many other healthcare roles. Recent BLS data and industry surveys show average NP salaries in the low-to-mid $120,000s nationally, with considerable variation based on specialty, location, and experience.
Some states and specialties report averages around $130,000–$140,000 or higher, reflecting demand and advanced responsibilities. The overall range for most NPs falls between $110,000 and $145,000+, depending on these key factors.
| Metric | Typical NP Pay (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Average / Mean | ~$124,000–$128,000 | Based on recent BLS and aggregated data |
| National Median | ~$121,000–$126,000 | Middle point; varies by source |
| Typical Range for Most NPs | ~$110,000–$145,000 | Varies by state, specialty, and setting |
| Top 10% of Earners | $160,000+ | High-demand specialties and locations |
To convert these annual figures to hourly rates or explore other salary conversions, use our salary calculator.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Experience Level
New Graduate / Early-Career NPs
New nurse practitioners transitioning from RN roles typically start below the overall NP average but still at strong pay compared to most healthcare positions. First-year NP salaries commonly fall in the $95,000–$110,000 range depending on specialty and state.
Factors that influence early-career pay include: specialty choice (psychiatric and acute care often start higher than primary care), geographic location, practice setting (hospital vs. outpatient), and prior RN experience. NPs who completed their clinical rotations in competitive specialties or high-demand areas often secure stronger starting offers.
Mid-Career NPs (5–10 years)
After several years of experience, nurse practitioners who have developed clinical expertise, built patient panels, and potentially earned additional certifications typically see salary growth into the $115,000–$135,000 range.
This is where NPs often have the most leverage. Those who demonstrate strong patient outcomes, take on leadership responsibilities, or develop expertise in high-demand areas can negotiate toward the upper end of compensation ranges.
Experienced / Senior NPs
Experienced nurse practitioners with 10+ years in practice, particularly those in specialized or leadership roles, commonly earn $135,000–$160,000 or more. Factors that push compensation higher include: practicing in high-demand specialties (psychiatric, emergency, acute care), working in higher-paying states or urban medical centers, taking on supervisory or administrative duties, and pursuing locum tenens or contract work.
Some experienced NPs who combine clinical practice with administrative roles, education, or consulting can exceed these ranges significantly.
For strategies on advancing your compensation at any career stage, see our salary negotiation guide.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by State
NP salaries vary substantially by state. Several factors drive these differences: cost of living, demand for healthcare services, state practice authority laws, and competition for qualified providers.
Highest-Paying States for NPs
Multiple salary surveys consistently identify these states among the highest-paying for nurse practitioners: California, Washington, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, and Alaska. NPs in these states often earn $130,000–$150,000+ on average.
Washington D.C. also ranks high, reflecting federal health system employment and high cost of living in the capital region.
Strong Mid-Range States
States like Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Maryland offer competitive NP salaries—typically around the national average or slightly above—combined with varying costs of living. These markets often provide good balance between compensation and purchasing power.
Lower-Paying States
Some states in the Southeast and parts of the Midwest report average NP salaries below $110,000. However, lower cost of living in these areas often means similar or better purchasing power despite lower nominal pay. Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and some Midwestern states typically fall into this category.
Practice Authority Considerations
State practice authority laws—whether NPs can practice independently or require physician supervision—also influence the market. Full practice authority states (like Colorado, Washington, and Arizona) may offer NPs more autonomy and sometimes different compensation structures than restricted practice states.
| State Tier | Typical NP Salary Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-paying (CA, WA, NY, MA, NJ, NV) | $130,000–$150,000+ | Above national average; higher living costs |
| Mid-range (TX, CO, MN, CT, MD) | $118,000–$130,000 | Around national average; varied cost of living |
| Lower-paying (AL, MS, TN, some Midwest) | $100,000–$115,000 | Below average but often lower living costs |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Specialty and Work Setting
NP specialty and work setting significantly affect compensation. Choosing the right specialty and setting is often as important as location in determining your earning potential.
Highest-Paying NP Specialties
Psychiatric/Mental Health NPs consistently rank among the highest paid, reflecting strong demand and relatively limited supply. Average salaries often exceed $130,000–$145,000, with some experienced psych NPs earning significantly more.
Acute Care NPs working in hospitals, ICUs, and emergency departments typically earn above-average salaries due to the complexity of care and often less desirable hours (nights, weekends).
Neonatal NPs specializing in newborn intensive care command premium pay for their specialized skills, often earning $125,000–$140,000+.
Emergency and Urgent Care NPs also tend to earn above average, particularly in busy urban emergency departments or standalone urgent care centers.
Family and Primary Care NPs
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) represent the largest NP specialty. While FNP salaries are solid—typically $110,000–$125,000—they often fall slightly below specialized hospital-based roles. However, FNPs enjoy broader job availability, diverse practice settings, and often better work-life balance.
Work Setting Impact
Practice setting matters. Hospital-employed NPs often earn more than those in small private practices but may have less schedule flexibility. Specialty clinics vary widely. Locum tenens (temporary contract) positions typically pay premium rates—sometimes 20–40% above permanent positions—but without benefits or job security.
NP Salary Compared to Other Nursing Roles
Understanding how NP compensation compares to other nursing and healthcare roles helps contextualize the investment required to become a nurse practitioner.
NP vs. Registered Nurse (RN)
Nurse practitioners earn substantially more than RNs. While RNs average roughly $80,000–$90,000 nationally, NPs earn $120,000–$130,000 or more—a 35–50% increase. This premium reflects the additional education (Master's or Doctoral degree), certification requirements, and expanded scope of practice including diagnostic authority and prescriptive privileges.
NP vs. Physician Assistant (PA)
NPs and PAs earn similar salaries, both averaging in the $120,000–$130,000 range nationally. Specific comparisons vary by specialty and location. For detailed PA compensation data, see our physician assistant salary guide.
NP vs. Physician
Physicians earn significantly more than NPs—primary care physicians average $220,000–$260,000, while specialists often earn $300,000–$500,000+. However, physicians complete much longer training (4 years medical school + 3–7 years residency) and accumulate significantly more educational debt. Many NPs find their career path offers excellent ROI given shorter training time.
NP vs. Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) earn similar salaries to NPs, typically averaging $115,000–$125,000. The specialties serve different patient populations but require comparable education levels.
How to Increase Your Nurse Practitioner Salary
Strategic career decisions can significantly impact your NP compensation over time.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Moving into higher-paying specialties is one of the most effective ways to increase NP earnings. Psychiatric/mental health, acute care, and neonatal specialties consistently offer above-average compensation. If you're currently in primary care and interested in a change, pursuing additional certification in a higher-paying specialty may be worthwhile.
Consider Higher-Paying Settings
Hospital-based positions, emergency departments, and specialty clinics often pay more than small outpatient practices. Large health systems may also offer better benefits packages, including loan repayment programs.
Explore Locum Tenens Work
Temporary contract assignments (locum tenens) typically pay premium hourly rates—sometimes 20–40% above permanent positions. Some NPs work locum positions exclusively or mix them with part-time permanent employment for higher overall income. The tradeoff: no employer-provided benefits and less schedule stability.
Relocate Strategically
Moving to a higher-paying state can significantly boost earnings. However, weigh salary differences against cost-of-living changes. A $130,000 salary in California may offer less purchasing power than $115,000 in Texas or Tennessee.
Negotiate Effectively
Many NPs accept initial offers without negotiation. Research market rates for your specialty and location, document your patient outcomes and productivity, and negotiate confidently. Our salary negotiation guide covers specific strategies.
Job Outlook and Work-Life Considerations
Strong Employment Growth
NP job outlook is exceptionally strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nurse practitioner employment to grow 45%+ from 2022 to 2032—much faster than average for all occupations. This growth reflects primary care shortages, aging populations, expanded NP practice authority in many states, and healthcare's push toward cost-effective provider models.
This demand translates to strong job security, multiple employment options, and leverage in salary negotiations for qualified NPs.
Work-Life Balance Considerations
While NP salaries are attractive, consider workload and lifestyle when evaluating positions. Some factors to weigh:
Outpatient primary care positions typically offer predictable schedules (Monday–Friday, daytime hours) but may involve high patient volumes and documentation burdens.
Hospital-based and emergency NP roles often pay more but may require nights, weekends, and holidays.
Specialty clinics vary widely—some offer excellent work-life balance while others demand significant on-call responsibilities.
Burnout is a real concern in healthcare. The "highest paying" position isn't always the best choice if it leads to unsustainable workload. Many experienced NPs advise weighing total compensation (salary + benefits + schedule + commute + job satisfaction) rather than focusing solely on base pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average nurse practitioner salary in the US in 2025?
The average NP salary in the US is approximately $124,000–$128,000, with median figures around $121,000–$126,000 depending on the data source. Most NPs earn between $110,000 and $145,000, with top earners in high-demand specialties and locations exceeding $160,000.
Which states pay nurse practitioners the most?
California, Washington, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Alaska consistently rank among the highest-paying states for NPs, with average salaries often reaching $130,000–$150,000+. Washington D.C. also offers high compensation. However, these areas typically have higher costs of living.
Which NP specialties are the highest paid?
Psychiatric/mental health NPs typically top the salary charts, followed by acute care, neonatal, and emergency NPs. These specialties often earn $130,000–$145,000+ on average. Family and primary care NPs earn solid salaries ($110,000–$125,000) but generally slightly less than hospital-based specialists.
Is becoming a nurse practitioner worth it financially?
For most RNs considering the transition, yes. NPs earn 35–50% more than RNs on average, and the investment (typically 2–3 years of graduate education beyond BSN) offers strong ROI compared to many other graduate degrees. With 45%+ projected job growth and consistent demand, the NP career path offers excellent financial prospects.
How long does it take to reach a six-figure NP salary?
Most new graduate NPs start in or near six-figure territory ($95,000–$110,000). Reaching the $120,000+ range typically takes 3–5 years of experience, though NPs who start in higher-paying specialties or locations may achieve this faster. Those targeting $140,000+ usually need to specialize in high-demand areas or work in premium-paying markets.