Nurse Practitioner Salary in the United States
Based on 305K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$129,125
$62.079/hr
▲ 2.8% vs 2023Salary Range
$124K – $235K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
305K
workers nationwide
Nurse Practitioner salary in the United States reflects a competitive healthcare compensation landscape. The median annual salary for nurse practitioners reaches $129,125, with approximately 304,600 practitioners employed across the country. This represents strong earning potential in a rapidly growing medical field, though individual compensation varies significantly based on numerous personal and professional factors.
Several elements influence nurse practitioner compensation, including geographic location, years of clinical experience, specialty type, and employer setting. Advanced certifications and additional qualifications can enhance earning prospects, as can positions in high-demand regions or specialized medical areas. Employment in urban centers, teaching hospitals, or private practices typically offers different salary ranges compared to rural or community-based settings.
Salary Distribution — Nurse Practitioner
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $124,330 |
| 25th percentile | $140,260 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $129,125 |
| 75th percentile | $205,400 |
| 90th percentile | $234,800 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Nurse Practitioner
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $166,610 | +29.0% | 21K |
| 2 | New Jersey | $149,620 | +15.9% | 10K |
| 3 | Alaska | $145,450 | +12.6% | 570 |
| 4 | New York | $145,390 | +12.6% | 20K |
| 5 | Oregon | $144,600 | +12.0% | 2K |
| 6 | Washington | $140,220 | +8.6% | 5K |
| 7 | Connecticut | $138,960 | +7.6% | 4K |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $138,890 | +7.6% | 9K |
| 9 | New Mexico | $138,440 | +7.2% | 2K |
| 10 | Arizona | $133,790 | +3.6% | 8K |
Historical Salary Trend — Nurse Practitioner
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $118,452 |
| 2023 | $125,602 |
| 2024 | $129,125 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse practitioners make per hour in the United States?
- Nurse practitioners earn a median hourly wage of $62/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $129,125, though actual hourly rates may vary based on experience, location, and employer.
What is the salary range for nurse practitioners?
- Nurse practitioner salaries in the United States range from $124,330 to $234,800 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, specialization, geographic location, and type of healthcare facility.
Which state pays nurse practitioners the most?
- California is the top-paying state for nurse practitioners, with an average salary of $166,610 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $129,125, making it one of the most lucrative locations for this profession.
How many nurse practitioners are employed in the United States?
- There are currently 304,600 nurse practitioners employed across the United States. This represents a substantial healthcare workforce contributing to patient care in various clinical settings nationwide.