Top Paying Nurse Practitioner Specialities and States

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) offers not only a fulfilling career but also the potential for high earning opportunities. Your specialty and location can significantly influence your salary. Here’s a breakdown of the top-paying NP specialties ranked by average annual salary, along with the states where NPs earn the most.

Top-Paying Nurse Practitioner Specialties

1. Cardiology
   Cardiology Nurse Practitioners specialize in heart and cardiovascular health, diagnosing and managing various cardiac conditions.

   • Average Annual Salary: $120,167 (ZipRecruiter)

2. Oncology
   Oncology Nurse Practitioners work closely with patients dealing with cancer, providing care from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

   • Average Annual Salary: $119,375 (ZipRecruiter)

3. Psychiatric/Mental Health (PMHNP)
   Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioners provide care for patients with mental health conditions and psychiatric disorders.

   • Median Annual Salary: $115,510 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

4. Dermatology
   Dermatology NPs focus on skin health, treating conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer.

   • Average Annual Salary: $114,947 (ZipRecruiter)

5. Orthopedics
   Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners manage musculoskeletal conditions, including fractures, joint issues, and sports injuries.

   • Average Annual Salary: $112,729 (ZipRecruiter)

6. Emergency Medicine
   Emergency Medicine NPs provide urgent care in fast-paced emergency settings, handling acute injuries and illnesses.

   • Average Annual Salary: $111,724 (ZipRecruiter)

Top-Paying States for Nurse Practitioners

Your location plays a significant role in determining your salary. Here are the top-paying states for NPs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

1. California

   • Annual Mean Wage: $145,970
   • Known for its high demand for healthcare professionals and competitive salaries, California tops the list.

2. New York

   • Annual Mean Wage: $126,760
   • A thriving healthcare industry and diverse patient population make New York a rewarding state for NPs.

3. Massachusetts

   • Annual Mean Wage: $122,740
   • Home to world-renowned medical institutions, Massachusetts offers robust opportunities for NPs.

4. Texas

   • Annual Mean Wage: $121,490
   • Texas provides a strong job market for NPs, with demand across urban and rural areas.

5. New Jersey

   • Annual Mean Wage: $120,500
   • Conveniently located near major metropolitan areas, New Jersey offers competitive pay for healthcare providers.

6. Alaska

   • Annual Mean Wage: $119,080
   • With remote locations requiring skilled professionals, Alaska compensates NPs well for their expertise.

7. Oregon

   • Annual Mean Wage: $117,580
   • Oregon’s focus on healthcare innovation creates promising opportunities for NPs.

8. Washington

   • Annual Mean Wage: $116,840
   • A growing population and robust healthcare system contribute to high NP salaries in Washington.

9. Nevada

   • Annual Mean Wage: $116,780
   • Nevada’s expanding healthcare landscape makes it an attractive state for nurse practitioners.

10. District of Columbia

    • Annual Mean Wage: $115,110
    • As a hub for policy and research, the District of Columbia offers excellent compensation for healthcare professionals.

Things to Consider

While high salaries are appealing, consider these factors:

• Cost of Living: States like California and New York have significantly higher costs of living. Evaluate how far your salary will go in each state.
• Specialty Impact: Salaries within a specialty can vary based on experience, certifications, and workplace settings (e.g., hospitals vs. private practices).
• Job Demand: Urban areas often offer higher salaries, but rural locations may provide incentives like loan forgiveness.

Conclusion

Selecting the right specialty and location can maximize both your professional satisfaction and earning potential. Whether you’re drawn to cardiology, oncology, or mental health—or considering a move to a high-paying state—there are numerous pathways for nurse practitioners to thrive.

Explore your options and take steps to position yourself in the top tier of this rewarding field.

Research the salary range for NPs in your specialty and geographic area. You can use online resources such as NPlifeProblems salary survey results (HERE) or job postings to get an idea of what other NPs are earning.