NP Hacks: Will I make more as a Nurse Practitioner than a Nurse?

The million dollar question every nurse wants to know when they begin feeling the pressures of RN burnout and think they are ready for a change. The answer is a little more complex than you might think.

The simple: Answer is YES 100%!

The pay ceiling is much higher for nurse practitioners and virtually unlimited, depending on who you ask. U.S News estimates California NPs were the highest paid and made an average of $145k per year compared to about 120k for RNs in 2020. But, the answer is a little more complicated than that.

Although a majority of NP schools require only 1-2 years of experience before applying, very few RN make this transition so soon. What does that mean? That means that most nurses have much more experience and have climbed much higher on the quintessential "clinical ladder." Many RNs have MANY years of experience before making the jump to NP. They exit at the top of the pay scale as RNs and enter at the very bottom of the pay scale for NPs. (Remember, RN experience counts for virtually nothing when discussing pay as an NP) That is why you hear talk about "it's not worth it to go back to school" or "you can make just as much as a nurse." One could argue becoming and NP earlier in your career will help you realize more wealth over a career.

The exception is travel nurses, who we all know make a HUGE amount of money. Travel nurses get their own category as they can easily make as much if not more than the average NP. However, you can also be a traveling NP, a discussion for another day.

"They exit at the top of the pay scale as RNs and enter at the very bottom of the pay scale for NPs."

Why would you be an NP if they don't make that much more?

For some, money is not the only driving force behind advancing their career. Work-life balance, autonomy, and job satisfaction are just a few of the other reasons RNs make the switch. It is not uncommon for the average NP to work 9-5, with no holidays, and no weekends, which is desirable for some people. Nurse Practitioners were also voted the #1 job in America for pay and job satisfaction. As an NP myself, I can tell you first-hand this job can be very rewarding. Sure, you aren't necessarily providing direct patient care; however, there is something special about a patient coming to you with a problem and you being able to come up with a plan to make them better.

The Real Answer: How much do you want to make?

Travel nursing aside, NPs will make more than RNs throughout a career. It all comes down to your specific situation. If you don't mind call, specialty NPs (such as surgical NP) can make close to $200k per year within the first five years if you add in call hours. If it's the quality of life you're after, Family Practice NPs usually work 9-5. If you live in California, it won't be hard to find a job making $120-$130 per year immediately after graduation.

Now, back to that "unlimited salary" I mentioned earlier, this comes with owning your practice. Many states are moving toward allowing independent NP practices. Being a business owner of any type, not just NPs provides virtually uncapped income. NP entrepreneurs are becoming more popular among NPs as they realize their untapped potential.

The Final Score

As with anything in life, each situation has its pros and cons. If you want to make a lot of money but don't want to return to school, then maybe travel nursing is for you. If you wish to make a decent living and have an excellent work-life balance, then perhaps it's the family practice route. For all my OR nurses out there, you will find great joy and great pay as a surgical NP! Finally, if you want to enjoy building wealth for yourself, aside from a usual salary, consider being an NP entrepreneur!

-Matt