Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Salary By State (Highest-to-Lowest) – 2025
Written By:
Pattie Trumble
Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Pattie Trumble is a nurse who worked in both California and New York for many years as an emergency room nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing. Read Full Bio »» , MPP, MPH
All nurse practitioners focus on improving quality of life, but aesthetic nurse practitioners improve quality of life in a very specific manner: They help enhance their patients’ appearances. Aesthetic nurse practitioner salary varies from city to city and state to state but is highest in those areas with considerable demand for cosmetic procedures. How much does an aesthetic nurse practitioner make? Keep reading for a comprehensive analysis of aesthetic nurse practitioner salary by state in 2025.
What is the Starting Salary of a New Grad Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner?
The annual starting salary of an aesthetic nurse practitioner is $90,540 on average. This breaks down to $43.53 an hour, $1,741 a week, or $7,550 a month.
Starting Salary |
Hourly | $43.53 |
Weekly | $1,741 |
Monthly | $7,550 |
Annual | $90,540 |
(Source: Nursingprocess.org) |
What is the Average Salary of an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner With Experience?
Experienced aesthetic nurse practitioners earn salaries that are 43 percent higher than the salaries of aesthetic NPs who are just starting out. The average aesthetic nurse practitioner salary is $129,250 a year, which comes to $62.14 an hour, $2,486 a week, or $10,770 a month.
Average Salary |
Hourly | $62.14 |
Weekly | $2,486 |
Monthly | $10,770 |
Annual | $129,250 |
(Source: Nursingprocess.org) |
How Much Does Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Salary Grow by Years of Experience?
Experience pays! Aesthetic NPs with one to four years of experience under their belts make $107,030 annually, 18 percent more than entry-level aesthetic NPs make. In comparison, aesthetic NPs with five to nine years of experience make $125,070 annually, 39 percent more than entry-level aesthetic NPs. With 10 to 19 years of experience, your pay will rise to $140,440 a year, an increase of 55 percent. The highest-paid aesthetic nurse practitioners have 20 or more years of professional experience. Aesthetic NPs with two decades or more of experience make $171,300 a year, nearly twice what new aesthetic nurse practitioner grads make.
Level of Experience | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
Entry-Level | $43.53 | $1,741 | $7,550 | $90,540 |
1-4 Years of Experience | $51.46 | $2,058 | $8,920 | $107,030 |
5-9 Years of Experience | $60.61 | $2,424 | $10,510 | $126,070 |
10-19 Years of Experience | $67.52 | $2,701 | $11,700 | $140,440 |
20 Years or More Experience | $82.36 | $3,294 | $14,280 | $171,300 |
(Source: Nursingprocess.org) |
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner vs. All Other Occupations: Who Earns More?
At $129,250 annually, the average aesthetic nurse practitioner salary is significantly more than twice the average wage for all occupations throughout the U.S.
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner | All Occupations | Difference |
Number | % |
$129,250 | $61,900 | +$67,350 | +108.80% |
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner vs. Other Related NP Jobs: Who Earns More?
At $129,250 a year, the average aesthetic nurse practitioner salary is on the low end of the scale so far as nurse practitioner earnings go. Since cosmetic services aren’t covered by healthcare insurance, cosmetic clinics and medical spas rely upon a performance-based compensation model where salary is based upon the amount of revenue an aesthetic NP is able to generate for services provided to each client.
Aesthetic NPs make 14 percent less per year than travel NPs ($149,610), 13 percent less than orthopedic NPs ($148,560), and 8 percent less than neonatal NPs ($140,240.) On the other hand, aesthetic NPs make 2 percent more than family nurse practitioners ($126,990) and 4 percent more than pediatric primary care nurse practitioners ($124,630.)
Rank | Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
1 | Travel Nurse Practitioner | $149,610 | -$20,360 | -13.61% |
2 | Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner | $148,560 | -$19,310 | -13.00% |
3 | Cardiology Nurse Practitioner | $147,540 | -$18,290 | -12.40% |
4 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | $143,240 | -$13,990 | -9.77% |
5 | Wound Care Nurse Practitioner | $142,650 | -$13,400 | -9.39% |
6 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $140,240 | -$10,990 | -7.84% |
7 | Oncology Nurse Practitioner | $139,170 | -$9,920 | -7.13% |
8 | Dermatology Nurse Practitioner | $138,750 | -$9,500 | -6.85% |
9 | Surgical Nurse Practitioner | $136,480 | -$7,230 | -5.30% |
10 | ICU Nurse Practitioner | $135,660 | -$6,410 | -4.73% |
11 | Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $134,960 | -$5,710 | -4.23% |
12 | Emergency Nurse Practitioner | $133,510 | -$4,260 | -3.19% |
13 | Neurology Nurse Practitioner | $131,240 | -$1,990 | -1.52% |
14 | Telehealth Nurse Practitioner | $130,760 | -$1,510 | -1.15% |
15 | Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner | $129,250 | $0 | 0.00% |
16 | Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $128,830 | +$420 | +0.33% |
17 | Family Nurse Practitioner | $126,990 | +$2,260 | +1.78% |
18 | Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $125,280 | +$3,970 | +3.17% |
19 | Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner | $124,630 | +$4,620 | +3.71% |
20 | Forensic Nurse Practitioner | $123,680 | +$5,570 | +4.50% |
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner vs. Other Related Healthcare Jobs: Who Earns More?
On average, aesthetic nurse practitioner salaries are less than those of healthcare professionals like dentists ($172,290), podiatrists ($157,970), and optometrists ($133,100) who are graduates of four-year doctoral programs. However, aesthetic NP salaries are higher than those of many healthcare professionals like physical therapists ($97,960), occupational therapists ($92,800), and speech-language pathologists ($89,460) who specialize in rehabilitation rather than treatment.
In states where nurse practitioners have full practice authority, aesthetic NPs can own and operate their own medical spas or fill the medical director role, which drives up their average salary statistics significantly. Aesthetic NPs make salaries that are 45 percent higher than those of registered nurses who have not attained APRN certification.
Rank | Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
1 | Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | $205,770 | -$76,520 | -37.19% |
2 | Dentist | $172,290 | -$43,040 | -24.98% |
4 | Podiatrist | $157,970 | -$28,720 | -18.18% |
5 | Optometrist | $133,100 | -$3,850 | -2.89% |
6 | Pharmacist | $129,410 | -$160 | -0.12% |
7 | Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner | $129,250 | $0 | 0.00% |
8 | Veterinarian | $129,110 | +$140 | +0.11% |
9 | Physician Assistant | $125,270 | +$3,980 | +3.18% |
10 | Nurse Midwife | $122,450 | +$6,800 | +5.55% |
11 | Radiation Therapist | $98,340 | +$30,910 | +31.43% |
12 | Physical Therapist | $97,960 | +$31,290 | +31.94% |
13 | Occupational Therapist | $92,800 | +$36,450 | +39.28% |
14 | Audiologist | $89,490 | +$39,760 | +44.43% |
15 | Speech-Language Pathologist | $89,460 | +$39,790 | +44.48% |
16 | Registered Nurse | $89,010 | +$40,240 | +45.21% |
17 | Dental Hygienist | $84,860 | +$44,390 | +52.31% |
18 | Nurse Educator | $84,180 | +$45,070 | +53.54% |
19 | Chiropractor | $83,720 | +$45,530 | +54.38% |
20 | Licensed Practical/Licensed Vocational Nurse | $55,860 | +$73,390 | +131.38% |
What is the Average Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Salary by State? – (Ranked Highest-Lowest)
Overall, aesthetic nurse practitioners in Northeastern states like New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts, and Pacific Coast states like California, Oregon, and Washington make the most money. These are all states with major metropolitan areas where large proportions of the population have comparatively high disposable incomes. Disposable income is a factor that correlates with a higher demand for cosmetic services.
Aesthetic nurse practitioners in Southern states like Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee make the lowest salaries. The cost of living in these states, though, is significantly less than in other parts of the country, so even though aesthetic NPs working in these states may make less money, they may have purchasing power that’s comparable to that of their professional colleagues working in higher-paying states.
Rank | State | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
1 | California | $78.81 | $3,153 | $13,660 | $163,930 |
2 | New Jersey | $71.39 | $2,856 | $12,380 | $148,500 |
3 | New York | $70.51 | $2,820 | $12,220 | $146,660 |
4 | Massachusetts | $69.13 | $2,765 | $11,980 | $143,780 |
5 | Oregon | $67.90 | $2,716 | $11,770 | $141,240 |
6 | Nevada | $67.89 | $2,716 | $11,770 | $141,220 |
7 | Washington | $67.58 | $2,703 | $11,710 | $140,560 |
8 | Connecticut | $65.53 | $2,621 | $11,360 | $136,310 |
9 | New Mexico | $64.57 | $2,583 | $11,190 | $134,310 |
10 | Hawaii | $63.95 | $2,558 | $11,080 | $133,010 |
11 | Iowa | $63.88 | $2,555 | $11,070 | $132,880 |
12 | Minnesota | $63.88 | $2,555 | $11,070 | $132,860 |
13 | New Hampshire | $62.69 | $2,508 | $10,870 | $130,390 |
14 | Rhode Island | $62.42 | $2,497 | $10,820 | $129,840 |
15 | Texas | $62.13 | $2,485 | $10,770 | $129,230 |
16 | Illinois | $60.96 | $2,438 | $10,570 | $126,790 |
17 | Oklahoma | $60.67 | $2,427 | $10,520 | $126,200 |
18 | Indiana | $60.67 | $2,427 | $10,520 | $126,190 |
19 | Arizona | $60.51 | $2,420 | $10,490 | $125,860 |
20 | Wisconsin | $60.41 | $2,416 | $10,470 | $125,650 |
21 | Delaware | $60.09 | $2,404 | $10,420 | $124,990 |
22 | Pennsylvania | $60.08 | $2,403 | $10,410 | $124,970 |
23 | Montana | $59.79 | $2,392 | $10,360 | $124,360 |
24 | Maryland | $59.63 | $2,385 | $10,340 | $124,040 |
25 | Nebraska | $59.29 | $2,372 | $10,280 | $123,330 |
26 | Maine | $58.96 | $2,358 | $10,220 | $122,640 |
27 | Louisiana | $58.91 | $2,357 | $10,210 | $122,540 |
28 | Idaho | $58.67 | $2,347 | $10,170 | $122,030 |
29 | Ohio | $58.53 | $2,341 | $10,150 | $121,740 |
30 | Mississippi | $58.44 | $2,338 | $10,130 | $121,560 |
31 | Virginia | $58.30 | $2,332 | $10,110 | $121,270 |
32 | Vermont | $58.12 | $2,325 | $10,070 | $120,880 |
33 | Colorado | $58.03 | $2,321 | $10,060 | $120,710 |
34 | Alaska | $58.01 | $2,320 | $10,060 | $120,660 |
35 | South Dakota | $57.62 | $2,305 | $9,990 | $119,850 |
36 | Utah | $57.62 | $2,305 | $9,990 | $119,850 |
37 | Georgia | $57.53 | $2,301 | $9,970 | $119,670 |
38 | Wyoming | $57.43 | $2,297 | $9,950 | $119,450 |
39 | North Carolina | $57.04 | $2,282 | $9,890 | $118,650 |
40 | North Dakota | $56.79 | $2,272 | $9,840 | $118,120 |
41 | Michigan | $56.71 | $2,268 | $9,830 | $117,950 |
42 | Missouri | $56.41 | $2,256 | $9,780 | $117,330 |
43 | Kansas | $55.65 | $2,226 | $9,650 | $115,760 |
44 | Florida | $54.98 | $2,199 | $9,530 | $114,350 |
45 | Kentucky | $54.47 | $2,179 | $9,440 | $113,300 |
46 | South Carolina | $54.39 | $2,176 | $9,430 | $113,130 |
47 | Arkansas | $53.38 | $2,135 | $9,250 | $111,040 |
48 | West Virginia | $53.22 | $2,129 | $9,230 | $110,700 |
49 | Alabama | $53.13 | $2,125 | $9,210 | $110,520 |
50 | Tennessee | $49.50 | $1,980 | $8,580 | $102,970 |
(Source: Nursingprocess.org) |
What is the Average Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Salary by City? – (Ranked Highest-Lowest)
Salaries for aesthetic nurse practitioners in San Jose, California, are nearly two times as high as salaries for aesthetic nurse practitioners in Miami, Florida. Both cities have high numbers of medical and wellness spas, so the salary differential may reflect the fact that Florida nurse NPs can only practice under the oversight of a supervising physician.
Thirteen of the fifteen cities where aesthetic nurse practitioners make the highest salaries are in California. Demand is high in these cities because many business people living in the Golden State see the types of cosmetic procedures done at medical spas as a necessary part of staying competitive in a tight labor market.
Rank | City | Hourly | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
1 | San Jose, CA | $99.50 | $3,980 | $17,250 | $206,950 |
2 | Oakland, CA | $94.73 | $3,789 | $16,420 | $197,040 |
3 | San Francisco, CA | $94.73 | $3,789 | $16,420 | $197,040 |
4 | New York, NY | $84.88 | $3,395 | $14,710 | $176,560 |
5 | Newark, NJ | $84.88 | $3,395 | $14,710 | $176,560 |
6 | Sacramento, CA | $78.65 | $3,146 | $13,630 | $163,590 |
7 | Fresno, CA | $75.61 | $3,024 | $13,110 | $157,260 |
8 | San Diego, CA | $74.74 | $2,990 | $12,960 | $155,460 |
9 | Anaheim, CA | $74.32 | $2,973 | $12,880 | $154,580 |
10 | Long Beach, CA | $74.32 | $2,973 | $12,880 | $154,580 |
11 | Los Angeles, CA | $74.32 | $2,973 | $12,880 | $154,580 |
12 | Modesto, CA | $73.00 | $2,920 | $12,650 | $151,850 |
13 | Stockton, CA | $73.00 | $2,920 | $12,650 | $151,830 |
14 | Riverside, CA | $72.72 | $2,909 | $12,600 | $151,250 |
15 | San Bernardino, CA | $72.72 | $2,909 | $12,600 | $151,250 |
16 | Bakersfield, CA | $71.91 | $2,877 | $12,470 | $149,580 |
17 | Boston, MA | $70.33 | $2,813 | $12,190 | $146,290 |
18 | Portland, OR | $70.11 | $2,804 | $12,150 | $145,830 |
19 | Seattle, WA | $69.73 | $2,789 | $12,090 | $145,030 |
20 | Tacoma, WA | $69.73 | $2,789 | $12,090 | $145,030 |
21 | Worcester, MA | $69.06 | $2,763 | $11,970 | $143,650 |
22 | Henderson, NV | $67.65 | $2,706 | $11,730 | $140,720 |
23 | Las Vegas, NV | $67.65 | $2,706 | $11,730 | $140,720 |
24 | Reno, NV | $67.38 | $2,695 | $11,680 | $140,160 |
25 | Houston, TX | $67.17 | $2,687 | $11,640 | $139,720 |
26 | Des Moines, IA | $65.13 | $2,605 | $11,290 | $135,460 |
27 | Rochester, NY | $64.14 | $2,566 | $11,120 | $133,410 |
28 | Honolulu, HI | $64.07 | $2,563 | $11,110 | $133,260 |
29 | Minneapolis, MN | $63.99 | $2,559 | $11,090 | $133,090 |
30 | Saint Paul, MN | $63.99 | $2,559 | $11,090 | $133,090 |
31 | Albuquerque, NM | $63.87 | $2,555 | $11,070 | $132,850 |
32 | Cape Coral, FL | $63.79 | $2,552 | $11,060 | $132,690 |
33 | Chicago, IL | $62.81 | $2,512 | $10,890 | $130,640 |
34 | Indianapolis, IN | $62.80 | $2,512 | $10,890 | $130,630 |
35 | Washington, DC | $62.75 | $2,510 | $10,880 | $130,510 |
36 | Cleveland, OH | $62.45 | $2,498 | $10,820 | $129,890 |
37 | Anchorage, AK | $62.35 | $2,494 | $10,810 | $129,690 |
38 | Arlington, TX | $62.33 | $2,493 | $10,800 | $129,640 |
39 | Dallas, TX | $62.33 | $2,493 | $10,800 | $129,640 |
40 | Fort Worth, TX | $62.33 | $2,493 | $10,800 | $129,640 |
41 | Philadelphia, PA | $62.27 | $2,491 | $10,790 | $129,520 |
42 | Buffalo, NY | $62.23 | $2,489 | $10,790 | $129,430 |
43 | Spokane, WA | $62.10 | $2,484 | $10,760 | $129,170 |
44 | Madison, WI | $61.90 | $2,476 | $10,730 | $128,760 |
45 | Pittsburgh, PA | $61.75 | $2,470 | $10,700 | $128,450 |
46 | Austin, TX | $61.74 | $2,470 | $10,700 | $128,420 |
47 | Port St. Lucie, FL | $61.63 | $2,465 | $10,680 | $128,200 |
48 | Winston-Salem, NC | $61.14 | $2,446 | $10,600 | $127,170 |
49 | Omaha, NE | $61.13 | $2,445 | $10,600 | $127,150 |
50 | Oklahoma City, OK | $60.75 | $2,430 | $10,530 | $126,370 |
51 | Durham, NC | $60.68 | $2,427 | $10,520 | $126,220 |
52 | San Antonio, TX | $60.67 | $2,427 | $10,520 | $126,190 |
53 | Tulsa, OK | $60.51 | $2,421 | $10,490 | $125,870 |
54 | Corpus Christi, TX | $60.51 | $2,420 | $10,490 | $125,860 |
55 | Mesa, AZ | $60.27 | $2,411 | $10,450 | $125,370 |
56 | Phoenix, AZ | $60.27 | $2,411 | $10,450 | $125,370 |
57 | Scottsdale, AZ | $60.27 | $2,411 | $10,450 | $125,370 |
58 | Fort Wayne, IN | $59.94 | $2,398 | $10,390 | $124,670 |
59 | Laredo, TX | $59.85 | $2,394 | $10,370 | $124,480 |
60 | Baltimore, MD | $59.72 | $2,389 | $10,350 | $124,220 |
61 | Boise, ID | $59.70 | $2,388 | $10,350 | $124,180 |
62 | Salt Lake City, UT | $59.67 | $2,387 | $10,340 | $124,110 |
63 | El Paso, TX | $59.61 | $2,384 | $10,330 | $123,990 |
64 | Tucson, AZ | $59.60 | $2,384 | $10,330 | $123,960 |
65 | Cincinnati, OH | $59.57 | $2,383 | $10,330 | $123,910 |
66 | Aurora, CO | $59.15 | $2,366 | $10,250 | $123,040 |
67 | Denver, CO | $59.15 | $2,366 | $10,250 | $123,040 |
68 | Kansas City, MO | $58.75 | $2,350 | $10,180 | $122,210 |
69 | New Orleans, LA | $58.72 | $2,349 | $10,180 | $122,140 |
70 | Raleigh, NC | $58.71 | $2,348 | $10,180 | $122,120 |
71 | Louisville, KY | $58.52 | $2,341 | $10,140 | $121,720 |
72 | Milwaukee, WI | $58.47 | $2,339 | $10,140 | $121,620 |
73 | Baton Rouge, LA | $58.23 | $2,329 | $10,090 | $121,120 |
74 | Columbus, OH | $57.96 | $2,318 | $10,050 | $120,560 |
75 | Columbus, GA | $57.77 | $2,311 | $10,010 | $120,160 |
76 | Atlanta, GA | $57.69 | $2,308 | $10,000 | $119,990 |
77 | Jacksonville, FL | $57.68 | $2,307 | $10,000 | $119,980 |
78 | Lubbock, TX | $57.51 | $2,300 | $9,970 | $119,620 |
79 | Richmond, VA | $57.31 | $2,292 | $9,930 | $119,200 |
80 | Toledo, OH | $57.17 | $2,287 | $9,910 | $118,920 |
81 | Colorado Springs, CO | $56.91 | $2,277 | $9,870 | $118,380 |
82 | Detroit, MI | $56.80 | $2,272 | $9,850 | $118,140 |
83 | Lincoln, NE | $56.79 | $2,272 | $9,840 | $118,130 |
84 | Norfolk, VA | $56.37 | $2,255 | $9,770 | $117,240 |
85 | Virginia Beach, VA | $56.37 | $2,255 | $9,770 | $117,240 |
86 | Orlando, FL | $56.28 | $2,251 | $9,760 | $117,070 |
87 | Greensboro, NC | $56.19 | $2,248 | $9,740 | $116,880 |
88 | Fayetteville, NC | $55.71 | $2,228 | $9,660 | $115,880 |
89 | Augusta, GA | $55.65 | $2,226 | $9,650 | $115,750 |
90 | St. Louis, MO | $55.62 | $2,225 | $9,640 | $115,690 |
91 | Charlotte, NC | $55.58 | $2,223 | $9,630 | $115,600 |
92 | St. Petersburg, FL | $53.65 | $2,146 | $9,300 | $111,590 |
93 | Tampa, FL | $53.65 | $2,146 | $9,300 | $111,590 |
94 | Little Rock, AR | $53.58 | $2,143 | $9,290 | $111,440 |
95 | Lexington, KY | $53.13 | $2,125 | $9,210 | $110,520 |
96 | Huntsville, AL | $52.47 | $2,099 | $9,090 | $109,130 |
97 | Wichita, KS | $52.04 | $2,082 | $9,020 | $108,240 |
98 | Nashville, TN | $51.63 | $2,065 | $8,950 | $107,380 |
99 | Memphis, TN | $51.18 | $2,047 | $8,870 | $106,450 |
100 | Miami, FL | $50.77 | $2,031 | $8,800 | $105,600 |
(Source: Nursingprocess.org) |
What are the 10 Highest-Paying States for Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners?
Nine of the ten top-paying states for aesthetic nurse practitioners are full-practice states where NPs can practice to the full extent of their training and education without physician supervision. (New Jersey is the standout.) This makes sense since, on the whole, nurse practitioners earn more in states that allow for full scope of practice.
Rank | Highest Paying States |
State | Average Annual Salary |
1 | California | $163,930 |
2 | New Jersey | $148,500 |
3 | New York | $146,660 |
4 | Massachusetts | $143,780 |
5 | Oregon | $141,240 |
6 | Nevada | $141,220 |
7 | Washington | $140,560 |
8 | Connecticut | $136,310 |
9 | New Mexico | $134,310 |
10 | Hawaii | $133,010 |
What are the 10 Highest-Paying Cities for Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners?
Eight of the ten top-paying cities for aesthetic nurse practitioners are in California, while Newark and New York City are both part of the Greater New York City Metropolitan Area. As noted above, these cities share a highly competitive employment market where looking one’s best plays an important role in getting ahead professionally. Demand for the services of aesthetic NPs in these metros is high.
Rank | Highest Paying Cities |
City | Average Annual Salary |
1 | San Jose, CA | $206,950 |
2 | Oakland, CA | $197,040 |
3 | San Francisco, CA | $197,040 |
4 | New York, NY | $176,560 |
5 | Newark, NJ | $176,560 |
6 | Sacramento, CA | $163,590 |
7 | Fresno, CA | $157,260 |
8 | San Diego, CA | $155,460 |
9 | Anaheim, CA | $154,580 |
10 | Long Beach, CA | $154,580 |
Can You Comfortably Live Off an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Salary in the United States?
Yes, you can live comfortably on an aesthetic nurse practitioner’s salary in most parts of the U.S! As you have seen, geography is one of the most significant factors influencing aesthetic nurse salary, and aesthetic NP salaries tend to be highest in locations with high demand for cosmetic procedures. These locations tend to be areas where the cost of living is high, so salaries must be correspondingly high. Other factors that play a crucial role in determining an aesthetic NP’s pay are education, years of practice, and additional certifications in areas like injectables, laser treatments, and skincare.
What is the Future Outlook for Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner Salaries?
In all likelihood, the average aesthetic nurse practitioner salary will rise in the next few years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities for all nurse practitioners will increase by 38 percent between 2022 and 2032, while employment opportunities for skincare specialists are projected to increase by 8 percent.
Bonus! 4 Ways Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners Can Maximize Their Salary
Are you an aesthetic nurse practitioner who’s looking for ways to maximize your earning potential? Here are four game-changing tips that really work.
Way #1: Pursue certifications
Employers prioritize the services of aesthetic nurse practitioners with specialized training in fillers, laser skin treatments, liposuction, and tattoo removal. The certification process validates that specialized training. Certifications that may prove valuable to an aesthetic nurse practitioner include:
• CANS: The Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB) offers a credential called Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS.) CANS covers four cosmetic specialties: plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery (ENT), dermatology, and ophthalmology. The qualifying exam is only open to applicants with a current, unrestricted RN license in the state where they’ll be working and at least two years of professional experience within one of the four core specialties under the supervision of a physician or a CANS-certified nurse practitioner.
• CPSN: PSNCB also offers a Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse (CPSN) credential. The qualifying exam is available to applicants who hold a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where they’ll be working, have 1,000 or more clinical hours working in cosmetic surgical nursing, and are currently working in collaboration with a plastic surgeon, an ophthalmologist, or a board-certified ENT in ophthalmology, burn care, plastic, or facial plastic surgery.
• DNC: The Dermatology Nurses’ Association offers the Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC) credential. The DNC exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of laser treatments, tattoo removal, the application of chemical peels, wound dressings, and acne treatment. To qualify for the DNC certification, you must have completed 2,000 clinical hours working in dermatology nursing and hold a current, unrestricted RN license.
Way #2: Get experience
As you saw above, the more experience you can garner as an aesthetic NP, the more money you’re likely to earn. Even with only one to four years of experience in this field, your aesthetic nurse practitioner salary will be 18 percent higher than it was when you first started out.
Way #3: Find the right employer
Generally speaking, the best-known clinics, dermatology practices, and medical spas offer the most competitive compensation packages because they see a higher client volume and because the clients they attract are higher-end individuals who are willing to splurge on expensive treatments.
Way #4: Relocate
As we have learned, demand for cosmetic procedures varies widely depending on location. The highest-paid aesthetic nurse practitioners tend to be employed in major metropolitan areas where residents have a great deal of disposable income. In areas with lower demand, salaries are likely to be significantly lower. Keep in mind, though, that major metropolitan areas are likely to be locations where the cost of living is high. While you may make more money in these urban areas, the actual purchasing power of the money you earn may be less.
My Final Thoughts
This article has given you an in-depth answer to the question, “How much does an aesthetic nurse practitioner make?” We’ve summarized aesthetic nurse practitioner salary by state in 2025 to help you determine whether aesthetic nurse practice could be the right professional path for you. Of course, salary is not the only reason to specialize in cosmetic medical procedures. Aesthetic NPs also tend to work more regular hours and, in full-practice states, frequently work autonomously either as a medical director or as the owner of their own practice. If this sounds appealing, check out some of
NursingProcess’s other articles on the aesthetics nurse practitioner career track.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert
1. Where Do Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners Mostly Work?
Aesthetic nurse practitioners typically work in private practice settings like medical spas, dermatology practices, and clinics rather than in hospitals. In states that permit NPs to practice without physician oversight, aesthetic NPs may be self-employed because they own their own practices.
2. What Schedules Do Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners Typically Work?
Most aesthetic nurse practitioners work traditional office hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Some weekend work may be involved depending upon the hours their place of employment keeps. Depending upon the kinds of procedures their place of employment offers, aesthetic NPs may also need to be on call occasionally.
3. Is There A Demand For Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners?
Yes, there is a demand for the services of aesthetic nurse practitioners.
4. Why Are Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners In Demand?
The American public is growing more interested in beauty-enhancing procedures all the time. The number of Botox clients alone increased by 74 percent between 2019 and 2022, while the number of clients seeking other types of injectable fillers increased by 70 percent. Aesthetic nurse practitioners are in demand because ever more clients are seeking cosmetic procedures, both surgical and noninvasive.
5. On Average, How Much Do Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners Make Per Hour?
Aesthetic nurse practitioners average $62.14 an hour.
6. On Average, How Much Do Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners Make Per Week?
As an aesthetic nurse practitioner, you can expect a salary of $2,486 a week on average.
7. On, Average, How Much Do Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners Make Per Month?
The monthly salary of an aesthetic nurse practitioner is $10,770.
8. On Average, How Much Do Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners Make Per Year?
Aesthetic nurse practitioners get paid $129,250 annually on average.
List Of Sources Used For This Article
1. The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery (AAAMS):
https://aaams.net/why-nurse-practitioners-love-aesthetics-training/
2. Implementing A Performance Based Compensation Model For Your Medical Aesthetics Business:
https://www.insparationmanagement.com/implementing-a-performance-based-compensation-model-for-your-medical-aesthetics-business/
3. American Med Spa Association:
https://americanmedspa.org/blog/update-nurse-practitioners-have-full-practice-authority-in-these-states
4. IBIS World: Health & Wellness Spas in the US - Number of Businesses:
https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/health-wellness-spas-united-states/
5. ThriveAP: Do States With Independent Practice Have Higher NP Salaries?
https://provider.thriveap.com/blog/do-states-independent-practice-have-higher-np-salaries
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Skincare Specialists
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nurse Practitioners
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
8. Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board: CANS
https://psncb.org/CANS/
9. Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board: CPSN
https://psncb.org/CPSN/
10. Dermatology Nurses’ Association: DNC
https://www.dnanurse.org/certification/
11. American Society of Plastic Surgeons: American Society of Plastic Surgeons Reveals 2022's Most Sought-After Procedures
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/american-society-of-plastic-surgeons-reveals-2022s-most-sought-after-procedures
Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Pattie Trumble is a nurse who worked in both California and New York for many years as an emergency room nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing. After 10 years of providing direct care, she went back to school and earned concurrent Master’s degrees in both public policy and public health from the University of California, Berkeley. Thereafter, she worked for various public health agencies in California at both the community and state levels providing economic and legislative analysis.