Last Updated: April 2026
Nurse Practitioner Salary 2026: Pay by State & Specialty
Nurse practitioners are among the fastest-growing and highest-paid roles in healthcare. In 2026, NPs earn an average of $126,260/year — with PMHNPs and acute care NPs commanding even higher premiums. Here's the complete NP salary picture.
NP Salary by State — 2026
| State | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $155,000 | $74.52/hr |
| New York | $145,000 | $69.71/hr |
| New Jersey | $142,000 | $68.27/hr |
| Washington | $138,000 | $66.35/hr |
| Massachusetts | $136,000 | $65.38/hr |
| Texas | $118,000 | $56.73/hr |
| Florida | $112,000 | $53.85/hr |
| National Average | $126,260 | $60.70/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025
NP Salary by Specialty
NP specialty choice has a significant impact on salary. Psychiatric-Mental Health NPs (PMHNPs) earn the most due to severe mental health provider shortages nationwide.
NP Salary by Specialty (2026)
| NP Specialty | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Psychiatric-Mental Health (PMHNP) | $145,000–$165,000 |
| Acute Care (ACNP) | $130,000–$150,000 |
| Emergency NP (ENP) | $128,000–$148,000 |
| Family Practice (FNP) | $118,000–$135,000 |
| Adult-Gerontology (AGNP) | $115,000–$132,000 |
| Pediatric NP (PNP) | $112,000–$128,000 |
| Women's Health NP (WHNP) | $110,000–$130,000 |
Source: AANP survey + NurseSalaryIntel data
NP Salary: Hospital vs. Private Practice vs. Telehealth
Hospital-employed NPs earn $120,000–$140,000 with strong benefits. Private practice NPs earn $130,000–$160,000 but may pay for their own benefits. Telehealth NPs earn $100,000–$130,000 with maximum flexibility. NP practice owners can earn $200,000+ but take on business risk.
How to Negotiate a Higher NP Salary
NPs have more negotiating power than most nurses because of the provider shortage. Negotiate on: base salary, RVU bonuses, CME allowance, student loan repayment, schedule flexibility, and scope of practice.
Full negotiation guide →NP vs. PA Salary Comparison
NPs and PAs earn similar salaries nationally ($126K vs. $128K). The main differences are in specialty distribution and scope of practice laws, which vary by state. In full-practice-authority states, NPs may earn more due to independent billing capability.
NP Job Outlook and Growth
The BLS projects 45% growth in NP employment through 2032 — one of the fastest-growing occupations in the US. Primary care shortages, expanded scope of practice laws, and growing acceptance of NP-led care drive demand.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by State — All 50 States
Click any state for NP salary by specialty, practice setting, and experience level.
📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Browse Nurse Practitioner Salary by State
Nurse Practitioner pay varies significantly by state. Select a state to see local salary data, top employers, and how it compares to the national average.
See all states: RN salary by state → · All specialties →
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