Nurse practitioners – or NPs – are registered nurses responsible for providing clinical care and patient care management to patients who have complex needs and require specialized treatment plans.
While always an important part of a medical team, NPs have taken on even greater importance since the COVID pandemic, as physician shortages around the country have meant nurse practitioners are doing more and varied clinical work. With the number of doctors currently in short supply, the need for primary care providers has led to more states granting full-practice authority to nurse practitioners.
NP salaries vary depending on location, but they’re typically higher than the average registered nurse salary.
According to Payscale.com the average annual salary for an NP in 2023 is $101,248, or $53.58 per hour. Even those compensated at the lowest end of the salary range for nurse practitioners are paid $79,870, at least $40,000 more than the average national income. Those being paid at the highest level of $200,540 are earning more than $80,000 more than the average national income.
While NPs can expect to earn a six figure salary in just about every state of the union, there are some places that pay more than the average. The highest paying states typically have a more expensive cost of living, which should be taken into consideration when deciding on a location.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these states have the highest annual mean wage for nurse practitioners:
Healthcare is adding more jobs than any other major industry. Finding a good job as a licensed nurse practitioner reflects this as hospitals, clinics, private practices and non-profits are constantly searching for qualified medical professionals.
The 10-year projections for the NP employment market in the U.S. suggest that job growth for nurse practitioners will outpace most other healthcare professionals, including registered nurses. And as our aging population requires a greater need for primary care and other medical services, the demand for qualified NPs will likely show no signs of slowing down.
At Annashae we’re dedicated to the placement of highly-skilled clinical practitioners in short and long-term positions. As a nationwide medical staffing and consulting firm, we provide a range of services that enable our candidates to quickly find the career opportunity that fits their needs. For information on how you can further your clinical career, contact us today.