Top 10 Highest Paying Nurse Practitioner Salaries in the United States in 2026
Top 10 Highest Paying Nurse Practitioner Salaries in the United States in 2026
Nurse practitioners rank among the highest paid non physician roles in American healthcare. Demand continues to rise due to physician shortages expanded scope of practice and an aging population. Salaries vary widely by specialty and location. Below are the top ten nurse practitioner roles and locations with the highest earning potential in the United States.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
This role consistently ranks first. CRNAs often earn between 190000 and 250000 per year. Some exceed that in high demand markets. The role requires specialized training but offers unmatched compensation and autonomy.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
PMHNPs earn between 140000 and 200000 annually. Demand remains intense nationwide due to the mental health crisis. Telehealth has expanded earning power even further.
Cardiology Nurse Practitioner
Cardiology focused NPs earn roughly 135000 to 185000. Hospitals and specialty practices value advanced cardiac expertise.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Orthopedic NPs often earn 130000 to 180000. Surgical practices sports medicine and joint replacement centers drive demand.
Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Emergency focused NPs earn between 125000 and 175000. Shift differentials and overtime increase total pay.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
NICU focused NPs earn about 125000 to 170000. The role demands high skill and emotional resilience.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Oncology NPs earn between 120000 and 170000. Cancer centers value continuity of care and specialization.
Family Nurse Practitioner in High Cost States
FNPs in California New York Massachusetts and Washington earn 120000 to 165000 due to cost of living and demand.
Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
AGACNPs earn around 120000 to 165000 working in hospitals and ICUs.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
WHNPs earn between 115000 and 160000 depending on region and practice type.
Geography matters. California New York Hawaii Massachusetts and Oregon consistently pay the highest wages. Experience certifications and specialty training significantly raise earnings.
Nurse practitioner careers combine strong income long term security and clinical autonomy. For many this path offers one of the best returns on educational investment in healthcare.
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High value sources
U S Bureau of Labor Statistics Nurse Practitioners
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-practitioners.htm
American Association of Nurse Practitioners Salary Data
https://www.aanp.org/resources/research/salary-survey
Nurse Practitioner Scope and Pay by State
https://www.nursingworld.org
Medscape Nurse Practitioner Compensation Report
https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/np-compensation-2024-6016983
California Employment Development Department Healthcare Wages
https://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov
New York State Department of Labor Occupational Wages
https://dol.ny.gov
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
https://www.ncsbn.org
