Nurse Practitioner Salaries in the US: What Is the Average Income in Every State? [Updated 2026]

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who focus on managing people’s health conditions and preventing disease. They diagnose illnesses, treat conditions, and serve as educators for the population. 

Not only does their extensive training allow them to do it to the highest standards, but it also enables them to do so at significantly lower costs than physicians. Hence, NPs are increasingly becoming the go-to health care provider for more and more people, with over 1.06 billion visits to their offices every year. Moreover, research shows that turning to a Nurse Practitioner as a primary healthcare partner translates into fewer emergency room visits, shorter hospital stays, and lower medical costs. 

Their essential role in healthcare and the immense responsibility on their shoulders make Nurse Practitioners among the highest-paid Registered Nurses. But is it worth it – from a financial standpoint – advancing your education, pursuing a BSN degree, and then an MSN to become a Nurse Practitioner? How much do NPs make in every state, and how promising is a career as a Nurse Practitioner? 

Find out below.

Is There Demand for Nurse Practitioners?

The demand for Nurse Practitioners is growing exponentially, especially as the baby boom population ages and the need for specialized care correspondingly increases. The high rates of retirement among nurses also lead to increased demand for specialists in this field. 

According to the most recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of Nurse Practitioners will grow by 40% by 2034, representing the fastest growing section of the APRN roles (Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives). The growth rate over the decade amounts to 128,400 new jobs over the decade.

With a stringent need for qualified Nurse Practitioners, the demand is on the rise. If you are considering becoming an NP, now’s the time to do it.

If you want to reach the APRN level and practice as an NP. 

How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Earn in 2026?

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary of nurse practitioners in 2026 is $137,300, which is more than $38,870 higher than that of registered nurses and $5,250 higher than the average salary of all advanced practice registered nurses.

Generally, the more you advance your education, the higher your chances of securing a well-paying job. Therefore, being advanced practice nurses means NPs are compensated fairly well. 

Subsequent to getting your BSN, you will most likely need to obtain your Master’s degree in order to become a Nurse Practitioner. An MSN usually takes around two years to complete. The extended time you spend studying is worth it in the long run, as the financial remuneration for this profession is significantly higher than that of other nurses’ salaries. 

Read our nurse salary by state study to see how registered nurses compare to nurse practitioners in terms of remuneration.

An NP's salary depends on many factors, including years of experience, chosen specialization, place of employment, and the state in which they practice. 

States with the Highest Nurse Practitioner Salaries

According to the most recent data, California has the highest average estimated salary for nurse practitioners, with an annual wage of $176,760 and an hourly wage of $84.98. Oregon is the second-highest-paying state, with an average NP salary of $155,780 per year or $74.89 per hour, and New Jersey is a close third at $155,750 per year or $74.88 per hour. 

On the other side of the spectrum are Alabama, with an annual salary of $110,970; Tennessee, where NPs earn an average of $115,510; and Ohio, where the median income is $122,910.

How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Earn in Every State?

If you are considering a career shift towards Nurse Practitioner and would like to know your earning potential based on where you live, we are here to help. Below you will find a list of the nurse practitioner salaries in all the US states and territories where data is provided by the BLS, along with the annual salary adjusted to the cost-of-living index:

 

Discover how nurse practitioner salaries compare to those of other APRNs and NPs in our MSN salary report.

Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Areas with the Highest Nurse Practitioner Salaries

Although the most notable nurse practitioner salary estimates differ by state, earning potential also varies by area, with many high-earning nurse practitioners concentrated in a few metropolitan or nonmetropolitan areas. Below are the 15 areas with the highest salaries. Notably, all of the highest-paying areas for nurse practitioners are in California:

 

Where Do Nurse Practitioners Work & How Does That Impact Their Salary?

Their extensive training allows NPs to give primary, acute, and specialty care to diverse populations, based on their specialization. Generally, Nurse Practitioners can find employment in a variety of settings, from hospitals to universities. Nonetheless, according to the BLS, the industries with the highest levels of employment for NPs are: 

• Physician’s offices. With over 148,600 employed nurse practitioners, physicians’ offices are the most popular place for NPs to find work. Here, they earn an average of $122,780 per year. 
• General medical and surgical hospitals employ around 73,610 NPs. The median salary of nurse practitioners working in hospitals is $136,230 per year.
• Outpatient care centers employ 31,590 NPs who earn an average of $139,320. 
• Offices of Other Health Practitioners. 15,260 Nurse Practitioners work in these settings and earn a median salary of $121,250. 
• Home Health Care Services. Another 11,600 NPs work in home health care, earning an average of $146,850 per year.

Here are the industries with the highest number of nurse practitioners employed:

A Nurse Practitioner’s duties range from examining medical histories and performing evaluations to actually ordering and performing different medical tests, such as X-rays or lab work. They are also allowed to prescribe medication throughout the United States and to administer certain controlled medications in most states. 

Nurse Practitioners can also choose a specialization, and depending on their choice, the wages they earn will also vary. Some of the most popular areas of certification include:

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the most sought-after specialization for Nurse Practitioners was Family NP, with an interest rate of over 65%. Adult NP was the second-most-desired certification, with a 12.6% interest rate, followed by Adult-Gerontology at 7.8% and Pediatrics at almost 4%. 

The latest data from the BLS shows that the highest median wage for nurse practitioners is in business support services: $185,200 per year. Below, you can discover the 15 industries with the highest annual median salaries for nurse practitioners:

What Does Getting Your MSN Mean for Your Earning Potential?

The great demand for nurses makes this field very competitive in terms of remuneration. Granted, the more you advance your education, the higher your salary. So, getting your Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) is a great investment in your professional future and earning potential, as MSN-prepared nurses, like Nurse Practitioners, earn more than their BSN-trained counterparts. They also have access to more job opportunities, more flexible schedules, less stressful career options, and a higher chance of securing management, research, or leadership positions. 

Curious about the impact an MSN Degree can have on your career? Find out more about how getting your MSN can improve your career and income. 

How Does the Nurse Practitioners’ Salary Compare to Others?

As advanced practice roles, NPs generally earn very competitive salaries, with a median salary of $132,300. But how exactly does it measure up compared to similar positions? Below, you can discover the median salary for other popular nursing roles, based on the most recent data from the BLS:

Can Nurse Practitioners Increase Their Salaries Even Further?

While a Master’s Degree is the minimum requirement for practicing as an NP, it doesn’t mean you have to stop there. If you want to increase your income, you can get certified in one of the more highly compensated areas, such as psychiatry. Pursuing additional certifications can definitely lead to an income boost. 

As an NP, you will likely have to complete continuing education courses every few years to ensure you stay at the top of your field. By fulfilling these continuous education courses, you make sure you’re up to date with the latest practices, and your level of expertise is always up to the highest standards of the healthcare industry. And that, consequently, increases your professional value and can lead to better income prospects. 

Another sure way is to advance your education even further by getting a DNP, a Doctoral degree in Nursing Practice. The more advanced your education, the more desirable you are in the field. 

Why Become a Nurse Practitioner?

The benefits of becoming a Nurse Practitioner are manifold and go far beyond the profession’s financial rewards. It’s a career track that allows for a high degree of independence, as in many states, NPs have a relatively comprehensive scope of practice and don’t require a doctor’s supervision. It’s also a particularly meaningful nursing experience as NP care is directly linked to fewer emergency room visits, shorter hospital stays, and lower medical costs. 

Pursuing a Nurse Practitioner career track is definitely fulfilling and rewarding – financially, personally, and professionally. Does this sound like the right career track for you? 

The academic programs at Nightingale College include two options for aspiring learners who wish to advance to the position of a nurse practitioner:

1. The MSN FNP Program is designed to prepare you to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and support the health and wellness of families and communities
2. The MSN PMHNP Program is for learners who want to serve in psychiatric and mental health units as Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.

Find the right academic program with Nightingale College for your aspirations and advance your career and benefits!