March 08, 2025
01:25
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Table of Contents
Which states pay the highest nurse practitioner salaries?
According to Bureau Labor of Statistics (BLS), the highest paying states for nurse practitioner salaries are:
- California - $161,530
- Nevada - $ 148,670
- Washington - $ 145,400
- New Jersey - $ 145,030
- Oregon - $ 144,950
Among these, California has the highest average annual salary for nurse practitioners at $161,530 per year. However, within California, NPs in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara earn even more, with an average annual salary of $191,250 per year, making it the top-paying metro area in the country.
(For those preparing to advance their careers and maximize their earning potential, NP review classes can be a valuable resource to help pass certification exams and secure higher-paying positions.)
Which states pay the lowest nurse practitioner salaries?
The lowest paying nurse practitioner salaries by states are:
- Tennessee - $103,720
- Alabama - $110,020
- Kentucky - $110,370
- Arkansas - $113,410
- West Virginia - $113,450
Other than Tenenesse being one of the lowest paying states for nurse practitioners, one of the lowest-paid NP specialties is public health nurse practitioners, with an average annual salary of $70,928.
Factors Affecting NP Salaries
Several factors influence NP salaries across different states, including:
- Cost of Living – States with higher living costs generally offer higher salaries.
- Job Market – Metropolitan areas often pay more due to increased demand and competition.
- Specialty – High-demand specialties, such as pulmonology, pediatric acute care, and cardiology, tend to command higher salaries.
Which type of NP makes the most money?
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners earn one of the highest average annual salaries at $142,326.
What type of nurse practitioner is in highest demand?
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are the most in demand type of nurse practitioner, driven by the estimated shortage of 17,000 to 48,000 physicians in family medicine by 2034, particularly in rural areas.
Which NP specialty is the hardest?
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) is considered one of the hardest specialties due to the high-stress environments and complex patient care it involves.
Also check out our article on the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner.