Nurse practitioners (NPs) earn a median annual salary of approximately $126,260, or about $60.70 per hour, according to 2024 BLS data for SOC 29-1171 (Nurse Practitioners).
This places NPs among the highest-paid advanced practice registered nurses and makes the profession one of the most financially rewarding in nursing.
The occupation is projected to grow an exceptional 45% from 2022 to 2032 — dramatically faster than the average for all occupations — driven by expanded primary care access needs, physician shortages in rural and underserved areas, and a growing trend toward full practice authority in many states.
The BLS estimates approximately 29,200 job openings per year on average over the projection decade.
Factors such as specialty, full vs. restricted practice authority by state, employer type, and years of experience all play meaningful roles in how much an individual NP may earn.
The nurse salary, the registered nurse salary, and the doctor salary provide the broader career ladder context for understanding NP compensation.
Nurse Practitioner Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171) earned a median annual wage of approximately $126,260 as of 2024 BLS data. The median hourly rate was approximately $60.70.
The median represents the midpoint of all reported NP wages. The mean (average) wage may be somewhat higher, as NPs in high-demand specialties and high-cost-of-living states can push averages upward. The table below shows the estimated wage distribution for NPs based on 2024 BLS data:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | ~$84,000 | ~$40.38 |
| 25th | ~$103,000 | ~$49.52 |
| 50th (Median) | ~$126,260 | ~$60.70 |
| 75th | ~$153,000 | ~$73.56 |
| 90th | ~$185,000 | ~$88.94 |
To see exactly how wages like $60 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $60 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Nurse Practitioner Pay by Experience Level
Experience is a significant driver of NP compensation.
Newly certified NPs may earn at the lower end of the salary range, while those with several years of clinical experience, additional certifications, or leadership responsibilities typically earn higher wages.
NPs who have established patient panels or who move into administrative and directorship roles often see compensation above the national median.
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $90,000 – $108,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–8 years) | $110,000 – $140,000 |
| Senior/Specialized (9+ years) | $140,000 – $200,000+ |
Estimates are based on 2024 BLS data. Specialty, state practice laws, and employer type can shift these ranges substantially.
Specialty and Certification Differences
NPs are certified in one of several population-focused competencies, including Family (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMHNP), and Neonatal (NNP), among others.
Psychiatric-mental health NPs and acute care NPs in critical care or emergency settings typically earn at or above the 75th percentile.
Psychiatric NPs, in particular, are in very high demand as of 2026, given ongoing shortages of mental health prescribers.
NPs who obtain additional certifications — such as in pain management, oncology, or diabetes care — may also access higher-paying specialty roles. For nursing specialty salary comparisons, see which nursing specialties pay the most for a comprehensive overview across credential types.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by State and Region
Nurse practitioner pay varies considerably across states, influenced by cost of living, scope of practice laws, and regional demand.
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, states such as California, Washington, and New Jersey tend to rank among the highest-paying, with median annual wages that may reach $150,000–$175,000 or more.
However, those states also have higher costs of living.
States that have enacted full practice authority for NPs — meaning NPs can practice, prescribe, and open their own clinics without a physician collaborative agreement — may offer greater employment flexibility.
The cost of living in California and the cost of living in Washington State are relevant for NPs considering moves to the highest-paying western states. and, in some markets, higher earning potential for independent NPs.
As of 2026, more than half of U.S. states have granted full practice authority, expanding market opportunities for NPs in those regions.
Rural and underserved areas often offer loan repayment incentives and signing bonuses that may effectively increase total compensation.
Factors That Affect Nurse Practitioner Pay
Several factors beyond years of experience may affect NP earnings, including specialty, practice authority, employer type, and additional credentials.
Specialty
As noted above, specialty is one of the strongest predictors of NP earnings. Acute care, psychiatric-mental health, and neonatal NPs are typically among the highest-paid. Family and pediatric NPs working in primary care may earn toward the middle of the range.
The specific demand-supply dynamics of a local market also influence specialty premiums.
Employer Type
NPs employed by hospitals, health systems, or large physician group practices may receive comprehensive benefits packages — including employer contributions to retirement plans, paid malpractice coverage, and continuing education allowances — that supplement base salary.
Independent contractors or NPs running their own practices may earn more per service but must fund their own benefits and absorb overhead costs.
Education and Certifications
NPs with Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees — as opposed to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — may qualify for leadership roles, academic positions, or advanced clinical roles that carry higher compensation.
Additional specialty certifications from recognized bodies (ANCC, PNCB, etc.) may also support higher wages.
Nurse Practitioner Career Outlook
The nurse practitioner career outlook is exceptional.
According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% from 2022 to 2032 — one of the fastest growth rates for any occupation tracked by the BLS. The BLS estimates approximately 29,200 openings per year on average over the projection decade.
Key growth drivers include the ongoing primary care physician shortage, particularly in rural and underserved communities; an aging U.S. population with increasing chronic disease management needs; expanded scope of practice legislation across more states; and the demonstrated cost-effectiveness of NP-delivered care in research and policy literature.
As of 2026, the demand for psychiatric-mental health NPs in particular remains critically high, with many areas reporting significant shortages of prescribers qualified to treat mental health conditions.
NPs with stable incomes benefit from setting appropriate 401(k) contribution rates, exploring a Roth IRA for tax-diversified retirement savings, and tracking retirement savings targets relative to their income level.
A high-yield savings account is the right tool for building reserves for practice startup costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for a nurse practitioner?
According to 2024 BLS data, nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171) earned a median annual wage of approximately $126,260, or about $60.70 per hour.
Specialty, state, and employer type may cause individual earnings to vary significantly from this median.
The NICU nurse salary and the labor and delivery nurse salary show how RN-level earnings in specialty settings compare to NP compensation.
Which NP specialties pay the most?
Psychiatric-mental health NPs and acute care NPs — particularly those working in critical care, emergency medicine, or neonatal settings — are typically among the highest-paid NP specialties as of 2026.
Demand for psychiatric NPs is especially high given nationwide mental health prescriber shortages.
Does full practice authority affect NP salary?
Full practice authority may expand earning potential by allowing NPs to open independent practices, see their own patient panels, and practice without a physician collaborative agreement.
However, independent practice also involves business overhead and risk.
The financial impact of full practice authority varies by state and local market.
How much more do NPs with a DNP earn than those with an MSN?
Salary differences between DNP and MSN-prepared NPs vary widely. DNP-prepared NPs may access higher-paying leadership, academic, and certain advanced clinical roles. However, in many clinical practice settings, specialty and experience are stronger determinants of pay than degree level.
Prospective NPs should research role-specific requirements in their target market.
What is the job growth outlook for nurse practitioners?
The BLS projects 45% employment growth for nurse practitioners from 2022 to 2032 — one of the highest projected growth rates of any U.S. occupation.
Approximately 29,200 openings are expected per year on average, driven by primary care demand, an aging population, and expanded NP scope of practice laws.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Nurse Practitioners (SOC 29-1171). May 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291171.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. 2024–2025 Edition. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Nurse Practitioners (29-1171.00). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1171.00
Last updated: April 27, 2026