March 07, 2025
02:15
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Table of Contents
What are the lowest paying nurse practitioner specialties?
The lowest paying nurse practitioner specialties include:
- Public Health Nurse Practitioner
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
- Hospice Nurse Practitioner
- Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner
Among these, nurse practitioners working in public health settings are one of the lowest paid nurse practitioner with an average annual salary of $70,928. In contrast, Aesthetic nurse practitioners earn one of the highest salaries in the U.S., with an average annual salary of $142,326.
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1. Public Health Nurse Practitioner ($70,928)
Public Health Nurse Practitioners (PHNPs) work in community and public health settings, focusing on improving health outcomes at a population level. They often work with underserved or at-risk populations, providing preventive care, health education, and disease management. Due to the community-based nature of the work, the salary is often lower than other NP specialties.
2. Geriatric Nurse Practitioner ($80,808)
Geriatric Nurse Practitioners specialize in caring for elderly patients, managing age-related conditions, and improving quality of life for seniors. They work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and outpatient settings, addressing issues such as chronic diseases, dementia, and mobility challenges.
3. Hospice Nurse Practitioner ($91,000)
Hospice Nurse Practitioners provide end-of-life care to patients facing terminal illnesses. They work closely with patients and families, offering pain management, emotional support, and guidance through the final stages of life. The role can be emotionally challenging, but it is rewarding in terms of making a significant impact during a crucial time.
4. Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner ($97,750)
Occupational Health Nurse Practitioners focus on promoting the health and safety of workers in various industries. They assess workplace risks, treat work-related injuries or illnesses, and provide education on prevention strategies. While these positions are typically well-compensated compared to some other NP roles, the salary is still lower than specialties like acute care or family practice.
Which nurse practitioner specialty is the easiest?
The easiest nurse practitioner specialty to get into and find a job after graduation is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) due to shortage of mental health professionals, increasing program availability, and growing job market.
Who are the happiest nurse practitioners?
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner working in outpatient care are one of the happiest nurse practitioner specialties because of the great work life balance with no weekends, no on-call duties and also a high average annual salary of $130,280.
Where do NPs make the most money?
California has the highest average annual salary for nurse practitioners by state at $161,530 per year.