The trajectory for Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNPs) points towards substantial career growth, marked by both increased earning potential and expanded professional opportunities in the coming years. Recent data underscores this positive trend; Medscape reported a 5% increase in DNP salaries between 2018 and 2020, reaching an average of $133,600. Furthermore, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an impressive 46% growth in overall employment for advanced practice registered nurses from 2021 to 2031.
Graduates from leading DNP programs across the nation, including institutions like Rush University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Washington, are well-positioned to experience even more significant financial and career advancements.
This article delves into the earning landscape for DNPs, exploring top-tier salaries across different states and specialties. We will examine the expected salary ranges and job prospects that a doctorally trained nurse can anticipate in today’s evolving healthcare environment.
DNP Salary: An Overview of Earning Potential
The Doctor Of Nursing Practice Dnp Salary is influenced by several factors, including years of experience, specialization within nursing, and geographical location. For instance, the compensation for a DNP working as a university professor may differ from that of a DNP in acute care. While salaries might be comparatively lower in rural or underserved areas, these locations often present opportunities for student loan forgiveness programs, which can effectively enhance the overall hourly compensation.
The average DNP salary reflects a robust earning potential, but understanding the nuances of hourly versus annual pay, and how experience level impacts these figures, is crucial for those considering or advancing in this field.
DNP Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a significant role in determining doctor of nursing practice DNP salary. As DNPs accumulate more years in practice, their earning potential typically increases. However, it’s worth noting that the rate of salary growth is often most rapid in the initial years following graduation. The type of employment setting can also affect salary levels. Large healthcare institutions may have established salary scales, which can sometimes limit individual negotiation power compared to smaller practices or independent roles.
Below is a breakdown of hourly and annual DNP salaries based on different experience levels.
Hourly DNP Salary Based on Experience
| 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) |
Annual DNP Salary Based on Experience
| 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) |
DNP Salary by State: Where You Earn the Most
Geographical location is a critical determinant of doctor of nursing practice DNP salary. Salaries for DNPs can vary significantly from state to state, influenced by factors such as cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and state-specific healthcare policies. Wyoming currently leads as the highest paying state for DNPs, while Vermont reports the lowest average annual salary. This state-level variation underscores the importance of considering location when evaluating DNP career opportunities and salary expectations.
Top States for DNP Salaries
Several states stand out as particularly lucrative for DNP graduates. These states not only offer competitive salaries but also often have a high demand for advanced practice nurses. Here are ten of the best states for DNP graduates to work in:
- California: Known for its vibrant lifestyle and diverse geography, California offers DNPs an average income of $166,630, with potential earnings reaching $205,360 for specialized roles like nurse anesthetists.
- Wyoming: Topping the charts, Wyoming offers an impressive average annual DNP salary of $167,680.
- Minnesota: With a strong healthcare sector, Minnesota provides DNPs with an average yearly income of $157,780.
- Hawaii: The beautiful islands of Hawaii offer DNPs an average salary of $155,350.
- Massachusetts: A hub for healthcare innovation and education, Massachusetts offers DNPs an average of $150,310 annually.
- Iowa: DNPs in Iowa earn an average yearly salary of $148,080.
- Oregon: In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon offers DNPs an average income of $147,800 per year.
- North Dakota: Providing a competitive salary, North Dakota DNPs average around $145,650 annually.
- New York: Offering a mix of urban and rural settings, New York provides an average DNP salary of $145,660.
- Nevada: DNPs in Nevada can expect to earn approximately $143,740 per year on average.
DNP Salary in All 50 States
For a comprehensive view, the table below details the hourly, monthly, and annual doctor of nursing practice DNP salary across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, providing a complete picture of geographical salary variations.
| 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) |
DNP Salary by Specialization: High-Paying DNP Careers
Specialization within the Doctor of Nursing Practice field significantly impacts earning potential. Certain specialties, particularly those requiring highly specialized skills or addressing critical healthcare needs, often command higher salaries. For DNPs, choosing a specialization can be a strategic career move to maximize both professional fulfillment and financial rewards.
Top 20 Highest Paying DNP Specializations
The following are 20 of the highest paying job options for DNPs, offering a glimpse into the diverse and lucrative career paths available post-graduation.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
Job Outlook: CRNAs are in high demand across various settings including operating rooms, pain management clinics, and outpatient surgical centers. The job outlook for CRNAs is exceptionally strong, with a projected growth of 12% over the next decade.
Earnings: CRNAs represent the pinnacle of earning potential in nursing, boasting an average annual income of $197,760. This figure can fluctuate based on experience, location, and practice setting, but the overall trend points towards continued salary increases.
Type Salary Hourly $95.08 Monthly $16,480 Annual $197,760 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Neurology Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: The field of neurology is currently facing a significant shortage of specialists, positioning neurology nurse practitioners as vital members of healthcare teams. Further specialization through neurology fellowships can enhance skills and earning capacity.
Earnings: Neurology nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $141,310, which is notably above the national DNP average. Given the high demand in this specialty, salaries are expected to rise.
Type Salary Hourly $67.94 Monthly $11,780 Annual $141,310 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Oncology Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: The increasing prevalence of cancer, coupled with advancements in treatment and an aging population, is driving a strong demand for oncology nurse practitioners.
Earnings: Oncology DNPs earn an average annual salary of $137,700. This is consistent with the national average, and expected to increase with growing demand.
Type Salary Hourly $66.20 Monthly $11,480 Annual $137,700 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Orthopedic nurse practitioners, specializing in musculoskeletal health, find opportunities in diverse settings like clinics, emergency rooms, hospitals, and surgical environments, indicating a robust job market.
Earnings: The average annual income for orthopedic DNPs is $137,210, aligning with the national average and projected to grow with increasing demand for specialized practitioners.
Type Salary Hourly $65.97 Monthly $11,430 Annual $137,210 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: A critical shortage of mental health professionals is widely reported, with a significant portion of the US population needing mental health services. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are essential to addressing this gap.
Earnings: Psychiatric DNPs earn an average of $136,580 annually. Salaries are likely to increase as the demand for mental health services continues to outpace the supply of providers.
Type Salary Hourly $65.66 Monthly $11,380 Annual $136,580 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Trauma Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Trauma nurse practitioners are crucial in high-intensity settings such as emergency rooms, operating rooms, and critical care units. The broad scope of practice ensures stable job growth.
Earnings: Trauma DNP salaries average around $134,610 per year, mirroring the national average, with anticipated increases due to overall demand for advanced practice nurses.
Type Salary Hourly $64.72 Monthly $11,220 Annual $134,610 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP)
Job Outlook: ACNPs are vital in hospitals and increasingly in outpatient settings. The aging US population is expected to drive further growth in demand for acute care services.
Earnings: Acute care nurse practitioners earn approximately $133,720 annually, consistent with the average DNP salary, with potential for growth alongside healthcare service demands.
Type Salary Hourly $64.29 Monthly $11,140 Annual $133,720 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Palliative care specialists are needed in hospitals, clinics, and hospice facilities to support patients and families facing end-of-life decisions, with demand expected to rise with the aging population.
Earnings: Palliative care nurse practitioners earn an average of $132,570 per year, slightly below the national average, but likely to increase with growing demand for their services.
Type Salary Hourly $63.74 Monthly $11,050 Annual $132,570 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNP)
Job Outlook: NNPs, specializing in the care of newborns, primarily work in hospital settings. Demand for neonatal care is projected to increase, ensuring job stability and growth.
Earnings: Neonatal nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $132,270, slightly under the national average, but with expected salary growth as demand increases.
Type Salary Hourly $63.59 Monthly $11,020 Annual $132,270 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Cardiac Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: With cardiovascular disease being a leading health concern, cardiac nurse practitioners are in demand across clinics, hospitals, and surgical units, with anticipated growth as the population ages.
Earnings: Cardiac DNPs earn an average of $131,390 annually, slightly below the national average, but with strong potential for salary increases due to diverse employment opportunities.
Type Salary Hourly $63.17 Monthly $10,950 Annual $131,390 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Surgical Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Surgical nurse practitioners, trained in surgical procedures and pre- and post-operative care, are essential in hospitals and surgical centers.
Earnings: Surgical nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $131,020, slightly lower than the national average, but expected to rise with the increasing number of surgeries due to an aging population.
Type Salary Hourly $62.99 Monthly $10,920 Annual $131,020 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Dermatology Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Dermatology nurse practitioners primarily work in outpatient settings, providing skin care and cancer screenings. Increased demand for these services with an aging population ensures a positive job outlook.
Earnings: Dermatology nurse practitioners earn an average of $128,480 annually, below the national average, but with expected salary growth driven by increased service demand.
Type Salary Hourly $61.77 Monthly $10,710 Annual $128,480 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Urgent care settings increasingly rely on nurse practitioners for cost-effective care, ensuring high demand for urgent care nurse practitioners.
Earnings: Urgent care nurse practitioners earn an average of $128,290 per year, slightly below the national average, but with expected salary increases as urgent care services expand.
Type Salary Hourly $61.68 Monthly $10,690 Annual $128,290 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Emergency Room Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: Emergency rooms are consistently busy, leading to a high demand for emergency room nurse practitioners to manage patient flow and provide timely care.
Earnings: Emergency room nurse practitioners earn an average of $128,170 annually, slightly below the national average, but with potential for growth due to the persistent demands on emergency services.
Type Salary Hourly $61.62 Monthly $10,680 Annual $128,170 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
General Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook: General nurse practitioners, offering broad healthcare services, are needed in various settings, with demand sustained by the aging baby boomer population.
Earnings: General nurse practitioners earn an average of $125,430 per year, lower than the DNP average, but likely to increase with the growing healthcare needs of the aging population.
Type Salary Hourly $60.30 Monthly $10,450 Annual $125,430 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP)
Job Outlook: With a decline in primary care physicians, family nurse practitioners are crucial for community health, ensuring a strong job outlook, further supported by an aging population needing consistent primary care.
Earnings: Family nurse practitioners with a DNP earn an average of $123,610 annually, below the national average, but with anticipated salary growth due to the increasing emphasis on preventative and primary care services.
Type Salary Hourly $59.43 Monthly $10,300 Annual $123,610 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Nurse Midwives
Job Outlook: Nurse midwives provide essential obstetrical care, particularly in rural areas, with a projected 31% increase in demand for their services.
Earnings: Nurse midwives earn an average of $120,950 annually, less than the DNP average, possibly due to rural practice locations, but salaries are expected to rise with increasing demand.
Type Salary Hourly $58.15 Monthly $10,080 Annual $120,950 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP)
Job Outlook: Pediatric nurse practitioners work across hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers, with a consistently positive job outlook due to the specialized care they provide to children.
Earnings: Pediatric nurse practitioners earn an average of $117,570 annually, below the DNP average. Salaries are projected to increase with the ongoing demand for specialized pediatric care.
Type Salary Hourly $56.52 Monthly $9,800 Annual $117,570 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)
Job Outlook: Clinical nurse specialists, with their deep expertise in specific areas, are needed across various healthcare settings, with a particularly strong outlook for those specializing in geriatrics.
Earnings: Clinical nurse specialists with a DNP earn an average of $117,100 annually, lower than the DNP average, but with expected salary growth as the need for specialized care for an aging population increases.
Type Salary Hourly $56.30 Monthly $9,760 Annual $117,100 (Source: NP Editorial Assessment) -
Nursing Instructors
Job Outlook: Doctorally prepared nursing instructors are in high demand to educate the next generation of nurses, with a projected increase in demand for qualified nurse educators.
Earnings: Nursing instructors earn an average of $90,280 annually, significantly lower than the DNP average, primarily due to employment in academic institutions, but salaries are expected to rise with overall nursing profession demand.
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) |
More Nursing Salaries
- ADN Salary
- BSN Salary
- CNA Salary
- Family Nurse Practitioner Salary
- Licensed Practical Nurse Salary
- MSN Salary
- Nurse Anesthetist Salary
- Nurse Practitioner Salary
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary
- RN to BSN Salary
- Registered Nurse Salary
- Travel Nurse Salary
Factors Influencing DNP Salary Beyond Experience and Location
While experience and geographical location are primary drivers of doctor of nursing practice DNP salary, other factors also play a significant role. The demand for specific DNP specialties, as highlighted in the specialization section, directly impacts earning potential. Practice settings, such as hospitals, private clinics, academia, or research institutions, can also offer varying salary scales.
Furthermore, additional certifications, advanced skills, and the ability to negotiate salary can influence a DNP’s earning capacity. DNPs who continuously update their skills and pursue further education in high-demand areas are likely to see their salaries reflect their enhanced expertise.
Conclusion: A Promising Salary Outlook for DNPs
In conclusion, the doctor of nursing practice DNP salary outlook for 2025 and beyond is exceptionally positive. Driven by increasing demand for advanced healthcare, an aging population, and a growing recognition of the vital role DNPs play, salaries are projected to maintain an upward trajectory. Whether considering a DNP degree or seeking to maximize earnings as a practicing DNP, understanding the factors influencing salary—from experience and location to specialization and setting—is key to navigating a successful and financially rewarding career path. The DNP profession not only offers substantial job security but also the potential for significant personal and financial growth, making it an attractive and impactful career choice in the healthcare landscape.
