Latest 2023 Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary Details

Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses who have graduated from accredited Nurse Practitioner programs at the master’s or doctorate level. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, they are recognized by all fifty states and provide high-quality, patient-centered care across many populations and settings. In this article, we will look at Nurse Practitioner salary ranges and predicted growth, industries where they work, and a brief overview of twenty-five states that employ the highest number of Nurse Practitioners.


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What is the Starting Salary of a Nurse Practitioner?

The average income of a newly graduated Nurse Practitioner is approximately $79,470, which is around $38,570 less than the national average. Many Nurse Practitioners will enter a fellowship or residency after which their salary usually increases, and after a few years of experience, most will be earning close to the national average.

Type	Salary
Hourly	$38.21
Monthly	$6,620
Annual	$79,470
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

What is the Average Nurse Practitioner Salary as per the Latest BLS Data?

Nurse Practitioner salary per hour is $56.75 on average, and the annual income is $118,040. Some factors that affect the average range are location, specialty, and industry.

Type	Salary
Hourly	$56.75
Monthly	$9,840
Annual	$118,040
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Nurse Practitioner Salary Survey

A salary survey performed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that approximately 50% of Nurse Practitioners report an income range from $99,540 to $129,680.

What Factors Play a Role in How much a Nurse Practitioner Earns?

Several factors affect how much a Nurse Practitioner can make. For example, Nurse Practitioners who decide to pursue a fellowship will generally earn more than those who choose to go straight to practice. The area a Nurse Practitioner specializes in is also a factor affecting income; as is the institution and location where the Nurse Practitioner chooses to practice. Additionally, the number of years the Nurse Practitioner has been practicing also affects the rate of pay.

How Much Has the Average Salary Grown in The Last 5 Years (2017-2021)?

The average Nurse Practitioner income has grown by nearly 13% in the last five years. This increase is primarily due to the increased utilization of Nurse Practitioners in almost all sectors.

How Much will the Average Salary Grow in The Next 5 Years (2022-2026)?

Nurse Practitioner income is projected to increase by 15.75% over the next five years. This high rate coincides with the greater number of Nurse Practitioners being utilized mainly in the primary care community.

Total Nurse Practitioner Compensation in the Private Sector as per Latest BLS Data

Nurse Practitioner income in the private sector is approximately $118,140 for base pay with a full benefits package of $49,911. The total combined income is $168,051 between salary and benefits.

Total Nurse Practitioner Compensation in the Government Sector as per Latest BLS Data

Nurse Practitioner income in the government sector is approximately $116,860 for base pay, which is less than the base pay in the private sector; however, the benefits package totals $71,928, which is more than the private sector benefits. The total combined income of $188,788 ultimately comes out to be more than the private sector.

Earnings in 4 Industries Employing the Highest Number of Nurse Practitioners

1. Offices of Physicians:

Nurse Practitioners working in the office of Physicians have full authority to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and prescribe. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) states 75% of all nurse practitioners currently practice in primary care. Nurse Practitioners usually choose practice areas within primary care such as; Acute Care, Adult, Family, Gerontological, Neonatal, Oncology, Pediatric, Psychiatric/Mental Health or Women’s Health. Nurse Practitioners working full-time in these offices can expect to make around $114,870 annually.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$38.06 - $73.52	$79,170 - $152,920

2. Hospitals:

Nurse Practitioner’s in hospitals may be the sole provider for the patient, this is usually in more rural settings, but it is becoming more common in all hospitals. The Nurse Practitioner may take a team approach with a physician; or they may be responsible for a particular-part of care, such as admissions or discharges, others work with surgical patients in pre/post operation. Nurse Practitioners in hospitals can expect to make around $122,960 annually.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$46.17 - $78.75	$96,040 - $163,800

3. Outpatient Care Centers:

Nurse Practitioners working in the outpatient care setting may work in places such as; minute clinic, urgent care, schools, prisons, and community health centers. Nurse Practitioners treat acute illnesses or take care of minor wellness needs such as minor wounds, sore throats, hives, vaccinations, and physicals. Nurse practitioners in this role are organized and efficient in meeting their patient’s healthcare needs and providing wellness counseling. Nurse Practitioners in outpatient care can expect to make around $135,520 annually.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$46.06 - $81.59	$95,810 - $169,710

4. Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools:

Nurse Practitioners fill many roles in the academic community; some are full-time professors with very little clinical time while others choose to spend most of their time in clinical and fulfill a part-time didactic role. Nurse Practitioners may also prefer to take an administrative position with the university, while others opt to further their education by pursuing a post-doctorate. Nurse Practitioners in didactics earn approximately $110,670, which is close to the national average.

Hourly Wage	Annual Salary
$38.60 - $62.98	$80,280 - $131,000

Industry Wise Nurse Practitioner Salary – Highest to Lowest

Below we have listed various industries where nurse practitioners work based on the average earnings from highest to lowest.

NP Salary in 25 States Employing the Highest Number of Nurse Practitioners

1. California:

The average income for Nurse Practitioners in California is $151,830, well above the national average of $118,040. Additionally, San Francisco is the second highest paying metropolitan area in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report. If you're looking for residencies, you’ll find two in California; the surgery residency at UCSF and the primary care residency at UCLA/UCSF/Glide/Union Rescue Mission. To top it off, USA Today ranks California second in the nation for overall happiness.

2. New York:

New York Nurse Practitioners earn $133,940 annually, which is higher than the national average; however, New York has the highest cost of living in the nation, according to Sperling’s Best Places. Job growth is much higher than average; and if you’re looking for a residency, you’ll find three in New York; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center offers a Palliative Care residency, Rochester Medical offers an Emergency Medicine residency, and Columbia offers a residency in Acute Care.

3. Texas:

Texas is a growing state, and by 2024 Nurse Practitioner jobs will nearly double in number. According to Sperling’s Best Places, Texas has a cost of living equal to that of the national average, with lower home prices that range around $117,890. The average income of Nurse Practitioners is approximately $10,000 higher than the national average, and you can find an Oncology residency at the famed MD Anderson Cancer Center.

4. Florida:

Nurse Practitioner salaries in Florida average $104,830, which is approximate to the national average. However, this is location-based, and according to US News & World Report, Palm Bay, Florida is the highest paying metropolitan area for Nurse Practitioners. Jobs will be plentiful since the employment growth rate projects a near doubling in positions, and there is one Oncology residency program in the state hosted by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami.

5. Ohio:

Nurse Practitioners in Ohio average around $112,490 for income, which is comparable to the national average. A nice perk of living in Ohio is that the cost of living is well under the national average according to Sperling’s Best Places. The job growth rate is less than the national average, but it’s still a solid 24.61%. Ohio also hosts Cleveland Clinic, a nationally ranked and high performing system according to US News & World Report.

6. Tennessee:

The average nurse practitioner salary in Tennessee is $95,120, only slightly lower than the national average income. The employment growth rate is expected to be around 34.67%, roughly 17.49% higher than the national average. For Nurse Practitioners hoping to specialize there are two residency programs available through Robbie Simpson Fellowship one for pediatrics and the other for oncology.

7. Massachusetts:

Nurse Practitioners working in Massachusetts can expect to make around $129,540 on average, which is about $11,500 above the national average. The cost of living in Massachusetts is higher than the national average according to U.S. News & World Report. However, it does boast several nationally ranked public school systems for those with families. Massachusetts also offers four residency programs in primary care, palliative care, dermatology, and pediatrics through the famed Boston’s Children’s Hospital.

8. Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania Nurse Practitioners average $117,260 for income, which is only slightly lower than the national average. According to US News & World Report, Pennsylvania is approximate to the nation regarding the cost of living expenses, and the projected job growth rate is near the national average at 26.46%. For Nurse Practitioners wishing to specialize in surgery, there is also a residency offered through St. Luke’s University Health Network.

9. Georgia:

Nurse practitioner income in the state of Georgia is approximately $109,560, and the employment growth rate is 41.37%, both are close to the national averages. Georgia is also home to Emory University Hospital, a nationally ranking hospital system in Georgia and their nursing program at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, is the 5th ranking nursing program in the nation and one of the few that offers a post-doctorate fellow position.

10. New Jersey:

New Jersey Nurse Practitioners, on average, bring home $137,010 per year and can expect an employment rate of approximately 28.16%. While the income range is better than the national average, the cost of living in New Jersey is much higher as well. However, families can find nationally ranked public-school systems such as West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. Additionally, Capital Health in New Jersey offers a residency for Nurse Practitioners interested in Neurology.

11. Illinois:

Illinois Nurse Practitioners have an average yearly income of $120,470 and an employment growth rate of 31.13%. The cost of living is approximately similar to the national average, according to US News & World Report. Nurse Practitioners will enjoy the fact that Illinois is home to two well-respected school districts Naperville Community School District 203 and Morton Community School District 709.

12. Virginia:

There will be no shortage of jobs for Nurse Practitioners wishing to make a move to Virginia. With an expected employment growth of 30.74%, the number of available jobs will be plentiful. Virginia Nurse Practitioners bring home approximately $112,320; however, this number does vary depending on location within the state. Cost of living in Virginia is higher than that of the national average; this is likely due to the proximity to Washington D.C.

13. Missouri:

Missouri Nurse Practitioners can expect to make an average of $103,490, which is below the national average of $118,040. However, according to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Missouri is much less than that of the national average. The Missouri Association of Missouri Nurse Practitioners has an active website complete with job openings and conference announcements.

14. North Carolina:

North Carolina Nurse Practitioners are pushing the boundaries and advancing care with Atrium Health's Center for Advanced Practice, a curriculum-based clinical training and fellowship in seven areas including; Cardiology, Emergency, Psychiatry, Acute Care, Surgery, and Palliative care. Nurse Practitioners in North Carolina can expect to make an average of $112,730 and expect an employment growth of 30.42% which is in line with the national average.

15. Indiana:

According to Sperling’s Best Places, Nurse Practitioners will find a very affordable cost of living in Indiana, and it still comes close to the national average in terms of income, with average earnings of $113,490 a year. The expected employment growth is higher than the national average, with approximately 450 current job openings per year. U.S. News & World Report ranks Indiana University Health Center as the premier hospital system in Indiana.

16. Michigan:

The average pay of a Nurse Practitioner in Michigan, $108,770, is very close to the national average; with an estimated employment growth rate of 16.12%, also within the average range. According to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Michigan is lower than the national average. Two fellowships are offered in Michigan, the first is a ten-week trauma fellowship at Hurley Medical Center and the second is a Hospice & Palliative Care fellowship at Michigan Medicine.

17. Minnesota:

In a survey done by WalletHub, Minnesota placed 3rd on the list of Happiest States in America, so if you’re looking for a positive community, Minnesota might be your place. Minnesota Nurse Practitioners make approximately $127,010 a year, which is higher than the national average. The employment growth rate, 23.04%, is slightly lower than the national average. You can also find great fellowship opportunities in the areas of Emergency, Psychiatric, and Acute Care at Mayo Clinic

18. Maryland:

The average income of Nurse Practitioners in Maryland is $115,700, which is near the national average. However, Maryland does have a high cost of living index according to Sperling’s Best Places. Maryland is a non-restricted practice state meaning that Nurse Practitioners have full authority to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and prescribe without input from another healthcare provider. The employment growth rate is 34.88%, which is a little below average, but still a good number.

19. Alabama:

Alabama is lowest on our list in terms of average income with a yearly average of $102,410. However, according to Sperling’s Best Places, the cost of living in Alabama is also very affordable. The employment growth rate is near the national average with a current rate of 320 job openings a year. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Alabama at Birmingham as the top hospital system in Alabama.

20. Arizona:

Nurse Practitioners salaries in the state of Arizona average around $119,910, which is close to the national average. However, the employment growth rate is nearly double the average at 50.90%. Arizona is also a full practice state meaning Nurse Practitioners can practice at the top of their license. Additionally, The Mayo Clinic in Arizona offers one of the few cardiology fellowships in the U.S. for practitioners interested in the field.

21. Kentucky:

Kentucky is a very competitive state in terms of cost of living. The average income is approximately $106,080; this is lower than the national earnings. However it is reasonable considering the cost of living. The employment growth rate of 22.32% is slightly lower than the average. In terms of possible employers, The University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky is nationally ranked and high-performing, according to U.S. News and World Report.

22. Washington:

Washington state is close to the top averages in terms of annual income with an average of $130,840; however, the cost of living is also higher than the national standards, according to Sperling’s Best Places. The employment growth rate is close to average at 28.54%. Washington is also a full practice state, allowing Nurse Practitioners to practice at the top of their license, and you can also find fellowships in primary and community care.

23. Wisconsin:

Wisconsin has an average income of $116,990, which is close to the national average. The employment growth of 29.21% is lower than the national average. However, there are still about 250 job openings each year. For Nurse Practitioner’s desiring to go into critical care, The Medical College of Wisconsin has programs for both adults and pediatric critical care environments.

24. Colorado:

The state of Colorado allows Nurse Practitioners to operate at the top of their license; this is known as a full practice authority state. Colorado is also an attractive state in terms of average income, $112,580, and expected employment growth of 44.74%. both of which are lower than the national average. There are three types of fellowships offered in Colorado; a Rural Fellowship, a Clinical Care Emergency Department Fellowship, and a Hospitalist Fellowship.

25. Mississippi:

Mississippi has a very low cost of living, according to Sperling’s Best Places, and an average income, $111,750, that is greater than the national average. The employment growth rate, 45.02% is lower than the rest of the nation, but there are still 30 annual job openings. Nurse Practitioners desiring to sharpen their skills can check out the one year-long Advanced Practice Clinician Fellowship Program offered by North Mississippi Health Services.

Nurse Practitioner Salary by State in Alphabetical Order

The table below lists Nurse Practitioner income by state and is further broken down to exhibit an hourly, monthly, and annual salary in each respective state.

Salary of a Nurse Practitioner Compared to Other Nursing Jobs

Compared to other nursing professions, Nurse Practitioners are ranked third highest income within the community. Nurse Anesthetists and Nurse Midwives rank higher within the advanced practitioner role and Registered Nurses rank just below the income of a Nurse Practitioner.

Salary of a Nurse Practitioner Compared to Similar Healthcare Jobs

Nurse Practitioner average salaries are close to middle in ranking amongst other highly specialized practitioners. The range varies based upon work setting and area of practice.






Nurse Practitioner Salary in Your State