Our dear esteemed reader, welcome to an interesting and informative read about APRN Salary!
Today, we will thoroughly examine every aspect of APRNs’ salary, factors affecting them, and their job outlook.
At the end of this read, you’ll know the national average salary of APRNs, the effects of experience on earnings, and salary outlook.
Below are the dominant issues in this article:
- Introduction to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ salary
- Average Nurse Salary for Beginners
- APRN Earnings by Sub-Specialties
- Workplace Preferences by APRNs
Read on to know how you can make fortunes through Advanced Practice Nursing.
Let’s get started Immediately!
Overview of APRN Salary
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are among the most highly remunerated healthcare providers.
If you’re a Registered Nurse (RN) and want to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, you may give any area of specialization in APRN a thought to make mouthwatering salaries.
Before going into any nursing specialty, it’s wise first to research the Types of Nurses and salaries to have an overview of your financial fortunes.
Salary is an important factor of consideration due to the rising cost of living; if your earnings don’t reflect the present economic realities, you might be depressed and frustrated.
If you’re interested in an APRN role, this article gives you an overview of your salary expectations.
However, remember that a master’s degree is the minimum requirement for Advanced Practice RNs.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Starting Salary
An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse’s starting salary may range from $76,430 for Nurse Specialists to $127,000 for Nurse Anesthetists.
However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for entry-level APRNs is $88,580.
The table below sheds light on this assertion:
APRN Types | Hourly Earnings | Monthly Earning | Annual Earning |
Certified Nurse-Midwives | $33.17 | $5,750 | $69,000 |
Clinical Nurse Specialists | $36.75 | $6,370 | $76,430 |
Certified Nurse Practitioners | $39.14 | $6,780 | $81,410 |
Nurse Anesthetists | $61.29 | $10,620 | $127,480 |
APRN Average Starting Salary | $42.59 | $7,380 | $88,580 |
Advanced Nurse Practitioner Average Salary
According to the BLS, the average salary of APRNs is $126,670.
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) seem to be the least earners in this specialty, but they still go home with an average of $105,000 per annum.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here’s a table of the annual average earnings of APRNs.
APRN Types | Hourly Earnings | Monthly Earning | Annual Earning |
Clinical Nurse Specialists | $50.48 | $8,750 | $105,000 |
Certified Nurse-Midwives | $52.31 | $9,070 | $108,810 |
Certified Nurse Practitioners | $53.77 | $9,320 | $111,840 |
Nurse Anesthetists | $87.04 | $15,090 | $181,040 |
Average APRN Salary | $60.90 | $10,560 | $126,670 |
APRN Salary by Years of Experience
Generally, as you become more experienced in your chosen career path, you will make more money.
Income figures gathered on APRN earnings show that experience significantly affects income potential.
For instance, entry-level Nurse-Midwives earn a salary range of $70,000 annually, but one to four years of experience can skyrocket their annual earnings to $87,000.
Those who have been on the field for 10 years make an average of $100,000 per annum.
These figures indicate the difference experience makes in your earnings.
Apart from improving performing diagnostic tests and other core responsibilities, you also widen your income net.
See the table below to see how you can earn more with more experience, according to the BLS.
APRN Types | Experience Level | Hourly Wage | Monthly Wage | Annual Earning |
Clinical Nurse Specialist | Entry-Level | $36.75 | $6,370 | $76,430 |
1-4 Years | $41.88 | $7,260 | $87,120 | |
5-9 Years | $49.57 | $8,590 | $103,100 | |
10-19 Years | $57.34 | $9,940 | $119,260 | |
20 Years & Above | $68.68 | $11,900 | $142,850 | |
Nurse Practitioner | Entry-Level | $39.14 | $6,780 | $81,410 |
1-4 Years | $44.61 | $7,730 | $92,790 | |
5-9 Years | $52.80 | $9,150 | $109,820 | |
10-19 Years | $61.07 | $10,590 | $127,030 | |
20 Years & Above | $73.15 | $12,680 | $152,160 | |
Nurse Midwife | Entry-Level | $33.17 | $5,750 | $69,000 |
1-4 Years | $41.82 | $7,250 | $86,990 | |
5-9 Years | $50.50 | $8,750 | $105,030 | |
10-19 Years | $61.11 | $10,590 | $127,110 | |
20 Years & Above | $76.44 | $13,250 | $158,990 | |
Nurse Anesthetist | Entry-Level | $61.29 | $10,620 | $127,480 |
1-4 Years | $71.21 | $12,340 | $148,110 | |
5-9 Years | $84.03 | $14,570 | $174,790 | |
10-19 Years | $97.95 | $16,980 | $203,730 | |
20 Years & Above | $100.00 | $17,330 | $208,000 |
Advanced Nurse Practitioner Salaries by Work Environment/Sub-Specialty
Apart from experience, work environment, geographical location, and specialty area also affect APRNs earnings.
From our discussion so far, you can see that Certified Nurse Midwives don’t earn the same amount as Clinical Nurse Specialists.
We’ll discuss other APRN sub-specialties in this segment to help you make an informed decision on the MSN to pursue.
However, as we’ve always emphasized, money shouldn’t be the sole determiner of your career path.
For instance, you can do MSN in multiple disciplines to strengthen your understanding of the nursing profession.
APRNs working in educational institutions or Physicians’ offices are the lowest earners in the field, with a salary range of $105,000 to $108,000 per annum.
On the other hand, APRNs working in outpatient care centers or hospitals are the highest earners.
Hence, if you want to be an academician, you won’t earn up to your counterpart in the healthcare setting.
Let’s consider this table to have a specific understanding of where to work:
Practice Setting | Nurse Midwives | Nurse Practitioners | Nurse Anesthetists | |||
Hourly | Yearly | Hourly | Yearly | Hourly | Yearly | |
Physicians’ Offices | $51.33 | $106,760 | $52.37 | $108,930 | $82.32 | $171,220 |
Outpatient Care Centers | $59.43 | $123,620 | $57.65 | $119,920 | $108.00 | $224,630 |
Hospitals | $52.97 | $110,180 | $55.67 | $115,790 | $92.97 | $193,380 |
Educational Institutions | $50.76 | $105,590 | $50.63 | $105,310 | $88.50 | $184,090 |
Other Health Practitioners’ Offices | $38.73 | $80,560 | $52.24 | $108,660 | $81.32 | $169,140 |
There are other sub-specialties of the Nurse Practitioners who are equally APRNs.
If you’re eligible for these Nurse Practitioner programs, you should also know your salary potential.
Hence, we’ll shed light on them in this section:
Family Nurse Practitioner Salary
You need an MSN to be a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).
FNPs work in rural, urban, and suburban areas, treating patients in primary care settings.
Though the BLS isn’t specific about Nurse Practitioner salaries by specialty, it gives environment-specific information.
According to Indeed, the average base salary for FNPs is $112,879 per annum, and they can make $18,000 from overtime yearly.
Experience also affects an FNP salary.
For instance, the average starting salary for FNPs is $98,241, while those with 1-2 years of experience make an average of $118,022.
Their counterparts with 3-5 years of experience make $119,517 per annum.
The highest paying cities for Family Nurse Practitioners include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas, with an average of $130,808, $123,844, $122,441, and $117,553, respectively.
Apart from being experienced, the highest-paid Nurse Practitioners are strategic with their location and the firms they work with.
FNPs can also boost their salaries with background knowledge in case management, geriatrics, and emergency patient care.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)
AG-ACNPs are into diagnosing and treating chronic illnesses.
They work in hospitals and other settings.
According to Salary.com, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners make between $95,676 and $108,745 per annum, with an average of $101,450.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
According to PayScale, the average salary of Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners is $96,497.
However, some experienced WHNPs make up to $120,000 per annum.
Like every other NP salary, experience affects WHNPs’ earning potential.
For example, entry-level WHNPs make an average of $87,958 per annum, including bonuses, overtime pay, and tips.
However, those who have been in the profession for 1-4 years make an average of $93,331.
Those in their mid-career go home with $98,027 yearly, while those working for more than two decades make more than $102,585.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
According to Indeed, the average Nurse Practitioner’s salary for PNPs is $113,122.
They also enjoy other benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and paid time off.
The highest paying cities for PNPs are Los Angeles, Sacramento, Atlanta, and Baltimore, with an average salary of $124,110, $120,738, $118,859, and $118,247, respectively.
Hence, you can target the cities mentioned above if you want mouthwatering Nurse pay.
Remember that certification, education, and experience level affect advanced practice nursing salary.
So, you must put yourself in an advantaged position to earn an enticing APN Nurse salary.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
The least 25th percentile makes an average of $119,477 per annum, while the 75th percentile makes $140,533.
The lowest earners are Physician Assistants and other newest entrants.
However, the average earning for Neonatal Nurses is $129,978.
The top 10% of highest earners make an average of $150,144 annually.
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP)
According to ZipRecruiter, the national average salary of Geriatric Nurse Practitioners is $172,645 per annum.
They make an average of $83 hourly.
The lowest 10th percentile makes an average of $100,000 yearly, while the highest earners (90th percentile) make $400,000.
The cities that pay above the national average include Sunnyvale, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa.
Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
Our discourse on APRN CNP salary is incomplete without mentioning ENP Salary.
According to Salary.com, the average earning of ENPs is $118,685.
Low earners go home with an average of $110,311 per annum, while high-earning ENPs make up to $132,067.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP)
Oncology Nurse Practitioners make between $20,009 and $543,998 annually.
In fact, some highly experienced ONPs make up to $1,572,261 per annum, according to Glassdoor.
However, Salary.com pegs the average income of ONPs at $117,501.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
According to Indeed, PMHNPs make an average of $135,673 per annum.
But if you want to make more money, target New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Baltimore.
The cities listed above pay between $141,819 and $157,222.
PMHNPs enjoy other benefits such as dental insurance, continuing education credits, disability insurance, life insurance, health insurance, loan repayment program, employee assistance program, flexible schedule, and retirement plan.
You should consider the benefits attached to nursing programs before enrollment.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (ONP)
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners make between $110,100 and $125,300 yearly, but their average earning is $117,800.
While the least 10% of earners make an average of $103,090, the top 10% go home with $132,128 annually.
You can make more than all the abovementioned figures if you become more experienced and dedicate yourself to work.
Cardiology Nurse Practitioner (CNP)
Cardiology Nurse Practitioners make between $90,500 and $208,000 per annum, but their average is $136,846.
The average hourly wage is $66.
Creative CNPs can spread their wings to earn more and distinguish themselves from low earners.
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners make between $11,000 and $126,500 per annum.
The average earning for ANPs is $99,735 per year.
The top 5 highest paying states for ANPs are Massachusetts, New Jersey, Hawaii, Connecticut, and Washington.
Their average annual earnings are $104,178, $103,072, $102,380, $101,044, and $99,583, respectively.
Conversely, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and Florida are the least paying states for ANPs.
Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP)
Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioners make between $25,515 and $691,331 per year, with the median pay being $123,631.
DCNPs are also entitled to other benefits, depending on their organization.
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
According to the estimations of Glassdoor, Acute Care Nurse Practitioners make between $9,028 and $1,631,139.
The average earning of ACNPs is $116,626 per annum.
However, many ACNPs earn additional benefits and bonuses that shoot up their earnings.
If you work in an environment where employers value your commitment and selfless service, you will earn more and grow faster.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
According to the figures from Salary.com, AGNPs make between $92,142 and $107,873 per annum.
However, the 2022 average earning is $99,298.
The lowest 10% of earners make an average of $85,626 annually, while the highest 10% earn $115,681.
With these extensive details, we’ve answered these two questions: “How much does an Advanced Practice Nurse make?” and “How much does APRN make?”.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
We’ve asserted that geographical location is a crucial factor in determining APRNs’ earnings.
We gave examples of such indifferent instances, but we want to be more comprehensive in this section by highlighting the amount APRNs earn in each state.
State | Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Midwife | Nurse Anesthetist |
Alabama | $99,570 | Not Available | $157,430 |
Alaska | $115,890 | $85,920 | N/A |
Arizona | $111,480 | $117,700 | $144,530 |
Arkansas | $105,840 | N/A | $182,960 |
California | $138,660 | $154,500 | $227,290 |
Colorado | $106,760 | $102,520 | $175,100 |
Connecticut | $115,140 | $112,920 | $198,750 |
Delaware | $112,430 | $95,110 | N/A |
Florida | $101,510 | $84,270 | $160,030 |
Georgia | $105,670 | $98,440 | $174,310 |
Hawaii | $124,000 | N/A | $198,330 |
Idaho | $110,860 | N/A | $150,670 |
Illinois | $107,860 | $104,640 | $199,660 |
Indiana | $106,380 | $112,010 | $165,770 |
Iowa | $109,910 | $104,420 | $202,400 |
Kansas | $100,550 | N/A | $162,010 |
Kentucky | $99,560 | $105,890 | $167,400 |
Louisiana | $106,240 | N/A | $158,500 |
Maine | $106,960 | $115,200 | $188,840 |
Maryland | $111,800 | $118,240 | $186,310 |
Massachusetts | $122,240 | $107,150 | $201,890 |
Michigan | $108,660 | $92,790 | $194,640 |
Minnesota | $122,850 | $121,980 | $192,290 |
Mississippi | $110,740 | $119,640 | $177,820 |
Missouri | $105,050 | $114,140 | $161,420 |
Montana | $109,120 | N/A | $239,380 |
Nebraska | $105,450 | N/A | $179,450 |
Nevada | $115,970 | N/A | N/A |
New Hampshire | $110,680 | $108,050 | $196,000 |
New Jersey | $123,810 | $117,280 | $193,900 |
New Mexico | $111,930 | $98,750 | $162,320 |
New York | $122,550 | $120,380 | $200,350 |
North Carolina | $105,890 | $100,730 | $189,060 |
North Dakota | $110,950 | N/A | $195,010 |
Ohio | $103,780 | $103,930 | $184,380 |
Oklahoma | $113,200 | N/A | $175,090 |
Oregon | $113,430 | $113,580 | $234,750 |
Pennsylvania | $101,950 | $98,680 | $174,240 |
Rhode Island | $115,310 | $108,320 | N/A |
South Carolina | $100,680 | $99,590 | $165,940 |
South Dakota | $102,230 | N/A | $190,880 |
Tennessee | $96,510 | $90,070 | $157,070 |
Texas | $115,440 | $92,560 | $167,020 |
Utah | $105,240 | $104,580 | $146,470 |
Vermont | $105,840 | $94,850 | N/A |
Virginia | $109,110 | $94,920 | $180,120 |
Washington | $126,920 | $107,810 | $192,440 |
West Virginia | $103,170 | N/A | $188,580 |
Wisconsin | $112,130 | $115,100 | $233,600 |
Wyoming | $118,110 | N/A | $243,310 |
Where Majority of APRNs Practice
While discussing APRN work environments, we stated that they could work in various settings based on specialization and preference.
For example, Nurse Anesthetists usually work in outpatient surgery centers, Physician’s offices, and hospitals.
On the other hand, Nurse Practitioners serve in clinics or Doctor’s offices.
They may also work in hospitals, assisted living facilities, long-term care, and healthcare centers.
The table below sheds light on where APRNs prefer to work:
Practice Setting | Nurse-Midwives | Nurse Practitioners | Nurse Anesthetists | |||
Employment | % | Employment | % | Employment | % | |
Physicians’ Offices | 2,820 | 40.69% | 95,820 | 47.77% | 22,870 | 52.49% |
Outpatient Care Centers | 1,180 | 17.03% | 18,820 | 9.38% | 1,910 | 4.38% |
Hospitals | 2,040 | 29.44% | 47,420 | 23.64% | 14,420 | 33.10% |
Educational Institutions | 100 | 1.44% | 6,710 | 3.34% | 1,410 | 3.24% |
Other Health Practitioners’ Offices | 520 | 7.50% | 6,210 | 3.10% | 1,870 | 4.29% |
Advanced Practice Nurse Salary Outlook
Despite these tempting and high figures, you may still want to know what the future holds for you in Advanced Practice Nursing.
There’s no cause for the alarm because there is an increasing demand for qualified healthcare professionals.
The boomer population and increasing rate of chronic and acute illnesses are some of the causes of increased demand for healthcare providers.
The projected increase in APRN jobs will undoubtedly lead to increased earnings.
Get ready; your negotiating power is about to get better!
Conclusion
Whether you’re resident in San Francisco, California, or Washington DC, APRNs are hotcakes.
Pursue an MSN in a relevant course, earn more certifications, and strategically position yourself for more income.
With the predicted increase in APRN demand, you’ll earn mouthwatering remunerations if you secure an advanced practice nursing role.
This is the best time to start your APRN journey!
FAQs
What is considered an Advanced Practice Nurse?
An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse is a highly-skilled healthcare provider who has attained graduate-level education and met clinical practice requirements. APRNs mostly work in community-based settings. They provide preventive, primary, and mental health care to patients. Based on their training and workplace, they may serve individuals, families, or groups.
What is the highest paying RN specialty?
The highest paying RN specialty is the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). CRNAs are highly skilled RNs who work closely with doctors during medical procedures requiring anesthesia. They make an average of $181,040 per annum.
What is the average salary of an APRN?
The average hourly wage of an APRN is $60.90, while their monthly salary average is $10,560. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says APRNs earn an average of $126,670 annually. Note that we’ve only quoted the national average; the average for each state differs.
What are the top 10 highest paying cities for APRN jobs?
The highest paying cities include Columbus, San Jose, Vallejo, San Francisco, Honolulu, Lafayette, Texarkana, Visalia, New Bedford, and McAllen. Nurse Practitioners earn between $121,790 and $146,450 in the cities mentioned above. However, your specialty area will determine the best city of practice for you.
How much do APRNs make?
There’s no specific answer to this question because there are numerous APRN specialties, each paying differently based on many factors. However, Herzing University’s 2020 APRN average across all specialties was $114,510. The salary outlook for APRNs is extremely positive.
Can APRNs practice independently?
Some states allow APRNs to practice independently after meeting certain conditions, while others require them to enter into a collaborative agreement with Physicians. Hence, you must confirm with your state board of nursing before beginning your APRN practice to avoid violating the law.
How much do APRNs make an hour?
The average hourly wage of APRNs is $60.90. Certified Nurse Anesthetists are the highest earners with $87.04 hourly, followed by Certified Nurse Practitioners with $53.77 per hour. Nurse-Midwives make an average of $52.31 per hour, while Clinical Nurse Specialists earn $50.48.
How much do APRNs make a year?
There are different figures for how much APRNs make annually. However, the average annual earning of CNAs is $181,040, while CNMs make an average of $108,810 per annum. CNPs earn an average of $111,840, while CNSs make $105,000.
