Highest-Paying Nurse Practitioner Careers
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Credit: Morsa Images / DigitalVision / Getty ImagesNurse practitioners (NPs) rank among the highest-paid nursing positions. Find out which NP careers pay the most and how to get started in these fields.
NPs typically enjoy more job opportunities and higher salaries than registered nurses (RNs). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, as of 2023, RNs earned a median annual salary of $86,070, compared to an NP’s annual median salary of $126,260. Prospective NPs can choose from various specialties and subspecialties, many offering six-figure salaries.
An RN can enter the nursing field with an associate or bachelor’s degree. However, due to their expanded responsibilities and scope of practice, NPs must obtain master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees and specialty certifications.
Read on to learn about the highest-paid NP specialties.
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Top 10 Highest-Paying Nurse Practitioner Careers
While the 10 highest-paid NP specialties offer annual salaries above $100,000, an NP’s earning potential ultimately depends on their employer, location, professional experience, and other factors.
| Rank | Specialty | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner | $139,152 |
| 2 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $138,396 |
| 3 | Emergency Room Nurse Practitioner | $134,456 |
| 4 | Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner | $126,193 |
| 5 | Oncology Nurse Practitioner | $125,923 |
| 6 | Cardiology Nurse Practitioner | $123,657 |
| 7 | Family Nurse Practitioner | $122,355 |
| 8 | Surgical Nurse Practitioner | $121,349 |
| 9 | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | $119,576 |
| 10 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $119,253 |
1. Aesthetic NP – $139,152
Aesthetic NPs focus on cosmetic medical procedures that enhance patients’ appearances. Typical duties include counseling patients on procedures like laser hair removal, administering injections like Botox, and caring for patients during recovery.
These NPs must have MSN degrees and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) authorization from their state. Although an aesthetic nursing certification is not required, they are recommended. Available certifications include dermatology certified nurse practitioner, plastic surgery certified nurse, and aesthetic nurse specialist.
- Job Outlook: With increasing interest in cosmetic procedures and acceptance of plastic surgery, the demand for cosmetic procedures has grown substantially. As a result, aesthetic NPs have a strong job outlook as the popularity of cosmetic procedures continues to rise.
- Work Environment: Aesthetic NPs often work in dermatology offices, plastic surgery offices, cosmetic surgery centers, private practices, hospitals, and medical spas.
2. Neonatal NP – $138,396
These NPs care for newborns who may have been born prematurely or with complications. Neonatal NPs collaborate with physicians, order and interpret clinical tests, prescribe medication, and recommend treatments. A neonatal NP must hold an MSN, an RN license, state authorization for advanced nursing practice, and certified neonatal nurse practitioner credentials.
- Job Outlook: According to the National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, hospitals are expanding their neonatal intensive care units, and 7% of neonatal NPs are expected to retire by 2025. Thanks to the growing demand for this specialization, neonatal NPs are among the highest-paid nurse practitioners. Individuals planning to enter this field can expect to find ample job opportunities.
- Work Environment: Neonatal NPs work in hospital delivery rooms, neonatal units, and physicians’ offices.
3. Emergency Room NP – $134,456
Emergency room NPs treat patients with acute and critical illnesses. Typical duties include patient assessment, diagnosing conditions, ordering diagnostic tests, providing emergency interventions, and developing treatment plants.
These NPs must have advanced nursing degrees, RN licensure, and APRN credentials. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board offers emergency nurse practitioner certification for NPs, although certification is not a requirement.
- Job Outlook: Emergency rooms face issues such as overcrowding, higher patient volumes, and increased demand. Consequently, emergency room NPs are in greater demand to provide timely emergency care and reduce healthcare burdens.
- Work Environment: Emergency room NPs work in hospitals’ emergency departments, trauma centers, urgent care, mobile healthcare units, and medical transport.
4. Orthopedic NP – $126,193
Orthopedic NPs care for patients with muscular or skeletal conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, and fractures. They provide basic care, help patients regain mobility after surgery, provide education, and coordinate care with physicians.
An orthopedic NP must hold an MSN degree and APRN authorization from their state. They need to complete at least 2,000 hours of APRN practice and obtain certification from the Orthopedic Nurses Certification Board.
- Job Outlook: While data for orthopedic NP job growth is unclear, they can expect growth similar to the 45% for all NPs. Orthopedic NPs also face an aging U.S. population that requires more specialists to treat and manage chronic conditions like arthritis, back pain, and joint issues.
- Work Environment: Orthopedic NPs work in doctor’s offices, bone and joint clinics, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and inpatient and outpatient practices.
5. Oncology NP – $125,923
Oncology NPs specialize in treating cancer patients. They assist surgeons during operations, collaborate with attending physicians to develop care plans, order tests and analyze results, and provide patients and their families with education.
They must possess MSNs, hold APRN licensure, and pass an exam with the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Candidates eligible for the credential must each complete at least two years of RN experience and 2,000 practice hours in oncology nursing.
- Job Outlook:A projected increase in cancer rates across all U.S. demographic groups should drive the demand for oncology NPs, with the National Cancer Institute expecting more than 2 million new cancer cases in 2024. Approximately 40% of adults will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives.
- Work Environment: Oncology NPs work in any setting that provides cancer treatment, including hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, and hospice care facilities.
6. Cardiology NP – $123,657
Cardiology NPs work with physicians to treat diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and circulatory system. They provide care for adults with chronic diseases like hypertension or children with congenital heart defects. They administer clinical tests, interpret the results, and educate patients and families.
These nurses need an MSN degree and state authorization for advanced nursing practice. After 2,000 hours of clinical practice in cardiovascular nursing, they can obtain the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) cardiac vascular nursing certification or the cardiovascular nursing level I certification from the American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine.
- Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. As a result, the demand for cardiology NPs should expand.
- Work Environment:These nurses practice in inpatient and outpatient settings, including emergency rooms, cardiac clinics, nursing care facilities, and private practices.
7. Family NP – $122,355
Family NPs perform many of the same duties as physicians, providing basic healthcare and managing acute and chronic conditions for patients of all ages. Depending on their state’s practice authority policies, family NPs may work independently or under physician supervision.
Prospective family NPs must hold active RN licensure and MSN or doctoral degrees from accredited family NP programs. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the AANC offer family NP certifications.
- Job Outlook: Multiple factors have amplified the need for family NPs, as demand for primary and preventive care has grown amid physician shortages. As a result, facilities hire more family nurse practitioners to assist with patient care.
- Work Environment:Family NPs practice in settings like hospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities, schools, and community centers.
8. Surgical NP – $121,349
Surgical NPs perform preoperative assessments, assist surgeons during operations, conduct postoperative assessments, assist patients during recovery, and complete admission and discharge paperwork.
The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses administers the certified medical-surgical registered nurse credential. After completing MSN degrees, surgical nurses may pursue specialty certifications in intensive care, adult cardiac surgery, and plastic surgery.
- Job Outlook:Surgical nursing should remain an in-demand specialty as the aging population and increasing chronic health conditions require more surgical interventions.The Association of Perioperative Nurses anticipates a shortage of these NPs due to retiring nurses and a lack of interest from nursing students.
- Work Environment:These NPs work in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, Veterans’ Administration medical centers, private surgery specialty clinics, and physician’s offices.
9. Psychiatric Mental Health NP – $119,576
Psychiatric and mental health NPs (PMHNPs) use their nursing, psychological, and neurobiological training to evaluate, diagnose, and treat individuals, families, groups, or communities. They may work under a physician’s supervision, depending on the state. Many PMHNPs supervise RNs and nursing assistants.
Prospective PMHNPs must complete an MSN or doctoral degree and study at least two psychotherapeutic treatment modalities. PMHNPs must also earn certification from the AANC and obtain authorization to practice from their state’s nursing board.
- Job Outlook: With 1 in 5 U.S. adults living with mental illness and less than half receiving treatment, demand for PMHNPs is likely to grow. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysisprojects that 6,690 PMHNPs will enter the workforce from 2016-30, representing an 18% job growth rate.
- Work Environment: Common work settings for PMHMPs include hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, private psychiatric practices, social service agencies, correctional facilities, and public health departments.
10. Pediatric NP – $119,253
Pediatric nurse practitioners provide healthcare for sick and healthy infants, young children, and adolescents through 21 years of age. Their job duties vary by workplace but may include diagnosing and treating conditions, assessing growth and development, prescribing medications, ordering tests, and educating patients and their families.
Pediatric NPs must obtain certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board to practice in primary care or acute care pediatric specialties. Each candidate for certification needs an MSN, a valid RN license, and 500 clinical hours of supervised direct care.
- Job Outlook: The current demand for these NPs outpaces the supply. According to AANP, less than 3% of all NPs become certified in pediatric primary care, with less than 1% in pediatric acute care. Job opportunities for pediatric NPs with full practice authority should expand in response to the anticipated physician shortage.
- Work Environment:Pediatric NPs can find job opportunities in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, pediatrician specialty offices, school-based clinics, urgent care centers, and community health facilities.
Top-Paying States for Nurse Practitioners
While NP salaries vary considerably throughout the country, the highest-paying NP jobs can generally be found on the West Coast.
| State | Hourly Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $77.66 | $161,540 |
| Nevada | $71.48 | $148,670 |
| Washington | $69.90 | $145,400 |
| New Jersey | $69.73 | $145,030 |
| Oregon | $69,69 | $144,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nurse Practitioners
NP salary levels vary among workplaces, and aspiring NPs should consider employment settings beyond hospitals and doctor’s offices.
| Industry | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business Support Services | $86.81 | $180,570 |
| Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities | $76.03 | $158,140 |
| Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations | $73.84 | $153,580 |
| Home Health Care Services | $70.60 | $146,850 |
| Other Ambulatory Health Care Services | $69.51 | $144,570 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary FAQ
Aesthetic NPs make the most compared to NPs in other specialties. However, even within the same NP specialty, location and facility type can greatly affect salary.