Starting Salaries for NPs

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I attended an information session on graduate programs in advanced-practice nursing at a local university. I learned that the average starting salary for nurse practitioners in Ohio is in the $50,000s! I truly can't believe this! A new grad staff RN can easily make this much in my area. On salary.com, the average for NPs in my area of Ohio is in the upper $70,000s. Is there really such a difference between starting salaries for new grad NPs and the "average"? How long does it take to start making a salary that compensates the extra education and responsibility?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I attended an information session on graduate programs in advanced-practice nursing at a local university. I learned that the average starting salary for nurse practitioners in Ohio is in the $50,000s! I truly can't believe this! A new grad staff RN can easily make this much in my area. On salary.com, the average for NPs in my area of Ohio is in the upper $70,000s. Is there really such a difference between starting salaries for new grad NPs and the "average"? How long does it take to start making a salary that compensates the extra education and responsibility?

Hello, katyosu,:balloons:

Yes, there are wide differences in salaries throughout the U.S. In my area, $50,000 starting is in line with the average. As for how long, that, too, depends on the area involved. I am not sure anyone can really answer this question.

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A new grad can make in the 50's (RN) IF they are working nights , weekends and 12 hr shifts. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was told starting NP salaries seem a little low at first because there is no shift diff, nights and weekends.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
A new grad can make in the 50's (RN) IF they are working nights , weekends and 12 hr shifts. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was told starting NP salaries seem a little low at first because there is no shift diff, nights and weekends.

That and most of the NPs with whom I have contact are under contract and paid salary as opposed to hourly......

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Thanks for replying Siri. I guess I'm just shocked and disappointed. I realize that few become wealthy with a career in nursing, but I couldn't believe this. NPs have a lot of responsibility and knowledge to share. Nursing seems to be one of the few professions that does not reward those who advance their education. I didn't really expect anyone to be able to answer my post; I'm just frustrated! I'm about to graduate with my BSN and I don't even know if I want to stay in nursing! There are so many complex issues surrounding this profession. :o

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Unfortunately, a PhD in nursing that teaches at a school usually makes less than a staff nurse.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Thanks for replying Siri. I guess I'm just shocked and disappointed. I realize that few become wealthy with a career in nursing, but I couldn't believe this. NPs have a lot of responsibility and knowledge to share. Nursing seems to be one of the few professions that does not reward those who advance their education. I didn't really expect anyone to be able to answer my post; I'm just frustrated! I'm about to graduate with my BSN and I don't even know if I want to stay in nursing! There are so many complex issues surrounding this profession. :o

I understand your frustration. I hope you do not give up .........

It took me about 3-4 years until I finally made a salary that I thought was appropriate. You will have to prove yourself in many areas. Some are so glad to actually find an NP who will work in their area, that they will pay more. It really depends upon the state you are located and the area within that state.

I did significantly surpass the starting average. Just took me a little while to do so......

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Unfortunately, a PhD in nursing that teaches at a school usually makes less than a staff nurse.

Isn't that sad? I just do not understand why that has to be.........

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RN BSN night shift starts at 69K yearly here in NYC. With an NP and certification you can easily make 80K.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Central IL working at hospital starting pay for APN (NP or CNS) is $60k, starting for new grad RN is $32k. However, if you go with an MD practice, usual starting salary is $70-75k.

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I have had an NP mentor explain that yes, RN salaries can seem higher than NP at first...because you are technically starting over in another field at the bottom. It will take a few years to climb up so to speak. Also, many jobs come with bonus opportunities (esp private practice with docs) that are not included in intial quotes. I would not let this discourage you.

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Prior to making the decision to go back to school for my MSN/ARNP, I went to the human resourses dept at the hospital I presently work and was told their starting salary is $37-$50 hour(big range). This is great for south Florida where I saw one hospital advertise $29/hour and that was per diem! So it depends on the facility and location.

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