Salary info

[BirkieGirl]

Can anybody tell me where are the best websites, resources, etc to estimate what NPs in my area make?

I cruise the online want-ads to get some ideas, but most are vague about money. i am a NP student half-way through my program and just trying to get some ideas for what to expect.

thanks!

[Jules A, MSN]

Salaries vary so much from area to area that I haven't ever been a fan of the estimated figures by state. I'd suggest asking NPs in the area where you want to work. I know it can feel uncomfortable but I think this is part of the key to ensuring we are paid a fair wage and don't fall prey to the all too common co-dependent nurse relationship where we do everything from scrubbing the floor to taking vitals for a paltry salary because "my patients need me and who else will do it if I don't?".

I was fortunate in that my preceptor told me her salary, which was about $20 an hour more than I would have even thought to ask. When I asked about new grad rates she said I should the same because they weren't going to bill less for me just because I was a new grad and there certainly wasn't any indepth orientation offered with any of my first jobs. I have continued to share my salary information with new grads I have precepted or met in an effort to pay it forward.

If you are hesitant to ask someone's salary perhaps try "what could I expect to make as a new grad NP if I worked here?" That way you don't offend anyone who is under the impression that is gauche to ask about salary. Personally I think it is less about social graces and more about keeping people in the dark about how much others are making so employers can get away with paying new grads the smallest amount of money. I run my career as a business and while I love what I do and feel very proud to help patients the bottom line for me is a scholarly work environment and the most money I can possibly make.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

1) BLS stats give national, state, and regional numbers for various professions including NPs.

2) There are a couple NP & PA annual salary reviews, most of the numbers are broken down by state (I don't remember any regional information) and by specialties but not by both, so you have to be able to interpret somewhat. In general terms, both the government numbers (BLS) and the private salary surveys match up fairly well, so they should give you a good base idea for general information.

3) Networking is your best salary information. I have learned more about NP, PA, and other provider's salaries by employers in my area by becoming friends with providers. For example one facility in town is fairly well known for having significantly lower rates, providers come, get their loan forgiveness and move on to either a new town or one of the other providers in town.

[babyNP., APRN]

Keep in mind that the type of NP you do also impacts it. For example, I'm a NNP and we're on the higher end of the payscale.

[sauce]

salary is directly correlated to how much and often you do things other people don't want to do