Do FNP's really make 80k to 90k a year?

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Hi everyone,

I was talking to my aunt who is an FNP, but she mostly teaches and does research. She was telling me that FNP's make 80k-90k a year and that FNP's are going to be really in demand when health care reform kicks in. I told her I wanted to be a PNP, NNP, or a midwife. She told me that PNP's don't make as much money, that is hard to break into the neonatal specialty, and that midwifes are only really needed in Kentucky. I really want to work with babies and/or children because I just LOVE them. So I was just curious about how hard it is to break into these specialties and I'm curious about general salary ranges. I'm not expecting to make a ton of money as a nurse I just want to love the work I do. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Much depends on the part of the country where you live. I live in central IL and $80-90 isn't out of the ballpark for my area.

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I really think it depends on where you live. I'm in Texas and that is totally reasonable expectation but midwives make the same if they work through a hospital practice. I know the area I am in CNM are growing and hospitals are becoming more accepting and several free standing birth centers have popped up. My goal is a CNM and I believe from talking to other midwives that there will be a demand still by the time I graduate.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

In my area you can make that as a seasoned RN or someone with less experience who is willing to work some over time.

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Specializes in NICU.

Heck, I can make 80-90 K as a nurse in my part of the country. I question why she says that CNM's are only needed in Kentucky? I'm originally from Michigan, and they seemed to be plentiful there. Now I'm in New England and there aren't so many....but only Kentucky??

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I'm in northern Indiana. The FNPs I know make about $65000 a year, whether in a hospital or working for a MD.

We have CNMs here too. I don't think KY has a monopoly on them at all!

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An organization does a yearly survey of NPs and PAs regarding their salary information. I don't know anything about the organization, but it looks legit. Here is their 2010 report. Their data show FNP and PNP quite close for average salaries. Hope this helps!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

As others have stated, there are many variables that go into issues like these. Area is a top one. Yes, some FNP's here in Michigan can make $80k to start out. I disagree that neonatal NP's aren't in demand, research I've done actually shows it to be a growing field for NP's (as many other areas are growing as well).

There are many, many articles out there that speak of when the mandated health care plan goes fully into effect of a need for primary care providers to increase. I've also read of an increased need for Hospice providers.

Why not do some research of your own? Look at ads for employment, contact the organization for mid-level practitioners that you would like to join and gather information? Contact some practitioners now to get their point of view.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
Heck, I can make 80-90 K as a nurse in my part of the country. I question why she says that CNM's are only needed in Kentucky? I'm originally from Michigan, and they seemed to be plentiful there. Now I'm in New England and there aren't so many....but only Kentucky??

I was thinking the same thing. I am a nurse with only 3 years experience and I made over $80k last year alone. I want to go back to school for a FNP but do worry I could take a pay cut.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

Why do men make more, do any of you care, not one word, come on people...

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I was thinking the same thing. I am a nurse with only 3 years experience and I made over $80k last year alone. I want to go back to school for a FNP but do worry I could take a pay cut.

Can't speak for your area but if you are making that as a RN I'd guess NPs are probably making in the low 100s which would have you earning more money for less hours or even more money if you want to load up on overtime.

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All of the NPs I know in Texas make at least 88K to start, with most making 90-95K within the first year or so. I don't know any CNMs, but the pedi NPs I know have started out at similar rates.

As for the poster who says you can make that as an RN.....eh, MAYBE. Totally depends on where you live. For Texas, you COULD make that much but you would be busting butt in the generic float pool and working a TON of overtime.

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