Nurse Practitioner Salary Guide

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialty care, diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care across settings such as clinics, hospitals, and community health centers.

What is the average Nurse Practitioner salary?

Entry Level

$80,000 - $95,000

Mid Level

$95,000 - $120,000

Senior Level

$120,000 - $150,000+

How does Nurse Practitioner salary grow with experience?

$80,000 - $95,000
0-2
$95,000 - $110,000
3-5
$105,000 - $125,000
6-10
$120,000 - $150,000++
10+
Base (min)
Top of range (max)
Max: $150k

Nurse Practitioner salary by location

San Francisco Bay Area, CA$120,000 - $160,000
New York City, NY$110,000 - $150,000
Los Angeles, CA$105,000 - $145,000
Chicago, IL$95,000 - $130,000
Dallas–Fort Worth, TX$95,000 - $130,000
Base (min)
Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Nurse Practitioner's salary?

  • Geographic location and local cost of living
  • Clinical specialty (e.g., psychiatric, acute care, oncology)
  • Employer type: hospital system, private practice, urgent care, or telehealth
  • Advanced certifications, leadership roles, and scope of practice in the state
  • Shift differentials, call pay, and productivity or RVU-based bonuses

Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Salaries

What is the average salary for a Nurse Practitioner in the United States?

The average Nurse Practitioner salary in the U.S. typically falls between $95,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, specialty, and location.

Which factors most influence Nurse Practitioner pay?

Location, specialty (e.g., psychiatric, acute care), years of experience, employer type (hospital vs. private practice), and advanced certifications are the primary pay drivers.

How much can an entry-level Nurse Practitioner expect to earn?

Entry-level Nurse Practitioners usually earn between $80,000 and $95,000 per year, with variation based on region, clinical setting, and shift differentials.

Can Nurse Practitioners earn more than physicians?

In general physicians earn more, but experienced NPs in high-demand specialties or leadership roles can command salaries similar to lower-earning physicians in some markets.

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