Nurse Practitioner Salary: The Complete Guide
Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) or curious how much they make in 2025? This advanced nursing role offers autonomy, specialization, and increasing demand — which is reflected in salary growth.
In this guide, we cover:
- National average salary for NPs in 2025
- Salary differences by specialty, experience & state
- Entry-level vs. experienced NP pay
- Career growth, job outlook, and factors that influence earnings
Average Nurse Practitioner Salary in 2025
As of 2025, the average NP salary in the United States is approximately $129,000-$130,500/year, or $60-$65/hour, depending on experience, specialty, and location.
Here’s a breakdown by experience levels and pay tiers:
| Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $108,000 - $125,000 | $52 - $60 |
| Mid-Level (3-7 years) | $125,000 - $145,000 | $60 - $70 |
| Experienced / Specialized | $150,000 - $200,000+ | $70 - $90+ |
NP Salary by Specialty & State
NPs’ compensation varies widely depending on specialty (e.g., acute care, psychiatry, women’s health) and where they practice.
Top NP Specialties:
- Acute Care NP: higher pay due to critical settings. $120,000-$170,000+, especially for DNP-prepared providers.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP: ~$123,000-$130,000 depending on region.
- Family NP (FNP): $110,000-$130,000 or more, varying by location.
Highest-Paying States for NPs in 2025:
| State | Average NP Salary Range |
|---|---|
| California | $140,000 - $170,000 |
| Texas | $125,000 - $145,000 |
| Washington | $135,000 - $150,000 |
| New Jersey | $140,000+ |
| Oregon | $140,000+ |
NP Salary by Career Stage
Entry-Level NP (0–2 years)
Starting NP roles typically pay around $108,000-$125,000/year, depending on specialty and whether working full scope or under supervision.Mid-Career NP (3–7 years)
Pay climbs with experience, leadership roles, additional certifications / DNP, and high-cost regions. Mid-career NPs often earn $125,000-$160,000.Senior/Specialized NP / Advanced Roles (8+ years or very high acuity / leadership / DNP)
In specialties like acute care, psychiatric care, leadership, or in high cost-of-living metro areas, total compensation (base + bonuses / call pay) can exceed $180,000-$200,000+.
What Impacts NP Salary
- Specialty: Critical care, acute settings, or psychiatric specialties tend to pay more.
- Education & Credentials: DNP vs MSN, board certifications.
- Years of Experience: More years = higher wages / more responsibility.
- State & Cost of Living: Higher cost states like CA, WA, NJ pay more. State laws concerning NP scope also influence pay.
- Work Setting: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, FFQ / private practice or telehealth; also shift differentials, weekends / nights.
Job Outlook & Growth
- NP is among the fastest-growing occupations. BLS projects roughly 40-46 % growth from 2023 to 2033 for nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists.
- High demand due to physician shortages, aging population, legislative scope expansions.
How to Increase Your NP Earnings
- Pursue DNP or other advanced degrees
- Select high-paying specialties or subspecialties (acute care, trauma, oncology, psychiatric care)
- Work in high cost-of-living regions or those with favorable NP practice laws
- Take on leadership, teaching, or administrative roles
- Negotiate extras: call pay, shift premiums, overtime, bonuses
Key Takeaways
- Average NP salary (2025): ~$129,000-$130,500/year
- Entry-level: $108,000-$125,000
- Top earners / specialists: $180,000+ depending on specialty/location
- Strong growth projected (≈40-46%) through 2033
- Specialty, education, setting, and region are biggest levers to boost pay