How much does a nurse practitioner make a year? in 2026, by State & Experience-wise,
By: Owen Brooks
In the USA, the average salary of a Nurse Practitioner is $131,490, equivalent to $62.78/hour. And for further details, like how to become a nurse practitioner, for information related to jobs in this field, and how much education is required, read the complete page that solves all your queries.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a type of nurse who has gone through extra schooling and hands-on training after becoming a regular nurse. Nurse Practitioners are highly skilled and can do many of the same things that doctors do, such as checking patients, diagnosing illnesses, and giving treatments.
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do​?
- Diagnose and treat illnesses
- Prescribe medications
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests
- Teach patients about their health and care.
- Manage overall patient care
- Perform physical exams
Nurse Practitioner Salary Based on Experience Levels
Nurse Practitioner salary can change depending on how much experience someone has. More years in the job usually mean better pay. Experience helps nurse practitioners grow and earn more over time.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 year) | $90,000 – $105,000 | $43 – $50 |
| Early Career (1–4 years) | $105,000 – $115,000 | $50 – $55 |
| Mid-Career (5–9 years) | $115,000 – $125,000 | $55 – $60 |
| Experienced (10–19 years) | $125,000 – $135,000 | $60 – $65 |
| Late Career (20+ years) | $135,000 – $150,000+ | $65 – $72+ |
Check Average Nurse Practitioner Salary by State – USA
Nurse Practitioner salaries by state are given below. Some states pay more than others based on demand, location, and job type. Check the list below to see how much a nurse practitioner can make in your state.
Highest Paying States (Salary > $135,000)
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $161,540 |
| Nevada | $148,670 |
| New Jersey | $145,030 |
| Washington | $145,400 |
| Oregon | $144,950 |
| New York | $142,830 |
| Massachusetts | $138,890 |
| Connecticut | $136,980 |
| Vermont | $136,070 |
| North Dakota | $135,409 |
Median Paying States ($120,000 ≤ Salary ≤ $135,000)
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $132,560 |
| Hawaii | $132,610 |
| Rhode Island | $133,460 |
| District of Columbia | $134,850 |
| Virginia | $126,878 |
| Missouri | $126,370 |
| Illinois | $126,900 |
| Maryland | $125,530 |
| Louisiana | $125,980 |
| Michigan | $125,620 |
| Maine | $125,040 |
| Nebraska | $125,400 |
| Idaho | $124,550 |
| New Hampshire | $124,457 |
| New Mexico | $124,018 |
| Indiana | $123,320 |
| Wyoming | $123,013 |
| Colorado | $121,990 |
| Ohio | $121,666 |
| Georgia | $121,150 |
| Iowa | $130,820 |
| South Dakota | $127,976 |
| Wisconsin | $129,420 |
| Montana | $129,500 |
Lowest Paying States (Salary < $120,000)
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $110,020 |
| Arkansas | $113,410 |
| Florida | $119,710 |
| Kentucky | $110,370 |
| North Carolina | $116,304 |
| Oklahoma | $118,164 |
| South Carolina | $118,756 |
| Tennessee | $110,020 |
| Texas | $119,229 |
| Utah | $116,505 |
| Mississippi | $119,290 |
| Kansas | $119,270 |
| Guam | $88,570 |
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner​?
If you are interested in starting your career as a nurse practitioner, then by following all these steps, you can easily fulfill your dream and become the best nurse practitioner.
1 . Finish High School
First, you need to finish high school.
2. Go to Nursing School
Next, go to college and study nursing. This takes about 4 years.
3. Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
Take a test to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
4. Work as a Nurse
Work as a nurse for 1 to 2 years to get experience.
5. Study More
Go back to school to study more and get a higher nursing degree. This can take 2 to 4 years.
6. Pass the Nurse Practitioner (NP) Test
Take another test to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP).
7. Get a License
Get permission (a license) from your state to work as a Nurse Practitioner.
Simple Nurse vs Nurse Practitioner – A Clear Comparison
Their titles are similar, but their duties, education, and responsibilities are quite different. Explore below all the perspectives that will help you to understand the best difference between them.
| Feature | Nurse (RN) | Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
|---|---|---|
| Education Level | Associate or Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s or Doctorate Degree |
| Can Prescribe Medicine? | No | Yes |
| Diagnose Illnesses? | No | Yes |
| Autonomy | Works under doctors and NPs | Can work independently (in many states) |
| Salary | Simple Nurse salary is lower than the Nurse Practitioner Salary | Nurse Practitioner Salary is higher than the Simple Nurse |
| Specialization | General nursing care | Often works in specialized fields |
| Length of Study | 2 to 4 years | 6 to 8 years (including RN training) |
What is an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner?
An Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner (also called a Cosmetic Nurse or Nurse Injector) is a nurse who helps people look better by doing beauty treatments that don’t need surgery.
What Do They Do?
They do many skin and beauty treatments, like:
- Botox and Fillers
Reduce wrinkles and add shape to the face. - Laser Treatments
Remove hair, fix skin spots, and smooth skin. - Chemical Peels & Micro needling
Help the skin look younger and remove acne marks. - Skin Advice
Check your skin and give you tips and products to care for it.
How to Become One
- Get a Nursing Degree (BSN)
- Pass the NCLEX Test to become a registered nurse.
- Work as a Nurse for 1–2 years (especially in skin care clinics).
- Study to Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) — get an MSN or DNP degree.
- Take Extra Training in:
- Botox and Fillers
- Aesthetic Nurse Certification (like CANS)
How Much Do They Earn?
| Experience | Yearly Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| Starting (0–1 year) | $90,000 – $105,000 |
| 1–4 years | $105,000 – $120,000 |
| 5–9 years | $120,000 – $140,000 |
| 10+ years | $140,000 – $180,000 or more |
What Skills Do They Need?
- Good eye for beauty and detail
- Friendly and caring
- Know how the face works (muscles, skin, etc.)
- Love skincare and helping people feel confident
Where Do They Work?
- Their own beauty clinics
- Medical spas
- Skin doctor offices
- Plastic surgery clinics
Note: Aesthetic nurse practitioner average salary is higher than the simple nurse practitioner salary.
What is a Surgical Nurse Practitioner?
A Surgical Nurse Practitioner is a nurse who helps doctors during surgeries. They take care of patients before, during, and after the surgery.
What Do They Do?
They do many important jobs:
- Check the patient before surgery
Make sure the patient is ready. - Help during surgery
Give tools to the doctor and help with the operation. - Take care of the patient after surgery
Give medicine and check if the patient is okay. - Talk to family members
Tell them how the patient is doing.
How to Become One?
- Go to nursing school
Get a degree to become a nurse. - Pass a test
This lets you work as a nurse. - Work as a nurse for 1–2 years
Get some experience. - Go back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner
Learn more about health and surgery. - Do special training for surgery
How Much Money Do They Make?
| Experience | Yearly Pay |
|---|---|
| New (0–1 year) | $95,000 – $110,000 |
| 1–4 years | $110,000 – $125,000 |
| 5–9 years | $125,000 – $140,000 |
| 10+ years | $140,000 – $160,000+ |
What Skills Do They Need?
- Careful and focused
- Works well with others
- Stays calm during stress
- Cares about people
Where Do They Work?
- Emergency rooms
- Hospitals (in surgery rooms)
- Surgery centers
- Clinics
Top 10 Colleges & Universities in the USA to Study Nurse Practitioner
| Rank | College & Universities | Location | Website Links |
| 1 | University of Washington | Seattle, WA | Visit Website |
| 2 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | Visit Website |
| 3 | University of Pennsylvania (Penn Nursing) | Philadelphia, PA | Visit Website |
| 4 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Visit Website |
| 5 | Duke University | Durham, NC | Visit Website |
| 6 | Emory University | Atlanta, GA | Visit Website |
| 7 | Columbia University | New York, NY | Visit Website |
| 8 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | Visit Website |
| 9 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA | Visit Website |
| 10 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst, MA | Visit Website |
What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner is a special kind of nurse who helps people with mental health problems. They talk to patients, help them feel better, and sometimes give medicine. This type of nurse is also called a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Many people ask, “Can a psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribe medication?” Yes, in most places, they can give medicine just like a doctor.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary
This job pays well. The psychiatric nurse practitioner’s salary is higher than many other nursing jobs. The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salary can be even more, depending on where you work and how much experience you have.
Most psychiatric nurse practitioners make over $100,000 a year. That’s a great income while helping others feel better.
How to Become One – Programs in 2025
To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you need to go to school. First, you become a nurse. Then, you join a psychiatric nurse practitioner program to learn more.
There are also psychiatric nurse practitioner online degree programs. These are great if you want to study from home. Many schools in 2025 will offer easy and flexible online or in-person programs.
Physician Assistant vs Nurse Practitioner Salary
| Role | Average Salary | Earnings Range | Top 25% Earn Over |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant (PA) | Physician Assistant Salary $125,000 per year | $106k–$142k (10th–90th percentiles) | $151,720 (US News top 25%) |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Nurse Practitioner Salary $126,000 per year | $107k–$141k (10th–90th percentile) | $140,610 (US News top 25%) |
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