Are FNP salaries in family practice really this low?

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Currently receiving offers as a new grad FNP in family practices (wealthy areas and poor areas) for $60,000 to 70,000 salary (non hourly rate) with poor benefits/bonuses in Philly and surrounding suburban areas...includes weekly call and contracts that require a year or more of commitment. I'm told reimbursement rates are low in these counties and that's why the salaries are like this for NPs. Is this typical right now due to the economy or am I being taken advantage of as a new grad? Will things get better in January with ACA insurance coverage? Better salaries and benefits? I'm really shocked at the salaries. I can't accept something low. Super discouraged. Any advice out there????

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

That seems quote low.

Specializes in Internal Medicine.

I'm not an expert on the Philly job market but that doesn't sound like it's much more than the rate of an RN in the area. What was your experience prior to becoming an FNP? I know some practices, hospitals, and clinics take into consideration prior RN experience when calculating salary. Similar to how some RN's get credit for their time as a CNA or Tech as some hospitals.

Hello new_horizon555:

When did you complete your FNP program? Previously you stated that you were planning to start your program in May 2012.

Just curious... :yes:

In Spokane, Washington, FNP's start at $80,000-90,000. Only the federally funded clinics have wages at $55,000 but they qualify for student loan repayment

That seems awfully low! And ontop of that bad benefits, there is call and its for a salary not hourly or per patient! There's no way. I would negociate the package way up. Take a look at this 2012 NP & PA Salary Survey Results on ADVANCE for NPs & PAs

Specializes in medical surgical.

Our market is so bad that NP's cannot find work. I do not know what the answer is.

The latest update on my job situation is that when I almost walked away from the offer last week, the physician with the higher salary offer raised his offer to $10,000 more! It was obvious that he wanted to employ me. It's still on the low end for the area but more fair for someone without experience. I decided to take it!

I'm not impressed with the benefits but it's more than what I currently have now which is zilch! I tried to negotiate it higher but was rather unsuccessful. I also have to pay all my license fees/malpractice fees myself and get reimbursed later as well as move into an area with high apartment housing prices. I was not expecting this expense upfront...But I have to start somewhere!

It's not just me. I'm hearing other new grads are being offered salaries in the $60s including nearby states. Physicians are taking advantage financially of new grads and hoping you take the low salary and do not question them - that's my opinion. I had one doc argue that the $60,000 NP salary was not at all what RNs make at all...yeah right! We all need to be advocates for ourselves. I'm learning all of this as I go unfortunately!

Specializes in Neurosurgery, critical care.

When I started working at a neurosurgery private practice, I was employed at 65k (as an RN, my board certification was pending testing). Within a year I am up to 80k base. I also get a monthly commission of 10% of my total collections. It is all about negotiations, I have an excellent benefit package w,paid health, 401k, ect. Also take into effect that you may not have a lot of experience in your specific field. Best advice I have, negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. Also, look at the financials of the practice. I am able to know what my charges, collections, and accounts receivable are. Throughout all my clinical NONE of my preceptorship were able to obtain this information. It is much easier to ask for a raise when you bring 400k to the practice each year. Be humble, know you are early in your career. Good luck.

My advise is to be humble but be smart about your decision on where to work because whether for 65 grand or 80 grand or higher, know that you will work your butt off as an NP for any practice - experience or no experience! Once you earn that degree the same tasks are put on your shoulders as someone without experience because the demand for healthcare delivery is so high. I agree that it would be helpful to know financials of your billing. Get friendly with the billing staff!! Anyone know if NPs qualify for meaningful use?

Specializes in Mental Health.

Yeah it does seem that physicians take advantage of new grad NPs, especially in states which require collaboration, which I am guessing is your case. The fact that you were offered $10k more after you walked away is a sign that you were lowballed initially. Too bad you accepted because I'm sure you could've gotten more (better benefits, malpractice coverage). Were you unwilling to move to another area? It's too bad but employers will take advantage of the glut of NPs and those who don't negotiate/walk away.

Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.

Starting average here in northeast florida postings are 70 to 75k for new grad FNPs... However I've seen them say no call no wkends and no holidays at least. But yea still seems low as an RN I Make 60k with same schedule!

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