Advanced practice nurses with prescribing rights. Severe shortage = strong wage pressure.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Nurse Practitioner (NP)s. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $98,700 | $81,000 | $117,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $122,700 | $100,700 | $145,800 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $141,100 | $115,800 | $167,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $169,300 | $138,900 | $201,100 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $191,800 | $157,400 | $227,900 |
Top 10 states by median Nurse Practitioner (NP) salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $204,600 | $155,500 | $266,000 | +45% |
| Washington DC | $197,600 | $150,200 | $256,800 | +40% |
| New Jersey | $177,800 | $135,100 | $231,200 | +26% |
| Washington | $172,200 | $130,800 | $223,800 | +22% |
| Connecticut | $170,800 | $129,800 | $222,000 | +21% |
| Hawaii | $169,300 | $128,700 | $220,100 | +20% |
| Maryland | $169,300 | $128,700 | $220,100 | +20% |
| Massachusetts | $169,300 | $128,700 | $220,100 | +20% |
| New York | $166,500 | $126,600 | $216,500 | +18% |
| Colorado | $165,100 | $125,500 | $214,600 | +17% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $120,000 | $91,200 | $155,900 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $118,500 | $90,100 | $154,100 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $118,500 | $90,100 | $154,100 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $118,500 | $90,100 | $154,100 | -16% |
| Alabama | $117,100 | $89,000 | $152,300 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $117,100 | $89,000 | $152,300 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $112,900 | $85,800 | $146,800 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $112,900 | $85,800 | $146,800 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $110,100 | $83,700 | $143,100 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $110,100 | $83,700 | $143,100 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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