Are Nurse Practitioners Well Paid? – (Let’s Find Out)
Written By: Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Nurse practitioners are a vital component of the healthcare system. In fact, U.S. News and Reports ranked nurse practitioners first as the best healthcare jobs in 2022—which should not come as a surprise! NPs care for patients of all ages in the outpatient and inpatient setting, helping meet the healthcare needs of patients in rural or underserved areas.
While there are many great attributes to the nurse practitioner, and it is again ranked first as the best job in healthcare, there is often the unspoken question: are nurse practitioners paid well? To answer this question, below, you will find the average annual salary of nurse practitioners compared to the salary of 17 other closely related healthcare jobs.
Are Nurse Practitioners Well Paid?
(To find out whether nurse practitioners are well paid or not, based on the latest BLS figures, let us compare the salary of a nurse practitioner with 17 other nursing and other closely related healthcare jobs.)
1. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. AUDIOLOGIST
The average annual salary of an audiologist is $89,490, approximately $35,000 less than a nurse practitioner. One reason for this is that audiology primarily focuses on a person’s hearing and their range of services is often less than an NP as NPs can provide care to various populations and settings based on their certification exam.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Audiologist Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $89,490 | +$35,190 | +39.32% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
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2. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. CHIROPRACTOR
The average salary of a nurse practitioner is $124,680 compared to the average salary of a chiropractor, which is $83,720, leading to a difference of almost $41,000 a year. That is quite a significant difference in pay; honestly, I was slightly surprised. Years spent in school between the two degrees are similar, but their daily role is vastly different, leading to the difference in pay. NPs focus on the entire patient through diagnosing and treating their patients with acute and chronic problems through pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures. On the other hand, chiropractors focus on the musculoskeletal system to align the spine and help with pain management and mobility.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Chiropractor Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $83,720 | +$40,960 | +48.92% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
3. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. DENTIST
The average salary of a dentist is $180,900 per year, indicating their average wage is $56,220 higher than that of a nurse practitioner. There are many reasons for this, but one significant reason is that many dentists own their practice, which is often associated with a higher salary. There are also differences in the education requirements of dentists and nurse practitioners, which may contribute to their higher salaries. While both degrees require a BSN degree, a dentist must complete the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) before applying to dental school, and the licensing exams and CEU requirements are different.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Dentist Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $180,900 | -$56,220 | -31.08% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
4. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. LICENSED PRACTICAL AND LICENSED VOCATIONAL NURSE
There is a significant difference in salary between a nurse practitioner and a licensed practice and a licensed vocational nurse. The average pay of a licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse is $55,860 a year, which is 68,820 less than a nurse practitioner. One of the biggest reasons for this difference in salary is education requirements. A licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse must complete a year-long program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. In contrast, the NP must complete a minimum of an MSN degree, maintain an active RN license, and successfully pass their state board certification exam.
Another reason there is such a difference in salary between these two healthcare fields is the level of responsibility. An NP can assess, diagnose, and treat patients, while licensed practical and vocational nurses provide patient care and administer medication under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $55,860 | +$68,820 | +123.20% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
5. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. NURSE ANESTHETIST
The average salary of a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is significantly greater than a nurse practitioner. The average wage of a CRNA is $205,770, which is more than $81,090 than an NP. While the educational requirements are similar between the two advanced practice RN jobs, the CRNA is responsible for airway management during surgeries and pain management post-operatively or during labor, making it highly specialized.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Nurse Anesthetist Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $205,770 | -$81,090 | -39.41% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
6. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. NURSE MIDWIFE
A nurse practitioner and nurse midwife's average annual salary is almost the same, with a difference of less than 2% between the two advanced practice registered nurse roles. This is not surprising as their educational requirements are similar, and both providers can assess, diagnose, and treat their patients—the setting and population may vary. The nurse midwife cares for women from adolescence through adulthood, including prenatal, antenatal, and postpartum care.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Nurse Midwife Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $122,450 | +$2,230 | +1.82% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
7. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. NURSING ASSISTANT
The average salary of a nursing assistant is $36,200, more than $88,000 less than the average annual salary of a nurse practitioner. There are multiple reasons, including education requirements and scope of practice. A nursing assistant must complete a certification to work, while an NP must have a minimum of an MSN degree and complete a board certification exam. The scope of practice also varies as the nursing assistant helps provide care to their patients and helps them perform their activities of daily living. In contrast, nurse practitioners can assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for their patients, including prescribing medications.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Nursing Assistant Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $36,220 | +$88,460 | +244.23% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
8. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. NURSE EDUCATOR
The average annual salary of a nurse educator is $84,180, more than $40,000 less per year than that of a nurse practitioner. The difference between these two salaries surprised me as many nurse educators have a master’s or doctoral degree, and many are board-certified nurse practitioners. One idea as to why their average salary is less than an NP is that they do not use the skills of assessment, diagnosis, and prescribing of medications daily—but instead are teaching nursing concepts and skills to future certified nursing assistants, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse leaders, etc.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Nurse Educator Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $84,180 | +$40,500 | +48.11% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
9. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
The average salary of an occupational therapist is $92,800, approximately $31,880 less than the average annual salary of a nurse practitioner, which is $124,680. While most occupational therapy jobs require a doctorate, the scope of practice between an NP and an occupational therapist varies greatly, most likely leading to the difference in average salary. An occupational therapist focuses on improving a person’s daily life by helping them with their daily living activities using fine motor skills and coordination, and the NP’s role typically involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating their patient, which includes prescribing medications and therapy when appropriate.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Occupational Therapist Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $92,800 | +$31,880 | +34.35% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
10. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. OPTOMETRIST
The average salary of an optometrist is $133,100, or approximately $8,000 more than that of a nurse practitioner. The education requirements are similar, which include completing a bachelor’s degree and then a graduate program, but their roles are very different. Optometrists are highly specialized and focus strictly on the eye, which may contribute to their 6% higher income than NPs. Their role includes an examination of the eye for vision or other ocular abnormalities or defects, which may include assessing for ocular damage related to diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Optometrist Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $133,100 | -$8,420 | -6.33% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
11. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. PHARMACIST
The average annual salary of a pharmacist is $129,410, which is $4,730 more than a nurse practitioner's. One factor leading to the difference in salary is that all pharmacists must complete their doctorate before they can practice. Pharmacists must also have solid knowledge of medications, including how and why they work, possible side effects, and possible interactions with other medicines that a patient may be taking. They can also question a physician's order, and some states will even allow the pharmacist to refuse to fill a prescription, especially if they feel the patient is misusing the medication.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Pharmacist Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $129,410 | -$4,730 | -3.66% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
12. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. PHYSICAL THERAPIST
The average annual salary of a physical therapist is $97,960, which is almost $27,000 less per year compared to the average annual salary of a nurse practitioner. And while their educational requirements may be similar, their scope of practice and overall role in healthcare vary significantly. A physical therapist focuses on developing treatment plans that improve the strength and mobility of their patients while also improving their pain and preventing disability--which is incredibly important in healthcare and leads to improved quality of life. The big difference most likely leading to the difference in salary is that NPs can prescribe medications and determine treatment plans for their patients, which may include physical therapy.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Physical Therapist Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $97,960 | +$26,720 | +27.28% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
13. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
The average salary of a nurse practitioner and physician assistant is almost the same, with the physician assistant making $590 more yearly. I expected this as the role and educational requirements of the NP and PA are very similar. NPs and PAs often work in similar environments, and while one healthcare specialty may prefer hiring PAs, another specialty may prefer NPs. It is common to find an NP and PA working together in the same office, performing the same job duties while caring for their patients.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Physician Assistant Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $125,270 | -$590 | -0.47% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
14. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. PODIATRIST
A podiatrist makes approximately $33,000 more than a nurse practitioner per year. There are a couple of reasons for the difference in salary, including the differences in education. The podiatrist completes a bachelor’s degree and then attends a
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program followed by completion of a podiatry residency, while the NP must also complete a bachelor’s degree and attend a graduate program; a residency program is not required to practice as an NP. A podiatrist can also practice independently and perform surgical procedures when appropriate.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Podiatrist Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $157,970 | -$33,290 | -21.07% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
15. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. REGISTERED NURSE
The average annual salary of a registered nurse is $89,010, which is over $35,670 less than a nurse practitioner. This is primarily due to the difference in educational requirements and scope of practice. The nurse practitioner must complete the registered nurse's academic requirements, graduate from either an MSN or DNP program, and become board-certified in their NP specialty (i.e., family practice or adult-gerontology).
The scope of practice is also different. A registered nurse can provide patient care through the assessment and administration of medications. While the nurse practitioner can perform these tasks, they can also diagnose and treat their patients, which includes prescribing medications.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Registered Nurse Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $89,010 | +$35,670 | +40.07% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
16. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
The average annual salary of a speech-language pathologist is $89,460 compared to that of a nurse practitioner, which is $124,680. This leads to a difference of just over $35,000 a year. Education for the two healthcare fields is similar in that a minimum of a four-year degree and a graduate degree are needed, but again, the role or scope of practice is vastly different. The nurse practitioner treats acute and chronic health problems through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, including pharmacological or nonpharmacological measures. The speech-language pathologist focuses on evaluating and treating those with speech, language, and swallowing disorders and cannot prescribe medications or pharmacologic measures to treat their patients.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Speech-Language Pathologist Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $89,460 | +$35,220 | +39.37% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
17. NURSE PRACTITIONER VS. VETERINARIAN
Lastly, the average salary of a veterinarian is only $4,430 more than a nurse practitioner. This is surprising as I expected the average annual salary of a veterinarian to be much higher than that of a nurse practitioner. Still, when you compare the educational requirements and scope of practice of a vet and an NP, they are very similar. Both require completion of a four-year degree and then a graduate program. Veterinarians and NPs also focus on assessing, diagnosing, and treating their patients and emphasizing education for their patients' families—the difference is that veterinarians care for animals, and NPs care for people.
Nurse Practitioner Average Annual Salary | Veterinarian Average Annual Salary | Difference |
Number | % |
$124,680 | $129,110 | -$4,430 | -3.43% |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Bonus! So, are Nurse Practitioners Well Paid – My Personal Opinion
Yes! Nurse practitioners are paid well. The average salary is $124,680, indicating NPs can make more than this depending on their specialty or if they own their practice. The education, training, and licensing expectations differ from those of a physician, leading to a lower annual salary. However, I believe NPs are still paid well for their knowledge, skills, and expertise in providing care to their patients.
My Final Thoughts
Now you know my thoughts on how well nurse practitioners are paid, but after reading this article, what are your thoughts on the question, are nurse practitioners paid well? Becoming a nurse practitioner can be challenging, but it is gratifying in both the pay received and the impact you leave on your patients' and their families' lives. NPs aren't ranked the number one job in healthcare for no reason!
Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Kasee Wiesen is a practicing family nurse practitioner. Her nursing background includes emergency medicine, pediatrics and peri-op. Education is a passion of Kasee’s, and she has taught BSN, RN-BSN and DNP students, and has enjoyed every moment of it!