The average Nurse Practitioner salary in the United States is $128,490 annually, showcasing the value of this critical and growing nurse speciality. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and focus on health promotion and disease prevention. As demand for healthcare services rises, understanding salary trends across states is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive state-by-state breakdown of Nurse Practitioner salaries to help current and aspiring NPs make informed career decisions.
Key points
- The average annual salary for Nurse Practitioners is approximately $128,490.
- NP salaries vary significantly by state, ranging from around $103,720 in Tennessee to $161,540 in California, influenced by factors such as cost of living and local healthcare policies.
- California, New Jersey, and Washington are among the top-paying states for NPs, offering average annual salaries of $161,540, $145,030, and $145,400 respectively, making these states attractive for financial advancement.
- Outpatient Care Centers are among the top-paying industries for NPs, with an annual mean wage of $139,860, highlighting the financial benefits of specialized outpatient services.
Table of Contents
- What is the Average Nurse Practitioner Salary?
- Nurse Practitioner Salary by State
- Highest Paying States for Nurse Practitioners
- Where Nurse Practitioners Earn the Most by Industry
- References
What is the Average Nurse Practitioner Salary?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nurse Practitioners earn an average annual salary of $128,490, making them the third highest-paid nursing specialization (as compared to Nurse Anesthetists and Nurse Midwives). Here’s a look on different nurse practitioner salaries based on multiple job listing platforms:
| U.S. BLS | Glassdoor | Salary.com | Payscale |
|---|---|---|---|
| $128,490 | $151,000 | $126,025 | $108,752 |
In the latest U.S. BLS report, Nurse Practitioners have the following national employment and salary statistics:
| Total Employment | Mean Hourly Salary | Mean Annual NP Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 280,140 | $61.78 | $128,490 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by State
Salary of Nurse Practitioners across the United States exhibit a wide range, reflecting factors such as regional demand, cost of living, and state-specific healthcare policies. To compare salaries of different nursing specializations across states, check out our Comprehensive Nurse Salary Guide for a deeper understanding of the trends. Here are some key insights on Nurse Practitioner salaries by state:
- California leads as the U.S. state with the highest annual mean salary for Nurse Practitioners at $161,540.
- Nevada, New Jersey, and Washington also rank among the top-paying states, offering annual mean wages of $148,670, $145,030, and $145,400, respectively, making the West Coast and parts of the Northeast financially attractive for NPs.
- Guam has the lowest reported mean wage at $88,570, significantly below the national average, likely reflecting a smaller healthcare market and lower cost of living.
- Tennessee and Alabama also rank on the lower end with mean wages of $103,720 and $110,020, despite Tennessee’s high concentration of NPs.
- The South shows a mix of high employment (Florida, Texas) and relatively lower salaries (Tennessee, Alabama).
- States like Massachusetts ($144,010), Oregon ($144,950), and New York ($142,830) offer competitive salaries above the national mean, driven by strong healthcare infrastructure and high demand for advanced practice providers.
- Maryland ($127,990) and Minnesota ($135,010) showcase robust salaries that balance cost of living and demand.
- States like New Hampshire ($130,740) and Utah ($127,820) are becoming attractive destinations for NPs due to their competitive salaries and growing healthcare markets.
- High-paying states like California and New Jersey correspond to high living costs, which partially explain the higher wages. Conversely, lower wages in states like Tennessee and Alabama align with their lower living expenses.
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4,220 | $110,020 |
| Alaska | 660 | $126,170 |
| Arizona | 6,770 | $132,560 |
| Arkansas | 3,300 | $113,410 |
| California | 21,740 | $161,540 |
| Colorado | 3,680 | $121,990 |
| Connecticut | 3,400 | $136,980 |
| Delaware | 1,140 | $131,110 |
| District of Columbia | 600 | $134,850 |
| Florida | 22,270 | $119,710 |
| Georgia | – | $121,150 |
| Guam | 90 | $88,570 |
| Hawaii | 510 | $132,610 |
| Idaho | 1,130 | $124,550 |
| Illinois | 9,220 | $126,900 |
| Indiana | 6,740 | $123,320 |
| Iowa | 2,640 | $130,820 |
| Kansas | 2,920 | $119,270 |
| Kentucky | 4,830 | $110,370 |
| Louisiana | 3,910 | $118,670 |
| Maine | 1,390 | $122,940 |
| Maryland | 5,180 | $127,990 |
| Massachusetts | 8,060 | $144,010 |
| Michigan | 7,950 | $120,680 |
| Minnesota | 5,360 | $135,010 |
| Mississippi | 4,020 | $117,490 |
| Missouri | 7,410 | $116,680 |
| Montana | 860 | $124,640 |
| Nebraska | 1,700 | $121,680 |
| Nevada | 2,040 | $148,670 |
| New Hampshire | 1,870 | $130,740 |
| New Jersey | 6,400 | $145,030 |
| New Mexico | 1,480 | $136,770 |
| New York | 16,670 | $142,830 |
| North Carolina | 7,640 | $121,590 |
| North Dakota | 710 | $127,760 |
| Ohio | 11,950 | $122,870 |
| Oklahoma | 2,870 | $124,330 |
| Oregon | 2,410 | $144,950 |
| Pennsylvania | 9,160 | $127,450 |
| Rhode Island | – | $133,460 |
| South Carolina | 5,470 | $116,940 |
| South Dakota | 920 | $120,980 |
| Tennessee | 14,040 | $103,720 |
| Texas | 20,170 | $130,010 |
| Utah | 2,650 | $127,820 |
| Vermont | 720 | $126,100 |
| Virginia | 7,360 | $120,870 |
| Washington | 4,560 | $145,400 |
| West Virginia | 1,860 | $113,450 |
| Wisconsin | 5,210 | $128,330 |
| Wyoming | 470 | $123,560 |
Highest Paying States for Nurse Practitioners
The following table highlights the top 10 states offering the highest annual mean wages for Nurse Practitioners:
| Rank | State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $161,540 |
| 2 | Nevada | $148,670 |
| 3 | Washington | $145,400 |
| 4 | New Jersey | $145,030 |
| 5 | Oregon | $144,950 |
| 6 | New York | $142,830 |
| 7 | Alaska | $140,320 |
| 8 | Hawaii | $135,370 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | $145,300 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $123,948 |
Where Nurse Practitioners Earn the Most by Industry
Nurse Practitioners can experience significant salary variations depending on their work setting. Here According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, here are some key insights on Nurse Practitioner salary:
- Offices of Physicians employ the most Nurse Practitioners, accounting for 4.82% of total employment in the industry, with an annual mean salary of $122,780.
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals rank second in employment but offer higher nurse practitioner salary at $135,610 annually.
- Home Health Care Services, while employing fewer NPs, provide the highest wages in this category at $146,850 annually.
- Offices of Physicians not only employ the largest number of NPs but also have the highest concentration at 4.82% of their workforce.
- Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals have a lower absolute employment figure but offer competitive wages of $141,260 annually.
- Business Support Services stands out as the highest-paying industry for Nurse Practitioners, offering an annual mean wage of $180,570, though employment opportunities are limited.
- Home Health Care Services remain a significant employer while offering an attractive annual mean wage of $146,850.
- Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities provide competitive pay at $158,140 annually, reflecting the need for specialized care providers.
Top Industries Hiring Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners are employed across a variety of industries, with employment and wages reflecting demand for their expertise in different healthcare settings. Below are the industries with the highest levels of employment for Nurse Practitioners:
| Industry | Employment | Percent of Industry Employment | Hourly Mean Salary | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offices of Physicians | 137,030 | 4.82% | $59.03 | $122,780 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 61,740 | 1.08% | $65.20 | $135,610 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 25,440 | 2.39% | $67.24 | $139,860 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | 11,400 | 1.00% | $58.29 | $121,250 |
| Home Health Care Services | 7,410 | 0.46% | $70.60 | $146,850 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | 2,250 | 0.96% | $67.91 | $141,260 |
Industries Offering the Best Nurse Practitioner Salary
Nurse Practitioners work at a variety of industries and employment settings. In this section, learn about the following industries that offer the highest salary for Nurse Practitioners.
| Industry | Employment | Percent of Industry Employment | Hourly Mean Salary | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Support Services | 80 | 0.01% | $86.81 | $180,570 |
| Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities | 1,520 | 0.24% | $76.03 | $158,140 |
| Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations | – | – | $73.84 | $153,580 |
| Home Health Care Services | 7,410 | 0.46% | $70.60 | $146,850 |
| Other Ambulatory Health Care Services | 2,710 | 0.79% | $69.51 | $144,570 |
Interested in pursuing this rewarding and high-paying career? Becoming a Nurse Practitioner involves specialized education, training, and licensing. Check out our guide on How to Become a Nurse Practitioner to learn about the steps, requirements, and pathways to enter this exciting field.
Are you considering a career as a Nurse Practitioner or looking to optimize your earning potential? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 29-1161 Nurse Practitioners