Nurse Practitioner Salary Guide 2025: Median $132,300
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) earn a median annual salary of $132,300, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean wage hits $137,300, or about $64 per hour. Pay ranges from $101,340 at the 10th percentile to $174,420 at the 90th, giving experienced NPs in high-paying settings a clear path to six figures.
How much Nurse Practitioners earn
The median salary for Nurse Practitioners is $132,300. The lowest 10% earn roughly $101,340, while the top 10% earn above $174,420. Mean annual wage is $137,300, so many fall in the $120k–$150k sweet spot.
Pay varies by specialty and setting. Hospital-based NPs tend to earn more than those in physician offices. Experience matters: entry-level NPs start closer to the 10th percentile, while those with 10+ years can push toward the top of the range.
Pay by state
California leads at $168,520 mean annual wage, followed by New Jersey ($159,310), Washington ($156,100), Oregon ($155,680), and Alaska ($155,170). These states have higher cost of living but also strong demand and union presence.
The lowest-paying states include Alabama ($105,750), Tennessee ($117,590), and Kentucky ($122,870). Even in these states, NP salaries exceed the national median for all occupations. Location matters: moving from Alabama to California can mean a $62,770 raise.
How to become Nurse Practitioner
To become an NP, you must first earn a registered nursing license (RN) via an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Then complete a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing (MSN or DNP) from an accredited program—typically 2–4 years. Finally, pass a national certification exam in your chosen population focus (e.g., family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics) and apply for state licensure.
Most NPs start as RNs to gain clinical experience before graduate school. The process takes 6–8 years total: 4 years for a BSN, then 2–4 years for an advanced degree. Many programs require at least one year of RN experience.
- Earn a BSN or ADN and become an RN (pass NCLEX-RN).
- Complete a graduate NP program (MSN or DNP) accredited by the CCNE or ACEN.
- Pass a national certification exam (AANP or ANCC for most specialties).
- Apply for state NP licensure and prescriptive authority.
Job outlook
Employment of Nurse Practitioners is projected to grow 40.1% from 2024 to 2034—much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 29,500 new openings each year, many coming from retiree replacements and expanded healthcare access.
The BLS estimates 323,040 NPs were employed in 2024. By 2034, that number is expected to exceed 450,000. Drivers include an aging population, increased emphasis on preventive care, and state-level expansions of NP scope of practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying state for Nurse Practitioners?
California pays the most, with a mean annual wage of $168,520. New Jersey ($159,310), Washington ($156,100), Oregon ($155,680), and Alaska ($155,170) round out the top five.
Do Nurse Practitioners make more than registered nurses?
Yes, significantly. The median NP salary ($132,300) is roughly double the median for registered nurses ($86,070). The advanced degree and scope of practice justify the higher pay.
How long does it take to become a Nurse Practitioner?
Typically 6–8 years: 4 years for a BSN, then 2–4 years for a graduate NP program. Some fast-track programs can shorten this if you already have a bachelor's in another field.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Nurse Practitioners data.