2026 Salary Data
NP Salary Guide
National median $129,210 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). State-by-state breakdown, experience levels, practice settings, and tips to maximize earnings.
Quick Answer: NP Salary in 2026
The median NP salary is $129,210 per year (BLS OEWS, Nurse Practitioners (29-1171) — median annual wage, May 2024). New graduates start at $95,000-$115,000, while experienced NPs (7-15 years) earn $150,000-$180,000. Private practice owners can earn $180,000-$300,000+. Pay runs highest in West Coast and Northeast markets, with California, Washington, and New Jersey near the top in federal wage data.
Salary by Location
NP Salary by State
See how NP salaries compare across different states. Click any state to view available jobs.
Note: Real-time salary data from active NP job postings. For comprehensive state-by-state data including cost-of-living adjustments, download our full PDF guide above.
Salary Breakdown
What Impacts Your Earnings
Full Practice Authority
27 states + DC grant FPA (AANP State Practice Environment). NPs in FPA states earn 12-15% more on average.
✓ Full Practice Authority
- • +12-15% salary premium
- • Can own practice independently
- • Full clinical independence
Restricted / Reduced
- • Baseline salary
- • Requires physician collaboration
- • Physician oversight required
Market Intelligence
2026 NP Market Trends
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Postings (Monthly) | 12,500 | 14,200 | 15,800 |
| Telehealth % | 48% | 55% | 62% |
| Time to Fill (days) | 45 | 38 | 32 |
Why Demand is High
- • 90 million+ Americans live in primary-care shortage areas (HRSA)
- • 45% projected NP job growth through 2032 (BLS)
Maximize Your Pay
Factors Affecting NP Salary
Geographic Location
States with higher cost of living and greater demand (CA, NY, MA) typically offer 20-40% higher salaries than rural areas.
Experience Level
Entry-level NPs start around $95-115k. With 5+ years experience, salaries can reach $150-180k or more.
Practice Setting
Private practice and telehealth positions often pay more than hospital or community health settings.
Employment Type
1099 contractors and travel NPs often earn 20-50% more than W2 employees, though without traditional benefits.
Specialization
Subspecialties like acute care, emergency, psychiatric-mental health, or dermatology can command premium pay (+10-25%).
Negotiation
NPs who negotiate can often secure 5-15% higher starting salaries plus signing bonuses ($5,000-$30,000).
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data Sources & Methodology: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS, May 2024), HRSA, AANP, and analysis of 722 active NP job postings with disclosed salary on this board. Job posting data updates daily.
