Top 5 Paying Nurse Practitioner Specialties
 

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) 1, there are now over 355,000 licensed Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the United States. The profession consistently enjoys high job satisfaction, with NPs ranked as one of the top healthcare jobs. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report 2 ranked Nurse Practitioners as the #2 Best Health Care Job and #1 Best Job overall. While NPs receive competitive compensation, certain specialties offer even higher salaries.

Here are the top 5 highest paying Nurse Practitioner specialties*:

 

(1) Acute Care (average pay ~ $157,580)

Acute Care NPs specialize in treating patients with severe, often life-threatening conditions in settings like hospitals and ICUs. They manage complex patient care, including post-surgical and trauma patients, making quick decisions in high-pressure environments. The demand for Acute Care NPs continues to rise due to the growing complexity of patient needs.

(2) Neonatal (average pay ~ $138,081)

Neonatal NPs work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), caring for premature and critically ill newborns. Their role involves providing acute care, supporting families, and managing the health of infants who may require advanced medical interventions. This specialty demands a high level of skill and emotional resilience.

(3) Psychiatric (average pay ~ $134,571)

Psychiatric NPs focus on mental health, diagnosing and treating patients with psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. They work in various settings such as hospitals, private practices, and mental health facilities. The rise of telehealth has expanded their reach, offering more flexibility and accessibility to patients.

(4) Emergency (average pay ~ $134,121)

Emergency NPs work in fast-paced environments like emergency rooms and urgent care centers, providing immediate care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries. They perform critical procedures, stabilize patients, and collaborate closely with emergency physicians. This role requires quick thinking and adaptability.

(5) Pediatric (average pay ~ $130,987)

Pediatric NPs specialize in the care of children from infancy through adolescence. They manage a variety of health issues, from routine check-ups to chronic illnesses, and often work in pediatric clinics, hospitals, or private practices. Their role is crucial in promoting long-term health in younger populations.

Paul Olzak, MBA, CPRP

Joining PracticeMatch in 2021, Paul supports Client Sourcing's proactive recruiting model that generates a robust prospect pool, creates an effective and efficient recruiting experience and identifies key metrics to ensure optimal performance for the client. Paul has a commitment to learning, development and passion for building a team of recruiting professionals to leverage their national footprint which benefits its client organizations and their candidates. Prior to joining the PracticeMatch team, Paul served as Medical Staff Development Officer at University Hospitals, Lake Health Region in Cleveland, Ohio.