Nurse Practitioner Salary: 10 Highest Paid Specialties in 2025

TL;DR: Nurse Practitioner Salary: 10 Highest Paid Specialties in 2025

• Aesthetic NPs top the salary chart with an average of $130K/year, and cities like York, AK paying over $160K.
• Psychiatric NPs are in high demand, earning $141K on average—mental health disorders drive unprecedented need for specialized care.
• Emergency & Acute Care NPs thrive in high-stakes hospital settings, averaging $130K+ annually.
• Neonatal and Pediatric NPs bring in over $135K/year caring for our tiniest and most vulnerable patients.
• Geographic location is everything—NPs in CA and AK consistently rake in top-tier pay across all specialties.

As a Nurse Practitioner Student, you stand on the threshold of an impactful career in healthcare services. Have you ever thought about the array of specializations that lie ahead for advanced practice registered nurses?

Selecting a specialty is like getting your hands on that dream pair of shoes—it has to fit perfectly and be something you'd love to do every day. Not only does it define your career path and the type of patient care you'll provide, but it's also a huge determinant of how much you'll earn. The average NP salary varies significantly by specialty, with some practitioners earning substantially more than others, depending on their chosen field and practice setting.

Understanding the specific requirements for each specialty is crucial, as these can vary by individual states and impact your ability to maintain RN certification and obtain NP licensure. Most states require completion of a master's degree or doctoral degree program, along with specific clinical hours and certification exams. Checking with your state board of nursing for accurate information is essential, as requirements for nurse practitioners differ from those for registered nurses.

Metropolitan areas and hospital settings often offer higher salaries for nurse practitioners due to the increased cost of living and greater job opportunities compared to nonmetropolitan regions. Many factors influence compensation, including your educational background, clinical skills, years of experience, and the type of healthcare providers you'll work alongside.

Whether you're currently completing your clinical rotations or are a practicing NP exploring new career options, understanding salary potential across specialties can help guide your professional decisions. For those ready to take the next step in their nursing practice, NPHire.com offers specialized job opportunities tailored specifically for nurse practitioners across all specialties—from primary care to acute care settings.

So, without further ado, let's delve into the riveting world of the top 10 Nurse Practitioner Specialties of 2025!

1. Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners specialize in aesthetic and cosmetic treatments.

They work with patients to help improve their appearance through a variety of nonsurgical procedures. Aesthetic NPs earn the highest nurse practitioner salary in America.

Salary: As of 2025, the average annual salary for an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner is $130,295, which breaks down to approximately $62.64 per hour or $10,857 per month. While this is the national average, actual earnings can vary widely based on factors like geographic location, experience level, and clinical setting.

Salary remains a key piece of the total compensation puzzle often influenced by advanced certifications, years of hands-on experience, and even social media savvy in this image-driven field.

Top-paying cities for Aesthetic NPs in 2025:

• York, AK – $162,156 annually / $13,513 monthly
• Berkeley, CA – $159,538 annually / $13,294 monthly
• Berlin Corners, VT – $159,247 annually / $13,270 monthly
• Sitka, AK – $156,963 annually / $13,080 monthly
• Holdrege, NE – $156,076 annually / $13,006 monthly

2. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners focus on the care of newborns, particularly premature or ill infants.

They work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where they manage and assess the health of newborns, ensuring that they receive the best care possible during their first crucial months of life. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are crucial in treating illnesses in newborns and providing essential healthcare services in NICUs.

Salary: In 2025, the average annual salary for a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) is $136,649, which equates to roughly $2,627 per week or $11,387 per month. This salary remains significantly higher than the average for general nurse practitioners, reflecting both the high demand and the advanced, specialized expertise required to care for critically ill newborns.

Top-paying cities for Neonatal NPs in 2025:

• Two Rivers, WI – $184,388 annually / $15,365 monthly
• Nome, AK – $169,513 annually / $14,126 monthly
• Berkeley, CA – $167,319 annually / $13,943 monthly
• Sitka, AK – $164,619 annually / $13,718 monthly
• Menlo Park, CA – $161,035 annually / $13,419 monthly

3. Emergency Nurse Practitioner

Emergency Nurse Practitioners are experts in handling emergent conditions and are adept at making rapid decisions during life-threatening emergencies.

They work in settings like ERs where prompt attention is essential. Emergency Nurse Practitioners often order diagnostic tests and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Salary: In 2025, the average annual salary for an Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) in the United States is $130,295, which breaks down to roughly $2,505 per week / $10,857 per month. This remains notably higher than the national NP salary average, reflecting the high-stakes, fast-paced nature of emergency care. ENPs are often on the frontlines of critical care, handling trauma, urgent diagnoses, and high patient volumes, which justifies both the financial and professional value of their role.

Top-paying cities for Emergency NPs in 2025:

• Berkeley, CA – $159,538 annually / $13,294 monthly
• Sitka, AK – $156,963 annually / $13,080 monthly
• Holdrege, NE – $156,076 annually / $13,006 monthly
• San Francisco, CA – $153,510 annually / $12,792 monthly
• Santa Clara, CA – $153,023 annually / $12,751 monthly

Prepared to save lives in the ER? Start your rotation at NPHub.com or curious where nurse practitioners are earning the most and enjoying the best work-life balance? Don’t miss our in-depth breakdown of the Best States for NPs to Work in 2025.

Whether you’re chasing higher pay, lower patient loads, or full practice authority, this guide will help you pinpoint the best states to launch or level up your NP career.

4. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner

Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners are specialized in musculoskeletal conditions.

They manage patient care for muscular and skeletal issues, perform joint injections, and assist in surgeries. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners provide care for musculoskeletal issues and have various career options within the field of orthopedic nursing.

Salary: In 2025, the average annual salary for an Orthopedic Surgery Nurse Practitioner in the United States is $134,369, which translates to approximately $2,584 per week or $11,197 per month. That’s a solid step up from past years and reflects the increasing demand for NPs who can assist in musculoskeletal procedures and post-op care.

Top-paying cities for Orthopedic Surgery NPs in 2025:

• Berkeley, CA – $164,527 annually / $13,710 monthly
• Sitka, AK – $161,871 annually / $13,489 monthly
• San Francisco, CA – $158,310 annually / $13,192 monthly
• Santa Clara, CA – $157,808 annually / $13,150 monthly
• Sunnyvale, CA – $157,702 annually / $13,141 monthly

5. Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Oncology Nurse Practitioners specialize in cancer care. They manage cancer patients’ health through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-ups. Oncology Nurse Practitioners provide critical healthcare services and often engage in research to advance cancer treatment.

They are instrumental in educating patients about what to expect and supporting them emotionally.

Salary: Oncology Nurse Practitioners in the U.S. earn an average of $130,295 per year, or about $2,505 weekly / $10,857 monthly. While this is the national average, real earnings often depend on where you practice. Metro areas, especially in California and Virginia, offer top-tier compensation, thanks to high demand and cost of living.

Top-paying cities for Oncology NPs in 2025:

• San Mateo County, CA – $191,790 annually / $15,982 monthly
• Mineral, VA – $189,367 annually / $15,780 monthly
• Berkeley, CA – $159,538 annually / $13,294 monthly
• Belmont, CA – $157,583 annually / $13,131 monthly
• Sitka, AK – $156,963 annually / $13,080 monthly

Looking at these salaries and wondering where to actually find jobs like this? That’s where NPHire comes in. It’s the only job platform powered by NPHub that’s built specifically for nurse practitioners—no fluff, no irrelevant listings.

Whether you’re looking for roles in oncology, aesthetics, or acute care, NPHire.com connects you directly with opportunities that match your specialty and experience level. No recruiters, no guesswork, just real jobs with real salaries. Create your free account at NPHire.com and start browsing NP jobs that actually make sense for your career path.

6. Family Nurse Practitioner

Family Nurse Practitioners are generalists who work with patients of all ages, often serving as primary care providers.

They diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of health conditions. Family Nurse Practitioners focus on preventive care and often collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Salary: By 2025, the typical FNP is pulling in around $127,976 a year, that’s about $2,461 every week or $10,664 a month in your pocket. As a cornerstone of primary care, Family Nurse Practitioners are essential across clinics, private practices, and community health settings—making their earning power both steady and competitive.

Top-paying cities for Family NPs in 2025:

• Nome, AK – $158,753 annually / $13,229 monthly
• Berkeley, CA – $156,698 annually / $13,058 monthly
• San Francisco, CA – $150,777 annually / $12,564 monthly
• Santa Clara, CA – $150,299 annually / $12,524 monthly
• Sunnyvale, CA – $150,199 annually / $12,516 monthly

If family care is your passion, NPHub has clinical rotations that can help you get started on the right path.

7. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Acute Care Nurse Practitioners primarily care for patients with short-term but severe illnesses.

This role demands a sharp set of skills to make quick decisions that could be life-saving. They are adept at diagnostic reasoning, therapeutics, and high-technology interventions. Acute Care Nurse Practitioners are skilled in treating acute conditions and often rely on diagnostic tests to make informed decisions.

Salary: In 2025, Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) are earning an average of $130,295 per year, which shakes out to about $2,505 per week or $10,857 per month. Not too shabby for a role that’s equal parts high-stakes and high-impact.

Top-paying cities for Acute Care NPs in 2025:

• York, AK – $162,156 annually / $13,513 monthly
• Berkeley, CA – $159,538 annually / $13,294 monthly
• Berlin Corners, VT – $159,247 annually / $13,270 monthly
• Sitka, AK – $156,963 annually / $13,080 monthly
• Holdrege, NE – $156,076 annually / $13,006 monthly

Thinking about diving into acute care? Explore rotations that will give you hands-on experience at NPHub.com.

8. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are specialized in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues. They are essential in treating mental health illnesses and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.

They play an essential role in managing patients with mental health problems through therapies, medications, and interventions.

This is an intellectually challenging specialty requiring a solid understanding of psychiatric disorders and treatments.

Salary: By 2025, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are averaging $141,112 annually, or about $2,713 per week and $11,759 per month. That’s a serious step up from previous years and well-deserved, considering the growing demand for mental health services nationwide. PMHNPs not only manage psychiatric diagnoses and medications, but also play a key role in health promotion and long-term behavioral care strategies.

Top-paying cities for Psychiatric NPs in 2025:

• Two Rivers, WI – $190,409 annually / $15,867 monthly
• Nantucket, MA – $173,635 annually / $14,469 monthly
• Berkeley, CA – $172,783 annually / $14,398 monthly
• Redwood City, CA – $172,771 annually / $14,397 monthly
• Stony Brook, NY – $171,602 annually / $14,300 monthly

Curious about a career in psychiatric care? NPHub has psychiatry & mental health rotations that can help you get started.

9. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners focus on the care of children from infancy through adolescence.

They are trained in well-child care as well as the management of common pediatric acute illnesses and chronic conditions. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners treat both chronic and acute conditions in children and emphasize preventive care to ensure long-term health.

Salary: Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) are earning an average of $135,161 in 2025, which breaks down to approximately $2,599 per week or $11,263 per month. That’s a strong bump from previous years and reflects the growing demand for pediatric-focused care, especially in regions with high youth populations. While having the right credentials is key, location can also be a game-changer when it comes to maximizing your salary.

Top-paying cities for Pediatric NPs in 2025:

• Nome, AK – $167,666 annually / $13,972 monthly
• Berkeley, CA – $165,496 annually / $13,791 monthly
• Redwood City, CA – $165,485 annually / $13,790 monthly
• Sitka, AK – $162,825 annually / $13,568 monthly
• South San Francisco, CA – $162,420 annually / $13,535 monthly

Love working with kids? Start your journey with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner rotation.

10. Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners specialize in female health issues.

This specialty nursing job focuses on reproductive health, family planning, and gynecological disorders. Women's Health Nurse Practitioners provide care for female health issues and often collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive reproductive health services.

Salary: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs) are earning an average of $130,295 per year, which breaks down to approximately $2,505 per week / $10,857 per month. This specialty combines reproductive health expertise with primary care, and salaries reflect the vital, specialized role WHNPs play in patient care. Pay tends to be especially competitive in metro areas—particularly in California—where demand and cost of living drive higher compensation.

Top-paying cities for WHNPs in 2025:

• Berkeley, CA – $159,538 annually / $13,294 monthly
• Sitka, AK – $156,963 annually / $13,080 monthly
• Holdrege, NE – $156,076 annually / $13,006 monthly
• Menlo Park, CA – $153,547 annually / $12,795 monthly
• San Francisco, CA – $153,510 annually / $12,792 monthly

Looking to specialize in women's health? Discover great rotation opportunities tailored for you at NPHub.com.

11. Bonus: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners focus on care for adolescents through the elderly.

They are skilled in managing multigenerational health issues and chronic conditions. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners treat chronic conditions and provide essential healthcare services for older adults.

Salary: Geriatric Nurse Practitioners are earning an average of $128,444 annually, which comes out to about $2,281 per week or $9,887 per month. While that may sit just below some NP specialty averages, it’s still a strong income especially considering the skyrocketing demand for providers specializing in older adult care.

Top-paying cities for Geriatric NPs in 2025:

• Soledad, CA – $192,140 annually / $16,011 monthly
• Nome, AK – $159,334 annually / $13,277 monthly
• Berkeley, CA – $158,098 annually / $13,174 monthly
• Sitka, AK – $154,734 annually / $12,894 monthly
• San Mateo, CA – $153,917 annually / $12,826 monthly

Want to work with aging and older patients? Access the best clinical rotations at NPHub.com.

Thinking about ways to increase your income beyond your 9-to-5 role? Whether you're saving for student loans or planning a dream vacation, extra income doesn’t have to mean extra stress. Check out our latest guide on Side Hustles for Nurse Practitioners in 2025 for smart, flexible ways to earn more, without burning out.

Conclusion

Making the right choice in specialty and occupation is not just about the paycheck and average salary. It's about finding your calling and excelling in an area that resonates with you, whether that's providing primary and preventive care as a family nurse practitioner or specializing in mental health disorders as a psychiatric NP.

Exploring various career options can help nurse practitioners find their ideal specialty, and advanced practice registered nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system alongside physicians, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. With a multitude of options across different occupations, nurse practitioners are poised for a fulfilling career with strong job outlook and ample rewards:

• Hospital settings: Emergency departments, intensive care units, and specialty units
• Physicians offices: Private practices, group practices, and specialty clinics
• Community care: Urgent care centers, home health care services, and retail clinics
• Specialized services: Pain management, mental health facilities, and rehabilitation centers

The aging population and growing demand for healthcare services mean more opportunities than ever for specialty care providers. Whether you're drawn to acute care, emergency services, pain management, or treating chronic and acute conditions, remember that your choice of specialty can be the compass guiding you through the challenges and triumphs in your nursing practice.

The world needs compassionate and competent healthcare providers more than ever, and that includes dedicated nurse practitioner preceptors who help shape the next generation of advanced practice registered nurses. These experienced practitioners who can prescribe medication, order diagnostic tests, and provide comprehensive patient care are essential for training students completing their clinical rotations.

For Current NP Students: If you're still working toward your master's degree or MSN degree and struggling to find clinical placements, NPHub.com connects you with vetted preceptors across all specialties. We understand the challenges you face:

• Time constraints: Balancing coursework, employment, and clinical placement searches
• Limited school support: Many programs provide minimal assistance with preceptor connections
• Competitive market: High demand for preceptors across all specialty areas
• Complex logistics: Paperwork, scheduling, and coordination requirements

From family practice to acute care nurse practitioner rotations, we handle the complex coordination so you can focus on developing your clinical skills and completing your education requirements.

For Practicing NPs: Finding the right position should be just as intentional as choosing your specialty. Generic job boards can be overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time—lacking salary transparency, wasting your time, and often failing to understand what nurse practitioners actually need in today's healthcare landscape.

That's why NPHire.com was created—powered by NPHub and built exclusively for nurse practitioners. Whether you're seeking new jobs in hospital settings, looking for better compensation, or wanting to transition between specialties, our platform offers:

• Transparent wage statistics - Clear salary ranges for positions across geographic locations
• NP-specific filters - Search by specialty, practice setting, and patient population
• Streamlined applications - No generic forms that don't understand advanced practice roles
• Quality employers - Vetted healthcare organizations that value nurse practitioners

With these features, you can explore opportunities that match your experience, geographic location preferences, and career goals. From primary care positions to specialized roles treating specific patient populations, NPHire puts you in control of your professional journey.

Step into your role with passion and dedication, and you'll not only touch countless lives through exceptional patient care but also find immeasurable satisfaction in your work while earning the practitioner salary you deserve. Create your free account at NPHire.com to access jobs tailored to your specialty and take the next confident step in your nursing career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the highest-paying Nurse Practitioner specialty in 2025?

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners currently lead the pack, offering the highest nurse practitioner salary nationwide. With a booming interest in cosmetic treatments and nonsurgical procedures, this role offers both higher income and flexible practice options in various settings.

Meeting specific requirements and obtaining the right education—typically a master's degree or doctoral degree—are crucial for achieving the highest-paying nurse practitioner specialties. Many practitioners also pursue additional certifications to enhance their clinical skills and earning potential.

Which NP specialties are most in demand right now?

Specialties like Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner are experiencing unprecedented demand. Key drivers include:

• Mental health services: Growing awareness of mental health disorders has created urgent need for psychiatric NPs
• Primary care shortage: Aging population requires more family nurse practitioners for comprehensive care
• Pediatric expertise: Specialized care for children across hospital settings and physicians offices

The demand for NP specialties is also driven by the need for preventive care and essential healthcare services, with many nurse practitioners now working alongside other healthcare providers in integrated care teams.

Can Nurse Practitioners switch specialties later in their careers?

Yes! Many advanced practice nurses transition to new specialties as their interests evolve or as new career options emerge. Shifting may require additional certifications, clinical hours, or even pursuing an MSN degree in a different specialty area—especially if you're moving into areas like acute care, oncology, or women's health.

The process typically involves meeting specific requirements for the new specialty, which may include additional education, passing certification exams, and completing supervised clinical practice. Most states regulate these transitions to ensure patient safety and quality care.

Do Nurse Practitioners earn more than Registered Nurses?

Absolutely. The average nurse practitioner salary is significantly higher than that of a registered nurse due to their expanded scope of practice. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can:

• Diagnose illnesses and develop comprehensive treatment plans
• Prescribe medication and order diagnostic tests independently (in most states)
• Provide specialty care in areas like mental health, acute care, and chronic conditions
• Practice independently in many states without physician supervision

This advanced scope, combined with typically requiring a master's degree versus an associate's degree or bachelor's degree for RNs, contributes to substantially higher compensation for nurse practitioners compared to registered nurses.

How does location affect NP salaries?

Geographic location plays a major role in determining practitioner salary. Recent labor statistics show that:

• High-paying states: California and Alaska consistently offer top compensation across specialties
• Metropolitan vs. rural: Urban areas typically pay more due to cost of living and demand
• Regional variations: Individual states may have different scope of practice laws affecting earning potential

Wage statistics show that urban and high-demand regions consistently pay more, with cities like Berkeley, San Francisco, and Sitka reporting the highest average np salary ranges. However, many factors beyond base salary should be considered, including cost of living, practice autonomy, and quality of life.

What factors influence how much a Nurse Practitioner can earn?

Multiple elements impact your earning potential in nursing practice:

Practice Setting:

• Hospital settings often offer higher base salaries plus benefits
• Physicians offices may provide better work-life balance
• Urgent care and emergency services typically offer premium pay
• Home health care services may offer flexible scheduling with competitive rates

Professional Factors:

• Years of experience and demonstrated clinical skills
• Additional certifications in specialized areas like pain management
• Ability to work with diverse patient populations and treat various acute conditions
• Building long term relationships with patients and healthcare teams

Meeting specific requirements and obtaining additional certifications can significantly impact NP earnings. Whether you're providing primary care, working in research, or specializing in treating chronic and acute conditions, continuous professional development often translates to more money and better career options in this growing field with strong employment prospects.

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