Nurse Practitioner Salary in the United States
Based on 323K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$133,771
$64.31/hr
▲ 3.6% vs 2024Salary Range
$103K – $170K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
323K
workers nationwide
The median Nurse Practitioner salary in the United States is $133,771 per year, equivalent to about $64 per hour. With a salary range typically falling between $103,133 and $170,358, these advanced practice registered nurses play a vital role in healthcare delivery across the nation, with over 323,000 professionals employed.
Several factors influence the Nurse Practitioner salary in the United States. Experience level, specialization within nursing practice, geographical location, and the specific healthcare setting all contribute to earning potential. For instance, the top-paying state, California, offers a median salary of $168,520.
Salary Distribution — Nurse Practitioner
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $103,133 |
| 25th percentile | $118,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,771 |
| 75th percentile | $149,370 |
| 90th percentile | $170,358 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Nurse Practitioner
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $168,520 | +26.0% | 25K |
| 2 | New Jersey | $159,310 | +19.1% | 10K |
| 3 | Washington | $156,100 | +16.7% | 7K |
| 4 | Oregon | $155,680 | +16.4% | 3K |
| 5 | Alaska | $155,170 | +16.0% | 710 |
| 6 | New York | $153,510 | +14.8% | 23K |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $142,440 | +6.5% | 8K |
| 8 | Nevada | $140,670 | +5.2% | 2K |
| 9 | Connecticut | $138,470 | +3.5% | 4K |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $137,550 | +2.8% | 2K |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Industry
How much Nurse Practitioners earn across industries nationwide — Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services pays the most ($138,910 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,910 | +3.8% | 2K |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $134,880 | +0.8% | 2K |
| 3 | Administrative and Support Services | $133,550 | -0.2% | 6K |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $133,340 | -0.3% | 2K |
| 5 | Educational Services | $132,800 | -0.7% | 8K |
| 6 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $132,260 | -1.1% | 296K |
| 7 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $131,420 | -1.8% | 5K |
| 8 | Retail Trade | $128,790 | -3.7% | 410 |
| 9 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $123,080 | -8.0% | 2K |
| 10 | Manufacturing | $120,650 | -9.8% | 90 |
| 11 | Wholesale Trade | $94,280 | -29.5% | 110 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Nurse Practitioner
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $118,452 |
| 2023 | $125,602 |
| 2024 | $129,125 |
| 2025 | $133,771 |
| 2026 (projected) | $138,584 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $118,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $133,771 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $149,370 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $170,358 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Nurse Practitioner in the US?
- The median Nurse Practitioner salary in the United States is $133,771 annually. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with half of NPs earning more and half earning less.
What is the typical salary range for a Nurse Practitioner?
- The salary range for Nurse Practitioners generally falls between $103,133 and $170,358 per year. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and specialty.
Which state pays Nurse Practitioners the most?
- California is the highest-paying state for Nurse Practitioners, with a median salary of $168,520 annually. This is significantly above the national median.
How many Nurse Practitioners are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 323,030 Nurse Practitioners employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial and growing field of advanced practice nursing.