Nurse Practitioner Salary in 2026
Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently or collaboratively. They serve as primary and specialty care providers.
Median Salary
$122,000
$10,167/mo
Entry Level
$92,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$144,000
experienced
Job Growth
+40%
10-yr outlook
Nurse Practitioner Overview
Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently or collaboratively. They serve as primary and specialty care providers.
Education
Master's Degree (MSN)
Experience
3-5 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
355K
5-Year Growth
+19%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$58.65/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,167
Nurse Practitioner Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Nurse Practitioner salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Nurse Practitioner Salary
$126,000
$10,500/month · $4,846/biweekly · $60.58/hr
Nurse Practitioner Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Nurse Practitioner field.
Entry-level Nurse Practitioners earn around $92,000, while the top 10% earn $154,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Nurse Practitioners
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $144,000 | +$22,000 |
| New York | $140,000 | +$18,000 |
| Massachusetts | $137,000 | +$15,000 |
| Texas | $120,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $120,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Nurse Practitioners
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $144,000 | +$22,000 |
| Los Angeles | $137,000 | +$15,000 |
| Boston | $137,000 | +$15,000 |
| Chicago | $128,000 | +$6,000 |
| Houston | $121,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Nurse Practitioner Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Nurse Practitioner from entry level to expert.
$92,000
0-2 years
$118,000
3-7 years
$144,000
8-14 years
$164,000
15+ years
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Nurse Practitioner Salary FAQ
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