Nurse Practitioner Salary: 10 Highest Paid Specialties in 2025

As a Nurse Practitioner Student, you stand on the threshold of an impactful career. Have you ever thought about the array of specializations that lie ahead?

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, but it’s also a huge determinant of how much you’ll earn, with the average nurse practitioner salary varying significantly by specialty.

Understanding the specific requirements for each specialty is crucial, as these can vary by state and impact your ability to maintain RN certification and obtain NP licensure. Checking with your state board of nursing for accurate information is essential.

Metropolitan areas often offer higher salaries for nurse practitioners due to the increased cost of living and greater job opportunities compared to nonmetropolitan regions.

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

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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 $118,644 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.

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Conclusion

Making the right choice in specialty and occupation is not just about the paycheck and salary range. It’s about finding your calling and excelling in an area that resonates with you.

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. With a multitude of options, strong job security, and ample rewards, Nurse Practitioners are poised for a fulfilling career. Remember that your choice of specialty can be the compass guiding you through the challenges and triumphs in your nurse practitioner career.

The world needs compassionate and competent healthcare professionals more than ever (that includes dedicated nurse practitioner preceptors too!). Step into your role with passion and dedication, and you’ll not only touch countless lives but find immeasurable satisfaction in your work and earn a great income.

That said, finding the right job should be just as intentional as choosing the right specialty. Generic job boards can be overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time—lacking transparency, wasting your time, and often failing to understand what NPs actually need.

That’s why NPHire was created—powered by NPHub and built exclusively for nurse practitioners. It’s a platform designed to connect you with roles that match your experience, goals, and passion. With salary transparency, streamlined applications, and NP-specific filters, NPHire puts you in control of your job search.

Create your free account at NPHire.com to access jobs tailored to your specialty, receive AI-powered job recommendations, and take the next confident step in your 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.

Meeting specific requirements and obtaining the right education are crucial for achieving the highest-paying nurse practitioner specialties.

Which NP specialties are most in demand right now?

Specialties like Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner are in high demand due to the growing need for mental health services and primary care providers—especially in underserved areas.

The demand for NP specialties is also driven by the need for preventive care and essential healthcare services.

Can Nurse Practitioners switch specialties later in their careers?

Yes! Many advanced practice nurses transition to new specialties as their interests evolve. Shifting may require additional certifications or clinical hours, especially if you’re moving into areas like acute care, oncology, or women’s health. Switching NP specialties may also require meeting specific requirements and obtaining additional certifications to ensure you are fully qualified for the new role.

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 advanced scope, ability to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and deliver specialty care. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which include nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, have greater responsibilities, which contributes to their higher salaries compared to registered nurses.

How does location affect NP salaries?

Location plays a major role. Nurse Practitioners in states like California and Alaska—especially in cities like Berkeley, San Francisco, and Sitka—report the highest salaries. Wage statistics show that urban and high-demand regions consistently pay more.

NP salaries vary significantly across individual states, and labor statistics provide valuable insights into these variations.

What factors influence how much a Nurse Practitioner can earn?

Besides specialty, your location, experience level, and practice setting (like hospitals vs. physician offices) can majorly impact your practitioner salary. Meeting specific requirements and obtaining additional certifications can significantly impact NP earnings. Additional certifications, working in urgent care or treating chronic conditions, and even building a strong patient base can boost your earning potential.

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