Nurse Practitioners vs Registered Nurses: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Nurse Practitioners professionals earn $35,610 more per year than Registered Nurses professionals — that's 38.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Nurse Practitioners earns $169,950 compared to $135,320 for Registered Nurses.
Salary Range Comparison
Nurse Practitioners$97,960 – $169,950
Registered Nurses$66,030 – $135,320
$66,030$169,950
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Nurse Practitioners | Registered Nurses | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $66,030 | +$31,930 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $78,610 | +$31,330 |
| Median (50th) | $129,210 | $93,600 | +$35,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $107,960 | +$41,610 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $135,320 | +$34,630 |
| Mean (Average) | $132,000 | $98,430 | +$33,570 |
Employment Numbers
Nurse Practitioners
307,390
employed nationwide
Registered Nurses
3,282,010
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Nurse Practitioners
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $225,730 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $220,330 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $164,520 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $164,510 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $162,470 |
Best Cities for Registered Nurses
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $188,020 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $169,210 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $133,440 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,090 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Nurse Practitioners or Registered Nurses?
Nurse Practitioners professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $35,610 (38.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners salaries range from $97,960 (10th percentile) to $169,950 (90th percentile), with a median of $129,210.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses salaries range from $66,030 (10th percentile) to $135,320 (90th percentile), with a median of $93,600.
How many Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses jobs are there?
There are approximately 307,390 Nurse Practitioners positions and 3,282,010 Registered Nurses positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Registered Nurses to Nurse Practitioners?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Nurse Practitioners has a median salary of $129,210 while Registered Nurses earns $93,600. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS