Registered Nurse vs Nurse Practitioner: Salary Comparison
Nurse Practitioners earn $40K more per year than Registered Nurses on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Registered Nurse | Nurse Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,220 | $121,610 |
| Entry Level | $61,000 | $95,000 |
| Senior Level | $115,000 | $155,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $39/hr | $58/hr |
| Education | Bachelor's or Associate's in Nursing | Master's in Nursing |
| Category | Healthcare | Healthcare |
Which Pays More?
On average, Nurse Practitioners earn $40K more per year than Registered Nurses, with a median salary of $121,610 versus $81,220. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior Registered Nurse in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $149,500 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Nurse Practitioner. Education and credentials also play a role: Nurse Practitioners typically require Master's in Nursing, while Registered Nurses need Bachelor's or Associate's in Nursing. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Nurse Practitioner has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | Registered Nurse | Nurse Practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $115,000 | $173,000 |
| California | $112,000 | $168,000 |
| New York | $104,000 | $156,000 |
| Alaska | $102,000 | $152,000 |
| Massachusetts | $102,000 | $152,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner pay more?
Nurse Practitioner pays more on average at $121,610/year, compared to $81,220/year for Registered Nurse — a difference of $40,390/year.
What is the salary difference between Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner?
The median salary gap is $40,390/year ($40K), with Nurse Practitioner earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner?
Registered Nurse grows from $61,000 to $115,000 (a $54,000 increase). Nurse Practitioner grows from $95,000 to $155,000 (a $60,000 increase). Nurse Practitioner shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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