For the upcoming few years, doctor of nursing practice salary will experience higher opportunities and earnings. According to Medscape, the average salary for a DNP increased by 5% between 2018 and 2020 to $133,600. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a remarkable 46% increase in overall employment between 2021 and 2031.
Even greater gains are probably in store for graduates of the top DNP programs in the country, like Rush University, Johns Hopkins, and The University of Washington.
Let’s examine the highest paying states and specializations, as well as the salary and employment prospects for doctorally trained nurses.
Average DNP Salary Per Hour Based on years of Experience
The hourly wage for DNPs varies depending on specialization, location, and experience. For instance, instructors in DNP programs make less money than acute care physicians. Additionally, even though wages are typically lower in underserved and rural areas, you might be eligible for student loan forgiveness, which would raise your hourly rate.
| Type | Hourly Wage | |
| Starting (Entry-Level) | $38.84 | |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $49.29 | |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $58.54 | |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $70.74 | |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $73.19 | |
| Average | $60.81 | |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | ||
Average DNP Salary Per Year Based on Years of Experience
Experience determines annual earnings, but after the first year of practice, the average DNP salary tends to rise swiftly. Your income may vary depending on where you work. Large organizations may give you less negotiating leverage because the majority of them have set salary ranges.
| Type | Salary | |
| Starting (Entry-Level) | $85,340 | |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $108,300 | |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $128,630 | |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $155,420 | |
| 20 Years or More Experience | $160,800 | |
| Average | $133,600 | |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | ||
What is the Outlook for DNP Graduates in Terms of Salary and Job Security?
With the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projecting a 46% occupational growth rate between 2021 and 2031 it is safe to say if you are a DNP your job is probably secure. This growth can be attributed to an aging population that is living longer, and living with a wide range of comorbidities. Many nurses currently in the field are also coming of retirement age. The offset supply and demand means the opportunities for DNPs will abound. It is very likely that the salary of a Doctor of Nursing practice graduate will grow right along with the demand.
10 Best States for DNP Graduates to Work
California
In a state where you can enjoy the California Double—surfing and skiing on the same day—how can you resist? Both the people who live in California and DNPs who want to work there have a lot to offer. All DNPs make an average salary of $166,630, with some specializations, like nurse anesthetists, having a maximum salary of $205,360.
New York
Whether you prefer the bright lights and performances on Broadway or the six million acres of Adirondack Park, New York State has something to offer everyone. In New York, nurse practitioners with a DNP earn an average of $145,660 annually. Programs like Cornell’s Nurse Practitioner Residency are excellent ways to advance your education and financial prospects.
Texas
Texas might become your new home sweet home if sunshine and southern hospitality are what you’re searching for. DNPs earn a meager $124,890 annually, but the health care sector is expected to grow by 32% over the next seven years, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, so there are plenty of opportunities and room for negotiation.
Florida
Whatever draws you to Florida—the vibrant art scene in St. Petersburg or the colonial Spanish architecture of St. Augustine, for example—you will be in high demand. DNPs should expect to make an average of $129,020, and Florida, one of the most popular retirement destinations in the United States, will require a large number of providers.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is home of nationally ranked Mass General where in an operating theatre known as the Ether Dome surgical anesthesia was born. A fact well-known to doctorally prepared nurse anesthetists. Another fact to know is that Massachusetts ranks near the top for DNP pay coming in at a comfortable $150,310.
New Jersey
Despite the reputation of overcrowding, the Smithsonian reports New Jersey as having the largest piece of wildlife protected land on the Eastern Seaboard. DNPs average $124,510 per year in New Jersey and can enjoy the luxury of both city and country living.
Georgia
Georgia is home of Emory University the 5th ranking DNP program in the nation according to U.S. News and world report, producing well-trained DNP’s. If you thrive in the academic setting, Emory also has opportunities for Post-Doctoral Training. The average income for DNPs in the state of Georgia is approximately $124,400
Illinois
Illinois is home of the Windy City, also known as Chicago, and boasts an array of activities from shopping on the Magnificent Mile to rock climbing on the craggy southern cliffs. DNPs enjoy an active lifestyle and bring home an average of $124,040.
North Carolina
North Carolinians enjoy a short drive to either the beach or the mountains. North Carolina is also home of what is known as The Research Triangle composed of three large research universities Duke, the University of North Carolina, and North Carolina State. Both Duke and UNC boast large hospital systems, and if you have an interest in specializing Duke hosts a robust fellowship program for DNPs. The average salary in North Carolina settles at $130,810.
Virginia
Virginia boasts on their state slogan Virginia is for lovers, but I would assert it is also a state for DNPs. The average income of DNPs is $138,030 modestly higher than in most states. Virginia is a beautiful state with a rich history and the natural beauty of the Blueridge mountains on one side and warm sunny beaches to the other.
DNP Salary by State
DNP income varies greatly depending on where you live; the average annual income across all states is $133,600. Vermont has the lowest yearly income at $102,580, while Wyoming is at the top of the list with $167,680, meaning there is a $65,100 pay gap.
| State | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
| Alabama | $60.92 | $10,560 | $126,720 |
| Alaska | $73.45 | $12,730 | $152,780 |
| Arizona | $60.27 | $10,450 | $125,360 |
| Arkansas | $58.08 | $10,070 | $120,810 |
| California | $80.11 | $13,890 | $166,630 |
| Colorado | $59.90 | $10,380 | $124,590 |
| Connecticut | $68.18 | $11,820 | $141,820 |
| Delaware | $64.12 | $11,110 | $133,360 |
| District of Columbia | $65.85 | $11,410 | $136,960 |
| Florida | $62.03 | $10,750 | $129,020 |
| Georgia | $59.81 | $10,370 | $124,400 |
| Hawaii | $74.69 | $12,950 | $155,350 |
| Idaho | $59.35 | $10,290 | $123,450 |
| Illinois | $59.63 | $10,340 | $124,040 |
| Indiana | $62.32 | $10,800 | $129,630 |
| Iowa | $71.19 | $12,340 | $148,080 |
| Kansas | $59.88 | $10,380 | $124,540 |
| Kentucky | $62.91 | $10,900 | $130,850 |
| Louisiana | $59.21 | $10,260 | $123,160 |
| Maine | $58.19 | $10,090 | $121,030 |
| Maryland | $63.38 | $10,990 | $131,820 |
| Massachusetts | $72.26 | $12,530 | $150,310 |
| Michigan | $64.63 | $11,200 | $134,440 |
| Minnesota | $75.86 | $13,150 | $157,780 |
| Mississippi | $63.92 | $11,080 | $132,950 |
| Missouri | $55.14 | $9,560 | $114,690 |
| Montana | $78.27 | $13,570 | $162,810 |
| Nebraska | $59.70 | $10,350 | $124,170 |
| Nevada | $69.11 | $11,980 | $143,740 |
| New Hampshire | $63.31 | $10,970 | $131,680 |
| New Jersey | $59.86 | $10,380 | $124,510 |
| New Mexico | $59.81 | $10,370 | $124,400 |
| New York | $70.03 | $12,140 | $145,660 |
| North Carolina | $62.89 | $10,900 | $130,810 |
| North Dakota | $70.02 | $12,140 | $145,650 |
| Ohio | $59.82 | $10,370 | $124,420 |
| Oklahoma | $59.12 | $10,250 | $122,960 |
| Oregon | $71.06 | $12,320 | $147,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $61.03 | $10,580 | $126,950 |
| Rhode Island | $50.43 | $8,740 | $104,890 |
| South Carolina | $58.17 | $10,080 | $120,990 |
| South Dakota | $65.47 | $11,350 | $136,180 |
| Tennessee | $54.77 | $9,490 | $113,920 |
| Texas | $60.04 | $10,410 | $124,890 |
| Utah | $61.95 | $10,740 | $128,860 |
| Vermont | $49.32 | $8,550 | $102,580 |
| Virginia | $66.36 | $11,500 | $138,030 |
| Washington | $68.07 | $11,800 | $141,590 |
| West Virginia | $66.10 | $11,460 | $137,490 |
| Wisconsin | $67.22 | $11,650 | $139,810 |
| Wyoming | $80.62 | $13,970 | $167,680 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |||
20 Best Paying Jobs You Can Take up Post-Completion of Your DNP
Fortunately, as a DNP you will have a variety of specializations to choose from. Variety also comes in the form of setting, patient population, and income. We have laid out a snapshot of the twenty highest paying specialties to help you find your perfect fit.
1. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
Job Outlook: CRNA’s work in operating rooms, pain clinics, and outpatient surgical settings. The need for CRNA services is projected to increase 12% over the next ten years.
Earnings: CRNA’s are the highest paid nursing professionals with an average income of $197,760. The pay can vary according to experience and location. However, it is still expected for CRNA salaries to increase over the next seven years.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $95.08 |
| Monthly | $16,480 |
| Annual | $197,760 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
2. Neurology Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Neurologists are facing a large shortage and DNPs are perfectly primed to become part of the team. Neurology DNPs can also choose to go through a neurology fellowship increasing skill and learning potential.
Earnings: Neurology nurse practitioner income, $141,310, is slightly above the national average of $133,600. With such a demand for neurology DNPs this income is likely to increase over the next few years.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $67.94 |
| Monthly | $11,780 |
| Annual | $141,310 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
3. Oncology Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: In the article Scoping Review of Nurse Practitioner Workforce in Oncology the authors note that an aging population and increased rate of successful treatments will likely result in an increased demand for Oncology Nurse Practitioners.
Earnings: The Doctor of Nursing practice salary is, $137,700, for practitioners in oncology. This figure falls in line with the national average and will likely increase along with the demand.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $66.20 |
| Monthly | $11,480 |
| Annual | $137,700 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
4. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners specialize in musculoskeletal care, and they can be found in offices, emergency rooms, hospitals, and operating rooms. The multiplicity of job settings indicates a positive job outlook for those who specialize.
Earnings: The average Income, $137,210, for orthopedic DNPs falls in line with the national average but will likely grow as demand for practitioners increases.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $65.97 |
| Monthly | $11,430 |
| Annual | $137,210 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
5. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: CNN reports a severe shortage of psychiatric providers while an estimated 43 million Americans needing mental health services each year. Indicating that many DNPs will be needed to help bridge the gap.
Earnings: The Income for psychiatric DNPs, $136,580, is in line with the average for DNPs overall but will probably increase as the gap in care becomes larger.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $65.66 |
| Monthly | $11,380 |
| Annual | $136,580 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
6. Trauma Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Trauma nurse practitioners can be found in emergency and operating rooms, as well as, hospitals and critical care units. Will such a large area of coverage trauma practitioners are sure to enjoy steady job growth.
Earnings: The income of trauma nurse DNPs, $134,610, is approximately that of the national average and it is expected to increase as the need for all advanced practice nurses increase.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $64.72 |
| Monthly | $11,220 |
| Annual | $134,610 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
7. Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)
Job Outlook: Acute care practitioners are vital in the hospital setting, but they can be found in outpatient settings as well. The outlook for acute care nurse practitioners is positive, and growth is expected as the U.S. population ages.
Earnings: The income of acute care practitioners, $133,720, is on par with the average earnings for DNPs nationwide, and it is likely to grow with the increased demand of healthcare services.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $64.29 |
| Monthly | $11,140 |
| Annual | $133,720 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
8. Palliative Care Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Palliative care nurse practitioners can be found in hospitals, clinics, and hospice settings where they assist patients with end of life decisions and care. With the aging population in the U.S. their demand is likely to increase.
Earnings: The income of palliative care nurse practitioners, $132,570, is slightly lower than the national average for DNPs, but this is likely to increase as their services are more in demand.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $63.74 |
| Monthly | $11,050 |
| Annual | $132,570 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
9. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP)
Job Outlook: Neonatal nurse practitioners are a highly specialized branch of advanced practice nursing and they are mostly found in the hospital setting. The demand for their services is expected to increase over the next seven years.
Earnings: The income of neonatal nurse practitioners, $132,270, is slightly lower than the national average, but they can still expect to see increases in pay as demand for services increases.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $63.59 |
| Monthly | $11,020 |
| Annual | $132,270 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
10. Cardiac Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Cardiac DNPs can work in clinics, as hospitalists, or in the cardiovascular surgery suite. With cardiovascular disease as one of the top comorbidities Cardiovascular DNPs are expected to be in higher demand as the U.S. population ages.
Earnings: The pay for cardiovascular DNPs is $131,390, which is slightly lower than the national average but will likely increase given the wide array of settings cardiovascular DNPs are able to work.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $63.17 |
| Monthly | $10,950 |
| Annual | $131,390 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
11. Surgical Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Surgical Nurse Practitioners are trained in specific surgical procedures, and provide care to surgical patients pre and post-operatively.
Earnings: The income for surgical nurse practitioners, $131,020, is slightly lower than the national average but it is likely to increase as the aging population ages increasing the number of procedures performed daily requiring more services from DNPs.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $62.99 |
| Monthly | $10,920 |
| Annual | $131,020 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
12. Dermatology Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Dermatology DNPs mostly work in office settings providing routine dermatology care and screenings. As the population ages the need for cancer screenings and other dermatology services are certain to increase also, which translates into an increased demand for qualified Dermatology DNPs.
Earnings: The income for dermatology nurse practitioners, $128,480, is lower than the national average, but the increased need for cancer screenings and other procedures will likely also create a rise in the salary of DNPs
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $61.77 |
| Monthly | $10,710 |
| Annual | $128,480 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
13. Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Urgent care nurse practitioners are usually more cost effective than an urgent care physician, and they are in demand in the busy urgent care setting.
Earnings: The income for urgent care nurse practitioners, $128,290, is slightly lower than the national average for DNPs but it is still likely to increase. This is especially true as their services tend to decrease congestion in hospital emergency rooms.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $61.68 |
| Monthly | $10,690 |
| Annual | $128,290 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
14. Emergency Room Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Emergency room nurse practitioners are in high demand in crowded emergency room settings, making for a positive job outlook.
Earnings: Income for emergency room nurse practitioners, $128,170, is slightly lower than the national average for DNPs but it is still likely to increase given the crowded conditions of most emergency rooms across the nation.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $61.62 |
| Monthly | $10,680 |
| Annual | $128,170 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
15. General Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: General nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings and locations. They will remain in demand as the U.S. baby boomers reach the age of 65.
Earnings: The income for a general nurse practitioner, $125,430, is lower than that of the national average for DNPs, but it is likely to increase as the population starts to reach over 65 with a large demand for a broad spectrum of health care services.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $60.30 |
| Monthly | $10,450 |
| Annual | $125,430 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
16. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP)
Job Outlook: Family nurse practitioners are vital to the community as the number of primary care physicians continues to decrease, that in combination with an aging population indicates a healthy job outlook.
Earnings: The income for doctorally trained family nurse practitioners, $123,610, is lower than the national average but it is likely to increase. This increase stems from more routine and preventative care services being offered at low or no cost through insurance providers.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $59.43 |
| Monthly | $10,300 |
| Annual | $123,610 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
17. Nurse Midwives
Job Outlook: Nurse midwives provide a vital service to obstetrical patients especially in rural settings. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics anticipates nearly a 31% increase in the demand for their services over the next seven years.
Earnings: Nurse midwives have an income of $120,950 lower than the national average for DNPs overall. This is likely because many of them are employed in the rural setting. Regardless, salaries are expected to increase along with the demand.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $58.15 |
| Monthly | $10,080 |
| Annual | $120,950 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
18. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP)
Job Outlook: Pediatric nurse practitioners work in pediatric units and ICUs in the hospital, routine care clinics, pediatric urgent cares and emergency departments. The job outlook is positive for the in demand pediatric DNPs.
Earnings: The income for pediatric nurse practitioners, $117,570, is lower than the national average for DNPs. Washington DC pays the highest rate for PNPs while Nebraska pays the least. Salaries are projected to increase with the demand for more DNPs.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $56.52 |
| Monthly | $9,800 |
| Annual | $117,570 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
19. Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
Job Outlook: Clinical Nurse Specialists are highly specialized nurses who work in many types of settings and with many populations. The job outlook is positive for doctorally prepared clinical nurse specialists especially for those specializing in geriatrics.
Earnings: The income of doctorally prepared clinical nurse specialists, $117,100, is lower than the national average for DNPs, but it is likely to increase as the U.S. population ages and more advanced specialists are needed.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $56.30 |
| Monthly | $9,760 |
| Annual | $117,100 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
20. Nursing Instructors
Job Outlook: Doctorally prepared nursing instructors are in high demand and the need for qualified candidates is expected to increase.
Earnings: The income for nursing instructors $90,280, is lower than the national average for DNPs, mostly because they are employed by academic institutions. Salaries are still expected to climb as the demand for all nursing professions increases.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $43.40 |
| Monthly | $7,520 |
| Annual | $90,280 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |
Quick Look at Salaries of All Career Paths Available after DNP
| Career Path | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) | $64.29 | $11,140 | $133,720 |
| Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC PNP) | $60.11 | $10,420 | $125,030 |
| Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) | $62.53 | $10,840 | $130,070 |
| Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG ACNP) | $61.37 | $10,640 | $127,640 |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) | $58.36 | $10,120 | $121,380 |
| Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) | $44.65 | $7,740 | $92,870 |
| Cardiac Nurse Practitioner | $63.17 | $10,950 | $131,390 |
| Cardiovascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner | $64.50 | $11,180 | $134,160 |
| Chief Nurse Anesthetist | $113.40 | $19,660 | $235,870 |
| Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) | $82.45 | $14,290 | $171,490 |
| Clinical Nurse Practitioner | $59.63 | $10,340 | $124,040 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | $56.30 | $9,760 | $117,100 |
| Clinical Research Director | $70.29 | $12,180 | $146,200 |
| Dermatology Nurse Practitioner | $61.77 | $10,710 | $128,480 |
| Emergency Room Nurse Practitioner | $61.62 | $10,680 | $128,170 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | $59.43 | $10,300 | $123,610 |
| General Nurse Practitioner | $60.30 | $10,450 | $125,430 |
| Geriatric Nurse Practitioner | $60.30 | $10,450 | $125,430 |
| Gerontological Nurse Practitioner | $60.15 | $10,430 | $125,120 |
| Gynecology Nurse Practitioner | $58.66 | $10,170 | $122,020 |
| Hospice Nurse Practitioner | $58.39 | $10,120 | $121,450 |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) | $63.59 | $11,020 | $132,270 |
| Neurology Nurse Practitioner | $67.94 | $11,780 | $141,310 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $95.08 | $16,480 | $197,760 |
| Nurse Director | $54.15 | $9,390 | $112,630 |
| Nurse Midwife | $58.15 | $10,080 | $120,950 |
| Nursing Instructor | $43.40 | $7,520 | $90,280 |
| Nursing Manager | $54.38 | $9,430 | $113,120 |
| Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner | $64.56 | $11,190 | $134,280 |
| Oncology Nurse Practitioner | $66.20 | $11,480 | $137,700 |
| Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (ONP) | $65.97 | $11,430 | $137,210 |
| Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner | $63.74 | $11,050 | $132,570 |
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) | $56.52 | $9,800 | $117,570 |
| Primary Nurse Practitioner | $59.76 | $10,360 | $124,310 |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $65.66 | $11,380 | $136,580 |
| Pulmonary Nurse Practitioner | $58.76 | $10,190 | $122,220 |
| Surgical Nurse Practitioner | $62.99 | $10,920 | $131,020 |
| Trauma Nurse Practitioner | $64.72 | $11,220 | $134,610 |
| Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner | $61.68 | $10,690 | $128,290 |
| Urology Nurse Practitioner | $57.08 | $9,890 | $118,720 |
| Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) | $56.99 | $9,880 | $118,540 |
| (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) | |||
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