Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary by State
Compare Nurse Practitioner salaries across all 51 states. Select a state below for detailed percentile breakdowns, cost-of-living adjustments, and specialty comparisons.
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
for accuracy.
Nurse Practitioner Salary Rankings — All States
Key Insights: The Cost of Living Reality
While California offers the highest raw salary for NPs at $168,520, it is crucial to factor in the state's cost of living (COL index of 142.2). When salaries are adjusted for actual purchasing power, the landscape shifts dramatically.
For example, a NP in Oklahoma making a raw median salary of $133,390 enjoys a COL index of 87.6, effectively giving them a purchasing power of $152,272 compared to the national baseline. States in the South and Midwest often provide a better ratio of income to living expenses, despite appearing lower on the raw salary rankings.
| Rank | State | Median Hourly | Median Annual | COL Adjusted | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $84.98 | $168,520 | $118,509 | +30% |
| #2 | New Jersey | $74.88 | $159,310 | $138,290 | +23% |
| #3 | Washington | $73.16 | $156,100 | $135,621 | +21% |
| #4 | Oregon | $74.89 | $155,680 | $137,163 | +20% |
| #5 | Alaska | $71.69 | $155,170 | $125,036 | +20% |
| #6 | New York | $73.99 | $153,510 | $110,359 | +19% |
| #7 | Massachusetts | $73.23 | $142,440 | $108,237 | +10% |
| #8 | Nevada | $66.06 | $140,670 | $135,000 | +9% |
| #9 | Connecticut | $68.43 | $138,470 | $122,757 | +7% |
| #10 | New Hampshire | $66.38 | $137,550 | $122,375 | +6% |
| #11 | New Mexico | $68.99 | $137,520 | $147,080 | +6% |
| #12 | Montana | $65.04 | $137,210 | $138,317 | +6% |
| #13 | Rhode Island | $68.82 | $135,970 | $120,327 | +5% |
| #14 | District of Columbia | $70.42 | $135,880 | $89,336 | +5% |
| #15 | Hawaii | $68.71 | $135,570 | $70,609 | +5% |
| #16 | Vermont | $67.02 | $134,740 | $117,267 | +4% |
| #17 | Arizona | $67.59 | $134,420 | $131,526 | +4% |
| #18 | Oklahoma | $64.52 | $133,390 | $152,272 | +3% |
| #19 | Minnesota | $65.33 | $133,260 | $137,381 | +3% |
| #20 | Colorado | $63.72 | $132,930 | $126,480 | +3% |
| #21 | Idaho | $64.14 | $132,540 | $133,206 | +3% |
| #22 | Wyoming | $63.79 | $132,200 | $141,089 | +2% |
| #23 | Nebraska | $63.32 | $132,130 | $142,998 | +2% |
| #24 | Wisconsin | $64.98 | $131,980 | $141,609 | +2% |
| #25 | Texas | $63.18 | $131,670 | $142,346 | +2% |
| #26 | Michigan | $63.84 | $131,450 | $143,818 | +2% |
| #27 | Maryland | $64.12 | $131,110 | $116,854 | +1% |
| #28 | Delaware | $63.89 | $131,040 | $126,977 | +1% |
| #29 | Utah | $65.90 | $130,920 | $127,727 | +1% |
| #30 | Illinois | $62.95 | $130,680 | $136,695 | +1% |
| #31 | Maine | $64.53 | $130,260 | $116,825 | +1% |
| #32 | Iowa | $65.84 | $130,160 | $145,593 | +1% |
| #33 | Pennsylvania | $63.50 | $130,140 | $132,525 | +1% |
| #34 | North Dakota | $60.76 | $130,070 | $138,520 | +1% |
| #35 | Missouri | $62.97 | $129,930 | $144,688 | +1% |
| #36 | Florida | $62.70 | $129,510 | $125,982 | Avg |
| #37 | Georgia | $61.93 | $129,430 | $145,101 | Avg |
| #38 | North Carolina | $62.92 | $128,990 | $136,932 | Avg |
| #39 | South Dakota | $60.17 | $128,840 | $137,650 | Avg |
| #40 | Indiana | $60.86 | $128,830 | $142,354 | Avg |
| #41 | Virginia | $62.05 | $127,810 | $123,488 | -1% |
| #42 | West Virginia | $60.95 | $127,320 | $145,011 | -1% |
| #43 | Kansas | $61.51 | $126,650 | $144,908 | -2% |
| #44 | Arkansas | $62.63 | $125,660 | $144,603 | -3% |
| #45 | Louisiana | $60.88 | $125,600 | $136,522 | -3% |
| #46 | Ohio | $59.09 | $124,870 | $136,024 | -3% |
| #47 | Mississippi | $60.26 | $124,730 | $147,087 | -3% |
| #48 | South Carolina | $59.70 | $123,290 | $130,742 | -5% |
| #49 | Kentucky | $60.10 | $122,870 | $136,522 | -5% |
| #50 | Tennessee | $55.53 | $117,590 | $130,366 | -9% |
| #51 | Alabama | $53.35 | $105,750 | $120,034 | -18% |
What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who is clinically trained to diagnose illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and prescribe medications for patients. As the "central nervous system" of the modern clinical environment, an NP blends a deep nursing background with high-level medical diagnostics to provide holistic, autonomous care. In the trenches, the clinical weight of this role is felt in your ability to be the definitive voice for your patients—making critical decisions that balance evidence-based medicine with the unique human story of the person in front of you. You aren't just a provider; you are the bridge between complex pathophysiology and the practical, life-saving interventions that define a patient's recovery.
The journey to the NP credential requires a rigorous academic climb, typically culminating in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). To secure your state licensure and practice at the full extent of your training, you must pass a national board certification exam through the AANP or ANCC. In 2026, the landscape of our profession has never been more tech-forward; we are now integrating AI-enhanced diagnostic tools and sophisticated telehealth ecosystems to manage patient populations with unprecedented precision. This modern scope of practice allows us to operate at the peak of our clinical capabilities, utilizing real-time data to drive better outcomes while maintaining the compassionate, patient-centered focus that is the hallmark of the nursing profession.
An NP license is a true professional "passport," offering a level of career flexibility and autonomy that is virtually unmatched in healthcare. Whether you find your calling in the high-stakes environment of an acute care specialty, the consistent relationship-building of a primary care clinic, or the strategic impact of healthcare leadership, your expertise is the currency of the industry. Because NPs are increasingly recognized as the primary solution to provider shortages across every state, this credential gives you the power to pivot between diverse settings—from private practice and rural health to specialized hospitalist roles—ensuring that every shift you work makes a tangible, life-altering impact on the communities you serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Nurse Practitioner salary in the US?
The national median salary for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is $129,210 per year, or approximately $65.10 per hour based on 2025 BLS data.
Which state pays Nurse Practitioners the most?
California offers the highest Nurse Practitioner salary at $168,520 per year, while Alabama is the lowest at $105,750.
What is the starting salary for a Nurse Practitioner?
Entry-level Nurse Practitioners in the US typically start around the 10th percentile, earning a national median of $103,133. With significant experience, top earners in the 90th percentile can make upwards of $170,358 annually.
Does the highest paying state for NPs offer the best standard of living?
Not necessarily. While California offers the highest raw salary at $168,520, its high cost of living means your purchasing power is lower. When adjusted for cost of living, states like Oklahoma and Mississippi often provide a better financial return for NPs.
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make an hour?
On a national level, a Nurse Practitioner makes a median of $65.10 per hour. However, depending on the state and facility, this can range from $49.58 for new graduates up to $81.90 for highly experienced directors or specialists.
Does a Nurse Practitioner make more than a standard Registered Nurse?
Yes, significantly more. While the national median for a standard Registered Nurse is roughly $93,600, a Nurse Practitioner averages $129,210. This premium compensation reflects the advanced MSN or DNP degree and specialized clinical training required for the role.