NP makes less than RN

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am an experienced nurse practitioner for 18 years and now I am practicing in Northern California. I was distressed to find out that some of the hospitals pay an RN at $75 per hour whereas an NP will only get $50 per hour. I was told that the RN has union and that's why a RN salary is higher than a NP. Please comment.

Dear NP,

Yes, northern CA RNs are well paid. The northern California RN pay rates are a function of long standing unions and also high cost of living areas. The bay area, San Jose, and Sacramento areas pay very well for RNs. By contrast, California RNs in the central and inland areas are making much less per hour.

The average NP salary in California is 120K according to Indeed.com. $50 per hour converts to around 104K, so what you are seeing is below average. Employers typically pay what the market will sustain. Is the market flooded with NPs in your area?

If you are able to re-locate, you will find higher pay. In some areas of California, experienced NPs earn up to 170K. You should be able to find a higher salary, especially as you are experienced.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!