How Much Do Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Make in The USA?
When you become a registered nurse, you have many options for furthering your career. You can pursue specializations through certifications and become qualified to treat unique patients in an area of medicine they’re passionate about.
Some nurses want to elevate their career and decide to become the highest type of registered nurse: advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
APRNs are specialist nurses in a particular skill set. Nurse practitioners are a type of APRN who specializes in family care, pediatrics, psychiatry, or emergency care. APRNs can use their higher level of education and clinical experience to assess and diagnose patients, order lab work, and, in some states, even prescribe medication.
The average APRN salary in the US reflects their specialized skill set and education. We’ve determined the average national salary based on the median annual wage in every state, according to Zippa.com (July 2022).
Our data shows that an APRN in the US earns $88,013.96 a year.
Recommended Reading - What is an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the USA?
How much does an APRN make a year?
APRN salaries range between $56,803 to $118,102. In the middle of this range is the median annual salary of $88,013.96. According to Zippia, the typical entry-level salary for an advanced practice registered nurse is $74,000. Keep in mind that the annual salary can vary according to experience, certifications and where you live.
How much does an APRN make an hour?
An APRN can expect to earn between $25.62 and $41.29 depending on their state. On average, APRNs receive $34 an hour.
APRN salary by state
Use this table to compare your state’s average APRN salary with the national average. You can also review the average APRN annual wage in each state.
State | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage | Compared To National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | $30.98 | $81,343.00 | -8% |
Alaska | $38.36 | $103,808.00 | 18% |
Arizona | $34.67 | $83,348.00 | -5% |
Arkansas | $28.56 | $71,865.00 | -18% |
California | $51.92 | $112,506.00 | 28% |
Colorado | $31.24 | $67,431.00 | -23% |
Connecticut | $41.53 | $114,488.00 | 30% |
Delaware | $29.58 | $88,852.00 | 1% |
District of Columbia | $37.77 | $110,218.00 | 25% |
Florida | $31.99 | $78,797.00 | -10% |
Georgia | $31.37 | $88,352.00 | 0% |
Hawaii | $45.55 | $95,544.00 | 9% |
Idaho | $31.53 | $81,812.00 | -7% |
Illinois | $29.19 | $76,279.00 | -13% |
Indiana | $24.33 | $74,686.00 | -15% |
Iowa | $23.40 | $64,607.00 | -27% |
Kansas | $28.04 | $67,922.00 | -23% |
Kentucky | $27.86 | $80,410.00 | -9% |
Louisiana | $33.41 | $65,974.00 | -25% |
Maine | $41.73 | $109,975.00 | 25% |
Maryland | $35.90 | $104,380.00 | 19% |
Massachusetts | $41.29 | $118,102.00 | 34% |
Michigan | $31.00 | $110,400.00 | 25% |
Minnesota | $31.45 | $81,763.00 | -7% |
Mississippi | $29.55 | $74,960.00 | -15% |
Missouri | $31.53 | $69,799.00 | -21% |
Montana | $36.24 | $62,067.00 | -29% |
Nebraska | $25.77 | $62,950.00 | -28% |
Nevada | $42.21 | $95,462.00 | 8% |
New Hampshire | $34.39 | $103,492.00 | 18% |
New Jersey | $43.37 | $110,217.00 | 25% |
New Mexico | $36.69 | $79,262.00 | -10% |
New York | $45.02 | $113,401.00 | 29% |
North Carolina | $27.86 | $98,698.00 | 12% |
North Dakota | $28.49 | $59,715.00 | -32% |
Ohio | $28.93 | $92,132.00 | 5% |
Oklahoma | $28.68 | $71,221.00 | -19% |
Oregon | $48.17 | $109,522.00 | 24% |
Pennsylvania | $34.70 | $117,704.00 | 34% |
Rhode Island | $43.27 | $113,430.00 | 29% |
South Carolina | $27.96 | $74,926.00 | -15% |
South Dakota | $25.62 | $56,803.00 | -35% |
Tennessee | $23.73 | $73,426.00 | -17% |
Texas | $34.39 | $82,818.00 | -6% |
Utah | $35.59 | $75,076.00 | -15% |
Vermont | $37.10 | $101,803.00 | 16% |
Virginia | $28.83 | $96,148.00 | 9% |
Washington | $46.55 | $102,693.00 | 17% |
West Virginia | $29.58 | $100,199.00 | 14% |
Wisconsin | $33.64 | $89,010.00 | 1% |
Wyoming | $33.44 | $68,916.00 | -22% |
National Average | $34.00 | $88,013.96 |
|
Factors that affect how much an APRN Makes
Being an APRN can qualify you for higher pay, but salaries will vary based on factors like:
1) Education level and years of experience
All APRNs must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in order to practice. Earning your master’s degree in nursing (MSN) opens the door to many other opportunities. A master’s degree teaches you the skills you need to work with a particular patient population, or provide more specialized, advanced care. It can also help you earn more money once you complete your degree.
Nurses with master ’s degrees earn $42,000 more than RNs with BSNs on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2) Location and workplace
Both state and work environment impact how much an advanced practice registered nurse makes. Some specialize in home health services, while others prefer to work in hospitals or physician’s offices.
Each state also has its own average, which is influenced by the need for APRNs in the area. Two APRNs with the same qualifications can earn different salaries based on where they work and live. For example, an ARPN living in California may earn more than an ARPN who lives in Minnesota. Even with the same years of experience and credentials, the salary may be different.
3) Additional certifications
APRNs can pursue additional certifications that qualify them for more jobs and higher pay. The most common APRN specialization is the Nurse Practitioner (NP) certification. Family Nurse Practitioners (FPNs) are the most common, followed by Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners.
You could also choose to specialize in acute (emergency) or primary care. Your specialization and accompanying certifications all influence where you work and how much you’re eligible to earn.
How quickly can you become an APRN and start earning?
Advanced practice registered nurses must earn their minimum education requirements for six years. Regardless of their path, APRNs must have a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in nursing.
Additional training and clinical experience vary by profession. You may, for example, spend two years gaining clinical experience to sit for a certifying exam. However, most nurses become APRNs while working as RNs. Keep in mind that you don’t have to decide on a specialty right away. You can work as an RN and once you become an APRN, you can then decide on which subspecialty you’d like to work in.
By pursuing your MSN as an RN, you can build clinical experience for your APRN exam while you study.
Expect to spend at least six to eight years meeting all the APRN requirements. If you’re already an RN, then you will spend three to five years completing your degrees and clinical experience.
Recommended Reading - How To Become An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) In The USA
APRN salary vs other nursing professions
Here’s how much APRNs’ earnings compare to other nursing jobs:
Average advanced practice registered nurse salary: $88,013.96
Nurse Practitioner: $116,438.80
Travel Nurse: $87,958.51
Nurse Administrator: $76,104.25
Registered Nurse: $76,944.90
Surgical Nurse: $76,757.41
APRN salary FAQ
Am I being paid fairly as an APRN?
An advanced practice registered nurse should earn not less than their state’s average. Your state’s average may be higher or lower than the national average. If you find that your pay is lower than the average where you live, compile the data, and present it to your employer.
It’s not uncommon for employers to not be knowledgeable about what a credentialed employee should really be earning. They can review your data and then work towards finding a solution that works for both of you.
Are APRNs mostly paid hourly or annually?
APRNs who work in physician’s offices and private healthcare facilities will probably receive a salary; APRNs working in hospitals can receive a salary or hourly wage.
Do APRNs get paid overtime?
All nurses should receive pay-and-a-half overtime if they work over 40 hours a week. As an APRN, you may sometimes be called in or have to work longer, treating patients and providing specialized care.
If you work overtime, then you should receive your regular hourly wage plus a half. For example, an APRN who earns $30 regularly would earn $45 per hour while working overtime. This may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Do APRNs get paid more privately or in hospitals?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Practitioners make the most money in hospitals, followed by outpatient care centers and physician’s offices; registered nurses make the most in government healthcare facilities, followed by hospitals and ambulatory care services.
What state pays APRNs the most per hour?
Massachusetts pays advanced practice registered nurses $118,102 annually, which is 34% higher than the median average APRN salary.
Below are the highest paying states for advanced practice registered nurses:
State | Median Hourly Wage | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
Massachusetts | $41.29 | $118,102 |
Pennsylvania | $34.70 | $117,704 |
Connecticut | $41.53 | $114,488 |
Rhode Island | $43.27 | $113,430 |
New York | $45.025 | $113,401 |
Can you live off of an APRNs salary in the USA?
To determine how well you can live off of an APRNs salary, compare your earnings with the cost-of-living index in your state. In addition, you need to consider the lifestyle you want to live and the cost of your monthly expenses.
The cost-of-living index reflects each state’s earnings against a national average (100). Scores above 100 show a higher cost of living and vice versa.
View the cost of living index to learn more!
Position | State | costIndex |
| Position | State | Median Avg Nursing Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hawaii | 193.3 |
| 1 | California | $84,997.78 |
2 | New York | 148.2 |
| 2 | Washington | $80,067.11 |
3 | California | 142.2 |
| 3 | Oregon | $79,598.00 |
4 | Massachusetts | 135 |
| 4 | Alaska | $77,079.00 |
5 | Oregon | 130.1 |
| 5 | Connecticut | $76,783.89 |
6 | Alaska | 127.1 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $75,788.44 |
7 | Maryland | 124 |
| 7 | New York | $75,587.89 |
8 | Connecticut | 121.6 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $75,395.67 |
9 | Rhode Island | 117.2 |
| 9 | District of Columbia | $72,408.78 |
10 | Vermont | 117 |
| 10 | Rhode Island | $72,072.78 |
11 | New Jersey | 115.2 |
| 11 | New Hampshire | $70,314.33 |
12 | Maine | 115 |
| 12 | North Dakota | $69,891.22 |
13 | Washington | 111.6 |
| 13 | Minnesota | $69,718.67 |
14 | New Hampshire | 109.9 |
| 14 | Nevada | $69,611.00 |
15 | Delaware | 107.9 |
| 15 | Maryland | $69,379.89 |
16 | Nevada | 106.3 |
| 16 | Michigan | $69,267.89 |
17 | Colorado | 105.3 |
| 17 | Hawaii | $68,994.22 |
18 | Arizona | 103.2 |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | $68,947.00 |
19 | Pennsylvania | 102.5 |
| 19 | Vermont | $68,873.00 |
20 | Idaho | 102.1 |
| 20 | Maine | $67,826.33 |
21 | Virginia | 101.8 |
| 21 | Arizona | $67,388.56 |
22 | South Dakota | 101 |
| 22 | Wisconsin | $67,343.78 |
23 | Montana | 100.7 |
| 23 | Delaware | $67,080.67 |
24 | Florida | 100.3 |
| 24 | Colorado | $66,904.67 |
25 | Minnesota | 100 |
| 25 | Illinois | $66,509.56 |
26 | Utah | 99 |
| 26 | Utah | $66,147.78 |
27 | North Dakota | 98.2 |
| 27 | New Mexico | $65,823.22 |
28 | Wisconsin | 96.4 |
| 28 | Texas | $64,157.00 |
29 | North Carolina | 95.7 |
| 29 | Ohio | $64,145.00 |
30 | Illinois | 94.3 |
| 30 | Wyoming | $62,866.33 |
31 | Wyoming | 94.3 |
| 31 | Idaho | $62,811.56 |
32 | Nebraska | 93.7 |
| 32 | Iowa | $62,781.56 |
33 | South Carolina | 93.6 |
| 33 | North Carolina | $62,711.56 |
34 | Kentucky | 93.1 |
| 34 | Indiana | $62,346.56 |
35 | Louisiana | 93 |
| 35 | Montana | $62,307.22 |
36 | Texas | 92.1 |
| 36 | Kentucky | $61,509.67 |
37 | Michigan | 91.3 |
| 37 | Georgia | $61,484.67 |
38 | Ohio | 91.3 |
| 38 | Oklahoma | $61,016.78 |
39 | New Mexico | 91 |
| 39 | Mississippi | $60,965.22 |
40 | Arkansas | 90.9 |
| 40 | West Virginia | $60,443.89 |
41 | Indiana | 90.6 |
| 41 | Missouri | $60,281.67 |
42 | West Virginia | 90.5 |
| 42 | Kansas | $59,949.00 |
43 | Iowa | 89.9 |
| 43 | South Dakota | $59,887.56 |
44 | Missouri | 89.8 |
| 44 | Nebraska | $59,798.11 |
45 | Tennessee | 89 |
| 45 | Florida | $59,653.67 |
46 | Georgia | 88.8 |
| 46 | Arkansas | $58,544.11 |
47 | Alabama | 87.9 |
| 47 | South Carolina | $58,357.33 |
48 | Oklahoma | 87.9 |
| 48 | Louisiana | $58,290.56 |
49 | Kansas | 86.5 |
| 49 | Tennessee | $57,799.00 |
50 | Mississippi | 83.3 |
| 50 | Virginia | $57,044.25 |
A note about our data. We use the median of the data gathered from The BLS at data.bls.gov and other salary data sources such as Salary.com, Indeed.com and Zippia.com. We believe that this is the best average to follow, rather than the mean or mode. The mean will find the average of all salaries in each state; the mode will favor the most frequently reported salaries. However, the median will find the middle. All data in this report will favor the middle salary from all ranges, which means 50% will fall below and 50% will be above the salary data reported below. On another note, we have removed data from Puerto Rico, Guam, and The Virgin Islands from the data we have sourced as we have focused on the 50 US States plus The District Of Colombia.
