NP salary too low?

Published

I have recently accepted a NP position in North Carlina for 77K. It is a federal job with 7 weeks leave, comfortable working hours, no call and excellent benefits. Still, I have one year of experience in neurology (the new position is in the same specialty) and three years as a RN. I can't help feeling I am being underpaid. The position is marginally more than I make now.

Thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Is salary negotiable?

One year of experience while great may not be the amount of experience that will get you more money.

Since its a government job - when can you expect a review and raise? How often?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in FNP.

I think that is an outstanding rate of pay for the SE US. I don't know any NPs here getting anywhere near that salary. The top paid NP here has 11 years experience, and JUST got bumped to 70. NO BENEFITS of any kind, which is why she makes so much more than everyone else here. Welcome to the south, lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency,.

Speaking on a general note (not just about your job), but as a new NP i do feel that we as a profession are getting the shaft. the work i do as an Emergency NP is worth at least half (though i think more) of what my MD counterparts are making, if they start at 225K shouldn't I start at 125K?

as a new grad I am making 70, and after all my work I feel like it should be more.

but I blame the lack of consistency with the NP practice. We need to work together, and make national laws, and raise the expected pay for all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

+1000

Speaking on a general note (not just about your job), but as a new NP i do feel that we as a profession are getting the shaft. the work i do as an Emergency NP is worth at least half (though i think more) of what my MD counterparts are making, if they start at 225K shouldn't I start at 125K?

as a new grad I am making 70, and after all my work I feel like it should be more.

but I blame the lack of consistency with the NP practice. We need to work together, and make national laws, and raise the expected pay for all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Idk depends on the benefits my wife is a RN makes right at 80k salary with a 8% 401k match and 2.5-3% cost of living raises. Granted her job is high stress and she routinely works 45-50hrs a week.

It's hard to choose going forward FNP or MD Im sure your pay will go up. Best of luck!'

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+1000

What?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics/Emergency Medicine/NICU.

As a PNP with 3 years experience now in the ED, and having over 12 years of experience as an RN before going back to school, that is pretty good pay for a fairly new NP with a few years of RN experience. I agree that nursing has shot themselves in the foot by not demanding more monetary compensation from the onset of NP's CNS's, etc. I agree that about 1/2 of the salary of MD's and DO's should be instilled. There are many RN's making more than me when I have more liability, greater decision making, etc. Plus, I am generating revenue for the hospital. I only made approx $74k in the Midwest. This includes working many difficulty hours, getting no break to eat, working 10 hour shifts, etc. We earn PTO just like the nursing staff, which equated for me approx 5-6 work weeks per year. There is no matching of 401k, but I do have a pension. I think your salary sounds pretty generous and having a nice schedule, etc. is worth a lot. Hopefully, NP's will begin to be compensated fairly for what they do. It would be nice to have our nursing organizations help us with this at the state and federal level. Best wishes with your job!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Plastic Surgery, ER.

I just graduated in Dec and am still job hunting. Here in Hampton Roads, VA, the best offer I've gotten so far is 53k, only 2 weeks PTO, CME (one conference/year), malpractice and a phone. This is for 4 days/week, with call about once/month. I am SOOO disappointed as I am making quite a bit more as an RN, and expected at least 70-75k for 4-5 days/week. I have 9 years RN experience in surgery and ED. I'm hoping for a better offer soon! I know it's not all about the actual salary, but there is a bottom line that I have bills to pay!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am finding the pay is awfully low here in Pittsburgh PA also. I am a recent CRNP grad with 20 years exp as a RN. I can't seem to find a job. I have been many interviews. They are offer such low hourly rate, I make more as a RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

That pay in the triangle is slightly above average from when I was job hunting in the triangle 2+ years ago. The benefits are well above average. Most want 2 years+ experience before you get compensated more.

On the note that we should get at least half of what the MD makes, I agree and then some. The reason we are in demand is that we are cheaper than MD's and do just as good a job in the areas we overlap. Just something to keep in mind so we do not price ourselves out of our market strength.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in medical surgical.

I figured this would happen eventually. I am in a NP program right now. The schools are cranking out ridiculous amounts of grads. This gives an oversupply which reduces demand leading to declining wages. I foresee the same happening with medical school but it will take a few years. Now that PA's can bridge to MD's which is wonderful for them, the same may happen. Some have even talked about the NP bridge to MD but I foresee that a long ways away!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion