How Much Do APRNs Make?

Most advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) earn six-figure salaries, enjoy excellent career growth potential, and have high levels of professional autonomy. This guide explores APRN salary ranges, locations where APRNs earn the most, and how to increase your salary if you are already an APRN.

APRN salaries vary greatly by specialty, setting, and role. For example, nurse anesthetists earn a median $195,610, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while nurse midwives earn a median $112,830. By contrast, the median RN salary is $77,660, and the median physician and surgeon salary is $208,000 or higher.

Aside from the APRN’s chosen specialty, other factors affecting APRN salaries include geographic location and local cost of living, type of workplace, education, and experience.

Demand and cost of living are the most important geographic factors affecting nurse practitioner (NP) and APRN salaries. In general, larger cities and more densely populated states have higher costs of living and salaries.

According to the BLS, NP salaries range from a median of $149,910 in California to $99,630 in Tennessee. Please note that these salaries are for NPs and do not include other APRN roles, such as nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives.

The states with the highest annual pay for NPs are:

APRN salaries vary by specialty. Nurse anesthetists earn the highest average salaries, and the difference between nurse anesthetist and other specialties may widen. Beginning in January 2022, new nurse anesthetists must be enrolled in a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program rather than a master of science in nursing (MSN), which will drive up salary ranges.

Due to the rising and unmet demand for mental health care, psychiatric NPs also earn a higher salary than most.

Source:PayScale, May 2021

The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of APRN salaries were $79,870 or lower. The highest 10% of APRN salaries were $200,540 and above. Specialty, education level, certifications, experience, and geography all factor into salaries. If you want to earn more, consider these steps:

NPs are one of the categories of APRNs, so while all NPs are APRNs, not all APRNs are NPs. NPs are APRNs who specialize in a particular population, such as pediatrics, family care, or mental health care. The most common NP specialty is family care.

APRNs earn a median $123,780, according to the BLS. NPs earn a median $120,680, while nurse midwives earn a median $112,830. Nurse anesthetists make the highest APRN salaries at $195,610.

The highest APRN salaries go to nurse anesthetists, who earn a median $195,610, according to the BLS. As of 2025, new nurse anesthetists must have a DNP, which other APRN roles do not require. This could increase nurse anesthetist salaries. Among all APRN specialties, the median salary is $123,780.

APRNs are in high demand, especially because of the shortage of primary care physicians. APRN salaries reflect this demand. Additionally, some government programs offer full scholarships or loan forgiveness for APRNs who will practice in underserved areas, for the military, or other government providers.