Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Salary for 2023

DNPs will enjoy increased earnings and opportunities over the next several years. Medscape states DNP salary rose 5% from 2018 to 2020 averaging $126,480, while the Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts an astounding 45% overall employment growth from 2020 to 2030. Graduates from the nation’s best DNP programs such as Rush University, Johns Hopkins, and The University of Washington are likely to see even better gains. Let’s look at the top-ranking earnings by state and specialty and what sort of salary and job outlook a doctorally trained nurse can expect.
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Average DNP Salary Per Hour Based on years of Experience

DNP salary per hour varies with experience, specialties, and locations. For example, the wage of a DNP program professors is less than that of acute care practitioners. And while pay tends to be less in rural, underserved areas, you may qualify for student loan forgiveness effectively increasing your hourly rate.
Type Hourly Wage
Starting (Entry-Level)$38.84
1-4 Years of Experience$49.29
5-9 Years of Experience$58.54
10-19 Years of Experience$70.74
20 Years or More Experience$73.19
Average$60.81
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Average DNP Salary Per Year Based on Years of Experience

Yearly earnings depend on experience; however, the average DNP salary tends to increase quickly after the first year of practice. Where you work can impact how much you make. You may find that you lose negotiating power in large institutions, mainly because most of them have pre-determined pay ranges.
Type Salary
Starting (Entry-Level)$80,790
1-4 Years of Experience$102,530
5-9 Years of Experience$121,770
10-19 Years of Experience$147,140
20 Years or More Experience$152,230
Average$126,480
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

What is the Outlook for DNP Graduates in Terms of Salary and Job Security?

With the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projecting a 45% occupational growth rate between 2020 and 2030 it is safe to say if you are a DNP your job is probably secure. This growth can be attributed to an aging population that is living longer, and living with a wide range of comorbidities. Many nurses currently in the field are also coming of retirement age. The offset supply and demand means the opportunities for DNPs will abound. It is very likely that the salary of a Doctor of Nursing practice graduate will grow right along with the demand.

10 Best States for DNP Graduates to Work

California

How can you resist a state where you can go surfing and skiing all in the same day, an activity aptly called the California Double. California has a lot to offer to its residents and to DNPs who desire to work there. The average income of all DNPs is $157,750 with a ceiling of $205,360 for certain specializations, such as nurse anesthetists.

New York

Maybe you enjoy the lights and shows on Broadway or perhaps the six-million-acres of The Adirondack Park are more your style, either way New York state has a place for you. Nurse practitioners with a DNP take home an average of $137,900 a year in New York, and opportunities such as the Nurse Practitioner Residency at Cornell are a fabulous way to boost your skills and earning potential.

Texas

If you’re looking for sunshine and southern hospitality Texas could be your new home sweet home. DNPs take home a modest $118,230, but according to the Texas Workforce Commission the health care industry is on track to grow by 32% in the next seven years, which means ample opportunity and lots of negotiation room.

Florida

Maybe it’s the colonial Spanish architecture of St. Augustine or the thriving art scene of St. Petersburg that draws you to Florida, no matter the pull you will be in high demand. DNPs can expect to make an average of $122,140, and as one of the top destinations for retiring Americans, Florida will need a wealth of providers.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home of nationally ranked Mass General where in an operating theatre known as the Ether Dome surgical anesthesia was born. A fact well-known to doctorally prepared nurse anesthetists. Another fact to know is that Massachusetts ranks near the top for DNP pay coming in at a comfortable $142,300.

New Jersey

Despite the reputation of overcrowding, the Smithsonian reports New Jersey as having the largest piece of wildlife protected land on the Eastern Seaboard. DNPs average $117,870 per year in New Jersey and can enjoy the luxury of both city and country living.

Georgia

Georgia is home of Emory University the 5th ranking DNP program in the nation according to U.S. News and world report, producing well-trained DNP’s. If you thrive in the academic setting, Emory also has opportunities for Post-Doctoral Training. The average income for DNPs in the state of Georgia is approximately $117,770.

Illinois

Illinois is home of the Windy City, also known as Chicago, and boasts an array of activities from shopping on the Magnificent Mile to rock climbing on the craggy southern cliffs. DNPs enjoy an active lifestyle and bring home an average of $117,430.

North Carolina

North Carolinians enjoy a short drive to either the beach or the mountains. North Carolina is also home of what is known as The Research Triangle composed of three large research universities Duke, the University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State. Both Duke and UNC boast large hospital systems, and if you have an interest in specializing Duke hosts a robust fellowship program for DNPs. The average salary in North Carolina settles at $123,840.

Virginia

Virginia boasts on their state slogan Virginia is for lovers, but I would assert it is also a state for DNPs. The average income of DNPs is $130,670 modestly higher than in most states. Virginia is a beautiful state with a rich history and the natural beauty of the Blueridge mountains on one side and warm sunny beaches to the other.

DNP Salary by State

DNP income varies widely based on location below we have broken down the annual income by state with the overall average being $126,172. Wyoming tops the chart at $158,740 while Vermont has the lowest yearly income at $97,110, making for a $61,630 difference in pay.
State Hourly Monthly Annual
Alabama $57.68 $10,000 $119,970
Alaska $69.54 $12,050 $144,640
Arizona $57.06 $9,890 $118,680
Arkansas $54.99 $9,530 $114,370
California $75.84 $13,150 $157,750
Colorado $56.71 $9,830 $117,950
Connecticut $64.55 $11,190 $134,260
Delaware $60.70 $10,520 $126,250
District of Columbia $62.34 $10,810 $129,660
Florida $58.72 $10,180 $122,140
Georgia $56.62 $9,810 $117,770
Hawaii $70.71 $12,260 $147,070
Idaho $56.19 $9,740 $116,870
Illinois $56.46 $9,790 $117,430
Indiana $59.00 $10,230 $122,720
Iowa $67.40 $11,680 $140,190
Kansas $56.68 $9,830 $117,900
Kentucky $59.56 $10,320 $123,880
Louisiana $56.06 $9,720 $116,600
Maine $55.09 $9,550 $114,580
Maryland $60.00 $10,400 $124,790
Massachusetts $68.41 $11,860 $142,300
Michigan $61.19 $10,610 $127,270
Minnesota $71.81 $12,450 $149,370
Mississippi $60.51 $10,490 $125,860
Missouri $52.20 $9,050 $108,580
Montana $74.10 $12,840 $154,130
Nebraska $56.51 $9,800 $117,550
Nevada $65.42 $11,340 $136,080
New Hampshire $59.93 $10,390 $124,660
New Jersey $56.67 $9,820 $117,870
New Mexico $56.62 $9,810 $117,770
New York $66.30 $11,490 $137,900
North Carolina $59.54 $10,320 $123,840
North Dakota $66.29 $11,490 $137,890
Ohio $56.63 $9,820 $117,790
Oklahoma $55.97 $9,700 $116,410
Oregon $67.27 $11,660 $139,920
Pennsylvania $57.78 $10,020 $120,180
Rhode Island $47.74 $8,280 $99,300
South Carolina $55.07 $9,550 $114,540
South Dakota $61.98 $10,740 $128,920
Tennessee $51.85 $8,990 $107,850
Texas $56.84 $9,850 $118,230
Utah $58.65 $10,170 $121,990
Vermont $46.69 $8,090 $97,110
Virginia $62.82 $10,890 $130,670
Washington $64.44 $11,170 $134,040
West Virginia $62.58 $10,850 $130,160
Wisconsin $63.63 $11,030 $132,360
Wyoming $76.32 $13,230 $158,740

20 Best Paying Jobs You Can Take up Post-Completion of Your DNP

Fortunately, as a DNP you will have a variety of specializations to choose from. Variety also comes in the form of setting, patient population, and income. We have laid out a snapshot of the twenty highest paying specialties to help you find your perfect fit.

1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)

Job Outlook: CRNA’s work in operating rooms, pain clinics, and outpatient surgical settings. The need for CRNA services is projected to increase 13% over the next ten years. Earnings: CRNA’s are the highest paid nursing professionals with an average income of $187,220. The pay can vary according to experience and location. However, it is still expected for CRNA salaries to increase over the next seven years.
Type Salary
Hourly$90.01
Monthly$15,600
Annual$187,220
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

2. Neurology Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: Neurologists are facing a large shortage and DNPs are perfectly primed to become part of the team. Neurology DNPs can also choose to go through a neurology fellowship increasing skill and learning potential. Earnings: Neurology nurse practitioner income, $133,780, is slightly above the national average of $124,000. With such a demand for neurology DNPs this income is likely to increase over the next few years.
Type Salary
Hourly$64.32
Monthly$11,150
Annual$133,780
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

3. Oncology Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: In the article Scoping Review of Nurse Practitioner Workforce in Oncology the authors note that an aging population and increased rate of successful treatments will likely result in an increased demand for Oncology Nurse Practitioners. Earnings: The Doctor of Nursing practice salary is, $130,360, for practitioners in oncology. This figure falls in line with the national average and will likely increase along with the demand.
Type Salary
Hourly$62.67
Monthly$10,860
Annual$130,360
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

4. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners specialize in musculoskeletal care, and they can be found in offices, emergency rooms, hospitals, and operating rooms. The multiplicity of job settings indicates a positive job outlook for those who specialize. Earnings: The average Income, $129,900, for orthopedic DNPs falls in line with the national average but will likely grow as demand for practitioners increases.
Type Salary
Hourly$62.45
Monthly$10,830
Annual$129,900
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

5. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: CNN reports a severe shortage of psychiatric providers while an estimated 43 million Americans needing mental health services each year. Indicating that many DNPs will be needed to help bridge the gap. Earnings: The Income for psychiatric DNPs, $129,300, is in line with the average for DNPs overall but will probably increase as the gap in care becomes larger.
Type Salary
Hourly$62.16
Monthly$10,780
Annual$129,300
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

6. Trauma Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: Trauma nurse practitioners can be found in emergency and operating rooms, as well as, hospitals and critical care units. Will such a large area of coverage trauma practitioners are sure to enjoy steady job growth. Earnings: The income of trauma nurse DNPs, $127,440, is approximately that of the national average and it is expected to increase as the need for all advanced practice nurses increase.
Type Salary
Hourly$61.27
Monthly$10,620
Annual$127,440
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

7. Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)

Job Outlook: Acute care practitioners are vital in the hospital setting, but they can be found in outpatient settings as well. The outlook for acute care nurse practitioners is positive, and growth is expected as the U.S. population ages. Earnings: The income of acute care practitioners, $126,590, is on par with the average earnings for DNPs nationwide, and it is likely to grow with the increased demand of healthcare services.
Type Salary
Hourly$60.86
Monthly$10,550
Annual$126,590
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

8. Palliative Care Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: Palliative care nurse practitioners can be found in hospitals, clinics, and hospice settings where they assist patients with end of life decisions and care. With the aging population in the U.S. their demand is likely to increase. Earnings: The income of palliative care nurse practitioners, $125,500, is slightly lower than the national average for DNPs, but this is likely to increase as their services are more in demand.
Type Salary
Hourly$60.34
Monthly$10,460
Annual$125,500
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

9. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP)

Job Outlook: Neonatal nurse practitioners are a highly specialized branch of advanced practice nursing and they are mostly found in the hospital setting. The demand for their services is expected to increase over the next seven years. Earnings: The income of neonatal nurse practitioners, $125,220, is slightly lower than the national average, but they can still expect to see increases in pay as demand for services increases.
Type Salary
Hourly$60.20
Monthly$10,440
Annual$125,220
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

10. Cardiac Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: Cardiac DNPs can work in clinics, as hospitalists, or in the cardiovascular surgery suite. With cardiovascular disease as one of the top comorbidities Cardiovascular DNPs are expected to be in higher demand as the U.S. population ages. Earnings: The pay for cardiovascular DNPs is $124,390, which is slightly lower than the national average but will likely increase given the wide array of settings cardiovascular DNPs are able to work.
Type Salary
Hourly$59.80
Monthly$10,370
Annual$124,390
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

11. Surgical Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: Surgical Nurse Practitioners are trained in specific surgical procedures, and provide care to surgical patients pre and post-operatively. Earnings: The income for surgical nurse practitioners, $124,040, is slightly lower than the national average but it is likely to increase as the aging population ages increasing the number of procedures performed daily requiring more services from DNPs.
Type Salary
Hourly$59.63
Monthly$10,340
Annual$124,040
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

12. Dermatology Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: Dermatology DNPs mostly work in office settings providing routine dermatology care and screenings. As the population ages the need for cancer screenings and other dermatology services are certain to increase also, which translates into an increased demand for qualified Dermatology DNPs. Earnings: The income for dermatology nurse practitioners, $121,630, is lower than the national average, but the increased need for cancer screenings and other procedures will likely also create a rise in the salary of DNPs
Type Salary
Hourly$58.48
Monthly$10,140
Annual$121,630
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

13. Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: Urgent care nurse practitioners are usually more cost effective than an urgent care physician, and they are in demand in the busy urgent care setting. Earnings: The income for urgent care nurse practitioners, $121,450, is slightly lower than the national average for DNPs but it is still likely to increase. This is especially true as their services tend to decrease congestion in hospital emergency rooms.
Type Salary
Hourly$58.39
Monthly$10,120
Annual$121,450
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

14. Emergency Room Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: Emergency room nurse practitioners are in high demand in crowded emergency room settings, making for a positive job outlook. Earnings: Income for emergency room nurse practitioners, $121,340, is slightly lower than the national average for DNPs but it is still likely to increase given the crowded conditions of most emergency rooms across the nation.
Type Salary
Hourly$58.34
Monthly$10,110
Annual$121,340
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

15. General Nurse Practitioners

Job Outlook: General nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings and locations. They will remain in demand as the U.S. baby boomers reach the age of 65. Earnings: The income for a general nurse practitioner, $118,740, is lower than that of the national average for DNPs, but it is likely to increase as the population starts to reach over 65 with a large demand for a broad spectrum of health care services.
Type Salary
Hourly$57.09
Monthly$9,900
Annual$118,740
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

16. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP)

Job Outlook: Family nurse practitioners are vital to the community as the number of primary care physicians continues to decrease, that in combination with an aging population indicates a healthy job outlook. Earnings: The income for doctorally trained family nurse practitioners, $117,020, is lower than the national average but it is likely to increase. This increase stems from more routine and preventative care services being offered at low or no cost through insurance providers.
Type Salary
Hourly$56.26
Monthly$9,750
Annual$117,020
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

17. Nurse Midwives

Job Outlook: Nurse midwives provide a vital service to obstetrical patients especially in rural settings. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics anticipates nearly a 31% increase in the demand for their services over the next seven years. Earnings: Nurse midwives have an income of $114,500 lower than the national average for DNPs overall. This is likely because many of them are employed in the rural setting. Regardless, salaries are expected to increase along with the demand.
Type Salary
Hourly$55.05
Monthly$9,540
Annual$114,500
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

18. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP)

Job Outlook: Pediatric nurse practitioners work in pediatric units and ICUs in the hospital, routine care clinics, pediatric urgent cares and emergency departments. The job outlook is positive for the in demand pediatric DNPs. Earnings: The income for pediatric nurse practitioners, $111,300, is lower than the national average for DNPs. Washington DC pays the highest rate for PNPs while Nebraska pays the least. Salaries are projected to increase with the demand for more DNPs.
Type Salary
Hourly$53.51
Monthly$9,280
Annual$111,300
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

19. Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)

Job Outlook: Clinical Nurse Specialists are highly specialized nurses who work in many types of settings and with many populations. The job outlook is positive for doctorally prepared clinical nurse specialists especially for those specializing in geriatrics. Earnings: The income of doctorally prepared clinical nurse specialists, $110,860, is lower than the national average for DNPs, but it is likely to increase as the U.S. population ages and more advanced specialists are needed.
Type Salary
Hourly$53.30
Monthly$9,240
Annual$110,860
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

20. Nursing Instructors

Job Outlook: Doctorally prepared nursing instructors are in high demand and the need for qualified candidates is expected to increase. Earnings: The income for nursing instructors $85,470, is lower than the national average for DNPs, mostly because they are employed by academic institutions. Salaries are still expected to climb as the demand for all nursing professions increases.
Type Salary
Hourly$41.09
Monthly$7,120
Annual$85,470
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Quick Look at Salaries of All Career Paths Available after DNP

Career Path Hourly Monthly Annual
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) $60.86 $10,550 $126,590
Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC PNP) $56.91 $9,860 $118,370
Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) $59.20 $10,260 $123,140
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse
Practitioner (AG ACNP) 		$58.10 $10,070 $120,840
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) $55.25 $9,580 $114,910
Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) $42.27 $7,330 $87,920
Cardiac Nurse Practitioner $59.80 $10,370 $124,390
Cardiovascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner $61.06 $10,580 $127,010
Chief Nurse Anesthetist $107.36 $18,610 $223,300
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) $78.05 $13,530 $162,350
Clinical Nurse Practitioner $56.46 $9,790 $117,430
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) $53.30 $9,240 $110,860
Clinical Research Director $66.54 $11,530 $138,410
Dermatology Nurse Practitioner $58.48 $10,140 $121,630
Emergency Room Nurse Practitioner $58.34 $10,110 $121,340
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) $56.26 $9,750 $117,020
General Nurse Practitioner $57.09 $9,900 $118,740
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner $57.09 $9,900 $118,740
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner $56.95 $9,870 $118,450
Gynecology Nurse Practitioner $55.54 $9,630 $115,520
Hospice Nurse Practitioner $55.28 $9,580 $114,980
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) $60.20 $10,440 $125,220
Neurology Nurse Practitioner $64.32 $11,150 $133,780
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) $90.01 $15,600 $187,220
Nurse Director $51.26 $8,890 $106,630
Nurse Midwife $55.05 $9,540 $114,500
Nursing Instructor $41.09 $7,120 $85,470
Nursing Manager $51.49 $8,920 $107,090
Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner $61.12 $10,590 $127,120
Oncology Nurse Practitioner $62.67 $10,860 $130,360
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (ONP) $62.45 $10,830 $129,900
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner $60.34 $10,460 $125,500
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) $53.51 $9,280 $111,300
Primary Nurse Practitioner $56.58 $9,810 $117,680
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner $62.16 $10,780 $129,300
Pulmonary Nurse Practitioner $55.63 $9,640 $115,710
Surgical Nurse Practitioner $59.63 $10,340 $124,040
Trauma Nurse Practitioner $61.27 $10,620 $127,440
Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner $58.39 $10,120 $121,450
Urology Nurse Practitioner $54.03 $9,370 $112,390
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) $53.95 $9,350 $112,220
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
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