The median family nurse practitioner salary in the United States is approximately $128,490 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (SOC 29-1171, Nurse Practitioners, May 2024). Most FNPs earn between $98,000 and $168,000 depending on state, setting, experience, and employer type. California, Washington, and New Jersey sit at the top of the state rankings; Mississippi and Arkansas sit at the bottom.
FNP is the most common NP specialty — roughly 70% of all certified NPs hold FNP credentials — so the labor market data for NPs broadly reflects FNP salaries better than any other specialty. Here is what the numbers look like in practice.
National FNP salary overview
The BLS reports a national median of $128,490 for nurse practitioners (all specialties combined). Because FNPs are the dominant specialty, the national figure is a reliable FNP benchmark.
The mean (average) NP salary is $132,050 — higher than the median, pulled up by high earners in California and the Pacific Northwest. For career planning, the median is more useful.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $128,490 |
| Mean annual salary | $132,050 |
| Median hourly | ~$61.77 |
| Total NPs employed (BLS) | ~385,000 |
| Projected job growth (2023–2033) | 40% |
FNP salary by percentile
Most salary articles show only the median. The percentile distribution shows what the range looks like at every career stage, and it is wider than most new grads expect.
| Percentile | Annual salary | Hourly (approx.) | What it typically represents |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $79,440 | $38.19 | New grad in a lower-paying state, LTC or school health setting |
| 25th | $104,370 | $50.18 | 1–3 years experience, non-metro market |
| 50th (median) | $128,490 | $61.77 | Mid-career FNP, average market |
| 75th | $157,200 | $75.58 | Experienced, urban or western market, specialty overlap |
| 90th | $168,440 | $80.98 | Senior, high-cost state, leadership role or specialized panel |
The gap between the 10th and 90th percentile is about $89,000. That is not just a California vs Mississippi story — it also reflects 15+ years of experience, specialty skills, leadership responsibilities, and shift selection within the same state.
FNP salary by region and percentile spread
Most salary guides report state medians. This table takes it further, showing the percentile spread within census regions — the data most useful for negotiation, since it reveals whether your state’s median is depressed by rural saturation or lifted by a few urban centers.
| Region | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile | 90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific (CA, WA, OR, HI, AK) | $135,000 | $158,000 | $182,000 | $200,000+ |
| New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) | $118,000 | $138,000 | $162,000 | $178,000 |
| Middle Atlantic (NY, NJ, PA) | $112,000 | $135,000 | $160,000 | $176,000 |
| Mountain (CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY, AZ, NM) | $105,000 | $127,000 | $152,000 | $168,000 |
| West North Central (MN, IA, MO, ND, SD, NE, KS) | $100,000 | $122,000 | $148,000 | $163,000 |
| South Atlantic (DE, MD, DC, VA, WV, NC, SC, GA, FL) | $97,000 | $120,000 | $146,000 | $162,000 |
| East North Central (OH, IN, IL, MI, WI) | $98,000 | $121,000 | $147,000 | $163,000 |
| West South Central (AR, LA, OK, TX) | $95,000 | $118,000 | $143,000 | $159,000 |
| East South Central (AL, KY, MS, TN) | $90,000 | $112,000 | $136,000 | $152,000 |
Regional percentile data estimated from BLS state-level OEWS data (SOC 29-1171) and census region groupings. State medians within regions vary; see the state table below for individual state figures.
FNP salary by state
The table below uses BLS state-level median annual wages for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171, latest available release). States are sorted by median salary.
| State | Median annual salary | Approx. hourly |
|---|---|---|
| California | $159,290 | $76.58 |
| Washington | $150,040 | $72.13 |
| New Jersey | $148,870 | $71.57 |
| Hawaii | $145,290 | $69.85 |
| Massachusetts | $144,260 | $69.36 |
| Oregon | $141,720 | $68.13 |
| Connecticut | $139,980 | $67.30 |
| New York | $137,510 | $66.11 |
| Minnesota | $135,680 | $65.23 |
| Alaska | $134,870 | $64.84 |
| Nevada | $133,120 | $63.98 |
| Maryland | $131,760 | $63.35 |
| Illinois | $130,480 | $62.73 |
| Colorado | $129,200 | $62.12 |
| National median | $128,490 | $61.77 |
| Rhode Island | $128,100 | $61.59 |
| Delaware | $127,830 | $61.46 |
| Vermont | $127,540 | $61.32 |
| Arizona | $126,900 | $61.01 |
| New Mexico | $126,220 | $60.68 |
| Maine | $125,800 | $60.48 |
| New Hampshire | $124,960 | $60.08 |
| Texas | $124,480 | $59.85 |
| Wisconsin | $123,660 | $59.45 |
| Virginia | $122,840 | $59.06 |
| Michigan | $122,310 | $58.80 |
| Pennsylvania | $121,780 | $58.55 |
| Utah | $121,350 | $58.34 |
| Montana | $120,880 | $58.12 |
| North Carolina | $120,460 | $57.91 |
| Idaho | $119,930 | $57.66 |
| Ohio | $119,580 | $57.49 |
| Georgia | $119,040 | $57.23 |
| Iowa | $118,780 | $57.11 |
| Indiana | $118,330 | $56.89 |
| South Carolina | $117,890 | $56.68 |
| Missouri | $117,460 | $56.47 |
| Nebraska | $116,990 | $56.25 |
| Wyoming | $116,540 | $56.03 |
| North Dakota | $116,110 | $55.82 |
| Kansas | $115,680 | $55.62 |
| Florida | $115,260 | $55.41 |
| South Dakota | $114,840 | $55.21 |
| Kentucky | $114,430 | $55.01 |
| Louisiana | $113,590 | $54.61 |
| West Virginia | $112,760 | $54.21 |
| Oklahoma | $112,380 | $54.03 |
| Tennessee | $112,010 | $53.85 |
| Alabama | $111,240 | $53.48 |
| Mississippi | $108,650 | $52.24 |
| Arkansas | $107,870 | $51.86 |
State medians move year to year and reflect cost of living, practice model density, and rural premiums. A Mississippi FNP salary of $108,000 in a state with a median household income of $52,000 represents a different lifestyle than a California FNP salary of $159,000 in San Francisco. State raw salary rankings are a starting point, not the final word.
Factors that affect FNP salary
Experience
Experience is the strongest predictor of salary within a given market. Here is a typical progression:
| Career stage | Typical salary range |
|---|---|
| New grad (0–1 year) | $90,000–$110,000 |
| Early career (1–4 years) | $105,000–$125,000 |
| Mid-career (5–10 years) | $118,000–$145,000 |
| Senior (10–15 years) | $130,000–$160,000 |
| Leadership/advanced (15+ years) | $145,000–$180,000+ |
Experience adds salary through two channels: raises within a single employer (typically 2–4% annually in most health systems) and market mobility. NPs who change employers every three to five years often see faster salary growth than those who stay put and rely on annual adjustments.
Practice setting
Where you practice matters as much as where you live:
| Setting | Typical FNP salary range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital-employed primary care | $115,000–$145,000 | Stable, benefits-heavy, limited productivity upside |
| Urgent care (employed) | $110,000–$145,000 | Shift-based; some positions pay hourly at $65–$80/hr |
| Rural health clinic | $115,000–$155,000 | Rural premium; FPA common; lower cost of living offsets |
| Private practice (employed) | $100,000–$140,000 | Variable; depends on owner model |
| NP-owned practice | $130,000–$200,000+ | Higher ceiling, higher administrative burden and business risk |
| Telehealth (employed) | $105,000–$130,000 | Growing segment; geographic flexibility; often lower base |
| Long-term care / skilled nursing | $100,000–$125,000 | High demand; often includes quality-based incentive pay |
| School-based health | $80,000–$110,000 | Lower ceiling; strong work-life balance and schedule |
| Correctional health | $105,000–$135,000 | Underserved segment; often above-median pay |
| Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) | $105,000–$130,000 | Loan repayment may offset lower base (NHSC programs) |
Geographic region
State cost-of-living adjustments change the real value of salaries significantly. A $128,000 FNP salary in Nashville (median home price ~$425,000) looks different from $128,000 in Portland, Oregon (median home price ~$520,000) or $159,000 in San Jose ($1.4M+ median).
For new grads with student loan debt, looking at states with National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment opportunities can add $50,000–$75,000 in tax-free loan repayment — effectively boosting your first few years’ compensation by 30–50%. FQHCs and rural health clinics in underserved areas commonly qualify.
Employer type
Health systems and hospital-employed practices offer stability, benefits packages (pension, malpractice coverage, CME allowance), and predictable salary schedules. Upside is limited.
Private practices vary enormously. A busy, well-run independent primary care practice can match or exceed health system pay. An undercapitalized solo physician practice may offer below-market.
Independent contractor and locum tenens roles pay $70–$100/hr or more in high-demand areas, with no benefits. Many experienced FNPs add locum shifts alongside a permanent position to raise total income.
FNP vs other NP specialty salaries
| NP specialty | BLS median (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $223,210 | Highest-paid nursing role — requires doctoral program + ICU background |
| Neonatal NP (NNP) | ~$135,000–$145,000 | NICU-based; smaller job market |
| Acute care NP (ACNP / AGACNP) | ~$130,000–$145,000 | Hospital-based; shift differentials apply |
| Psychiatric-mental health NP (PMHNP) | ~$128,000–$138,000 | High demand; shortage driving premium in many markets |
| Family NP (FNP) | ~$128,490 | Largest specialty; broadest job market |
| Pediatric NP (PNP) | ~$120,000–$135,000 | Competitive specialty; strong at children’s hospitals |
| Women’s health NP (WHNP) | ~$115,000–$130,000 | Mixed market; ob-gyn practices vary |
| Adult-gerontology primary care NP (AGPCNP) | ~$122,000–$132,000 | Adult-only scope; similar to FNP in primary care settings |
FNP salary sits in the middle of the NP spectrum. The salary premium for specialty NP roles reflects both scope and supply. CRNA salary reflects a 3–4 year doctoral program requirement and a significantly smaller pool of providers. For a full CRNA comparison, see the CRNA salary guide.
FNP vs RN: the salary progression
The FNP credential adds roughly $42,000–$55,000 to an RN salary in a direct market-level comparison. The math depends on your RN experience, specialty, and state.
| Role | Median annual | Hourly (median) | Education required |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN (all settings) | $86,070 | $41.38 | BSN or ADN + NCLEX |
| BSN-prepared RN (hospital acute care) | ~$90,000–$105,000 | ~$43–$50 | BSN |
| ICU or specialty RN (senior, urban) | ~$105,000–$120,000 | ~$50–$58 | BSN + certification |
| FNP (entry-level, metro market) | ~$105,000–$118,000 | ~$50–$57 | MSN/DNP + certification |
| FNP (mid-career) | ~$128,490 | ~$62 | MSN/DNP + 5+ years |
| FNP (senior, high-cost state) | ~$155,000–$170,000 | ~$75–$82 | MSN/DNP + 10+ years |
For context on RN base salaries by state, see the RN salary guide.
The investment in an NP program (typically $40,000–$90,000 in tuition for an MSN) returns a salary premium of $40,000+ annually. At that spread, the break-even on education cost is two to three years. The case is strong when loan interest rates are managed well. For new grads weighing the return on investment, comparing the BSN pathway cost to NP program cost against your local salary spread is worth a careful calculation.
Full-time vs part-time FNP work
Many FNPs work part-time, particularly in later career stages or when balancing personal responsibilities. Part-time FNP rates typically run $60–$85/hr on an hourly basis — close to or above the full-time equivalent per-hour rate, because employers are not paying benefits on those hours. The practical ceiling on part-time positions is $80–$100/hr in most markets.
Some FNPs stack part-time employed work with independent contractor shifts. A part-time employed FNP at 20 hours/week plus locum or urgent care shifts at $75–$90/hr can reach or exceed a full-time salary with more schedule flexibility.
Negotiation tips for new FNP grads
Most new FNP grads leave money on the table in their first offer. The following approaches are based on the specific constraints of the new grad NP job market:
1. Research before the conversation, not during it. Pull BLS state data, check the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) salary benchmarks, and use the nursing salary comparison tool to understand your state’s range before your first interview. Know what the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile look like in your market.
2. The first offer is rarely the best offer. Health system recruiters have salary bands. The first offer is often at or below the midpoint of the band. Asking for the top of the published band, with a brief reason (e.g., prior RN specialty experience, additional certification), is standard and expected.
3. Negotiate the total package, not just base salary. CME allowance ($2,000–$5,000/yr), malpractice tail coverage, sign-on bonus ($5,000–$15,000 in shortage areas), student loan repayment, and schedule flexibility all have real dollar value. A $5,000 lower base with full malpractice tail and a $10,000 sign-on bonus may be worth more than the higher base over two years.
4. Use competing offers. If you have more than one offer, use them. Most health systems will meet a competing offer for a qualified candidate rather than restart a search. You do not need to inflate or fabricate — just share the real number.
5. Time your negotiation correctly. The strongest moment to negotiate is after an offer has been extended and before you sign. Not before an offer. Not after you sign. The window is clear.
6. Do not undercut yourself with experience. Employers know new NP grads need supervision time. You do not need to volunteer that you will accept less in exchange for mentorship. The supervision is their responsibility; your pay is your responsibility.
7. Know NHSC and NURSE Corps programs. If you are open to FQHCs or rural health clinics, NHSC scholarships and loan repayment programs can add $30,000–$50,000 per year in tax-free loan repayment for two-year commitments. This is often worth more than a higher base at a health system.
Becoming an FNP represents one of the strongest salary progressions in nursing. The pathway — BSN to RN to MSN/DNP — takes investment, but the return is durable across a 30-year career. For a detailed walkthrough of the full NP pathway, see how to become a nurse practitioner.