Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Salary by State for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from a family nurse practitioner career?

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) salary is one of the most important factors for nurses considering this career path. On average, FNPs earn significantly more than registered nurses, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual salary of $125,900 in 2023, compared to $86,070 for RNs. Salary potential varies widely by state, type of employer, and years of experience.

For example, FNPs working in hospitals or specialty clinics often earn more than those in private practice or community health. In addition, state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws can influence how much FNPs are paid, since more autonomy often leads to higher earning power. With projected job growth of 45% through 2030, pursuing an FNP role offers both financial stability and long-term career opportunities, making it a rewarding choice for those ready to advance their nursing careers.

Where can I work with as a family nurse practitioner?

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) work in a wide range of healthcare settings, giving them the flexibility to align their careers with their personal and professional goals. Many are employed in primary care clinics, community health centers, or physician’s offices, where they provide ongoing care to patients of all ages. Hospitals and outpatient care centers also hire FNPs, often for more specialized roles in pediatrics, geriatrics, or women’s health. In rural or underserved areas, FNPs play a critical role in filling provider gaps, offering both preventive care and treatment services where access to physicians may be limited.

FNPs are also found in nontraditional healthcare environments. Many work for schools, urgent care centers, government health agencies, or large corporate employers that offer onsite wellness programs. Some FNPs choose careers in telehealth, which has grown rapidly and allows them to provide virtual care to patients across state lines. Others move into leadership, education, or policy positions, shaping the future of healthcare delivery. This diversity of work settings ensures that FNPs can build careers that match both their financial goals and their passion for patient care.

How much can I make with as a family nurse practitioner?

Graduates of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs typically earn competitive salaries that reflect both their advanced training and the high demand for their skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners, including FNPs, earned a median annual salary of $129,480 in 2023.

Salaries vary based on factors like location, industry, and years of experience. For instance, those working in hospitals often earn slightly more than those in physician’s offices or outpatient care centers. Entry-level FNPs may start closer to $90,000–$100,000 per year, while highly experienced professionals can make $150,000 or more annually.

Location plays a significant role in determining earning potential. States such as California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts report some of the highest average wages, often exceeding $145,000 per year, while southern and rural states may fall closer to $110,000–$120,000.

Beyond geography, specialization can also boost income, with FNPs focusing on areas like acute care or geriatrics often earning above the national median. These figures highlight that pursuing an FNP degree not only provides career flexibility but also offers strong financial rewards that grow over time with expertise and experience.

What is the average family nurse practitioner salary in the U.S. by state?

Family nurse practitioner (FNP) salaries vary widely across the United States, influenced by factors like cost of living, healthcare demand, and state-specific workforce needs. While the national average for nurse practitioners is around $128,000 annually, pay can range much higher or lower depending on where you practice. The table below highlights the average annual salary for family nurse practitioners in each state, based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

When reviewing salary data, it’s also helpful to compare across specialties. For example, knowing the highest paying state for gerontology NPs can provide additional context on how location and specialty influence earning potential in advanced nursing roles.

How does the national FNP salary compare to other nurse practitioner specialties?

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) earn an average of about $128,000 per year, which aligns closely with the overall nurse practitioner median wage. However, certain NP specialties earn noticeably more or less depending on training, scope of practice, and work setting.

While family nurse practitioners earn a strong average salary of about $128,000 annually, they typically make less than specialized nurse practitioners in fields like psychiatry or acute care. However, FNPs benefit from broader career flexibility, with opportunities in primary care, outpatient clinics, and community health settings. Many nurses choose to pursue RN to FNP programs to take advantage of this balance of stable income and diverse practice options, making the FNP role one of the most versatile in advanced nursing.  

What are the highest-paying states for family nurse practitioners?

Based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, here are the top five highest-paying states for family nurse practitioners (FNPs), which fall under the nurse practitioner category:

These states offer the highest salaries for family nurse practitioners largely due to a combination of cost of living, healthcare demand, and workforce shortages. California and New York, for example, have some of the highest living expenses in the nation, which pushes employers to raise pay to attract and retain skilled providers. Many nurses in these areas look for the shortest nurse practitioner programs to quickly transition into advanced practice roles and start benefiting from higher salaries.

Nevada’s growing population and shortage of primary care physicians have increased the need for FNPs, driving salaries upward. Massachusetts and New Jersey stand out because of their dense healthcare networks and academic medical centers, where advanced practice nurses often work in specialized or high-acuity settings that command higher pay.

In each of these states, compensation reflects not only living costs but also the critical role FNPs play in filling gaps in primary and preventive care.

Which states have the lowest salaries for FNPs?

Here’s the breakdown of the five lowest-paying states for family nurse practitioners (FNPs), based on the latest BLS data:

These states generally offer lower FNP salaries due to a mix of lower cost of living, slower economic growth, and less competition among healthcare employers. For instance, Alabama and Arkansas have among the lowest housing and living costs in the U.S., which often correlates with lower wages across professions. Nurses completing FNP programs in these regions may still find rewarding careers, especially if they value affordability and work-life balance.

In rural-heavy states like Kentucky and Mississippi, healthcare facilities may operate on tighter budgets, limiting their ability to offer competitive pay. Missouri reflects a similar pattern, where salaries remain modest compared to coastal states despite a solid demand for providers.

While compensation is lower, many FNPs choose these states for their affordable lifestyles, slower pace of living, and opportunities to serve underserved rural populations.

What is the starting salary for entry-level family nurse practitioners?

Entry-level family nurse practitioners (FNPs) typically start with salaries ranging from $95,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on the state, employer, and practice setting. According to recent compensation surveys, the national average starting salary for new FNPs is about $100,000 annually, which places them well above the average registered nurse (RN) salary. This higher starting pay reflects the advanced education and clinical responsibilities required of nurse practitioners, even at the beginning of their careers.

That said, starting salaries vary significantly by location. New graduates working in high-cost or high-demand states like California, New York, or Massachusetts often begin closer to the $115,000 FNP salary range. In contrast, those starting out in rural or lower-cost states such as Alabama or Arkansas may see offers closer to $95,000. Practice setting also plays a role: outpatient clinics and physician offices may pay less initially, while hospitals or specialty care environments may offer higher starting pay to attract new practitioners.

For many entry-level FNPs, base salary is just one part of the compensation package. Employers may include benefits such as signing bonuses, student loan repayment assistance, relocation stipends, and continuing education support, which can add significant value. Over time, as FNPs gain experience and expand their clinical skills, their earnings tend to rise steadily, with mid-career salaries often reaching $120,000 to $130,000 or more. Some FNPs may even pursue a family nurse practitioner specialization early in their careers to boost earnings and open doors to higher-paying roles in cardiology, pediatrics, or women’s health.

What is the salary growth potential for FNPs over a 10-year career?

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) generally see steady salary growth during their first decade of practice, as experience and clinical expertise increase their value to employers. New graduates often start around $95,000 to $110,000 annually, but after just a few years in practice, average earnings usually rise into the $115,000 to $125,000 range. This early jump is driven by improved confidence, efficiency, and the ability to handle larger or more complex patient panels.

By mid-career—typically around the 5- to 7-year mark—FNPs can expect salaries between $125,000 and $135,000, with higher pay for those working in hospitals, specialty clinics, or leadership roles. At the 10-year point, seasoned FNPs often earn $130,000 to $145,000 or more, particularly in high-demand states or metropolitan areas. Some may even surpass these figures if they pursue specialized certifications, move into management, or combine clinical practice with teaching or consulting.

Overall, the salary growth potential for FNPs over a 10-year career is strong, reflecting both the growing demand for primary care providers and the profession’s ability to adapt to new healthcare delivery models, such as telehealth. While not the absolute top-paying NP specialty, FNPs enjoy one of the most stable salary trajectories in advanced nursing. Similar long-term growth considerations arise in other tracks too—such as pediatrics, where candidates research how to become a CPNP PC to compare career and salary trajectories.

Family nurse practitioners see steady salary growth as they gain experience, with earnings rising significantly over the first decade of practice. The chart below highlights how FNP salaries typically progress over a 10-year career.

How do state licensing requirements affect FNP salary potential?

State licensing requirements have a direct impact on family nurse practitioner (FNP) salary potential because they determine the scope of practice and the level of independence an NP can have. In states with full practice authority (FPA), FNPs can evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, order and interpret tests, and prescribe treatments without physician oversight.

This autonomy often allows FNPs to take on greater responsibility, practice in rural or underserved areas, and even open their own clinics—all of which can translate into higher earnings and more job opportunities. For nurses exploring cheapest online FNP programs, understanding these differences is essential for maximizing future salary potential.

On the other hand, in states with reduced or restricted practice laws, FNPs must work under a collaborative or supervisory agreement with a physician. These requirements can limit the types of roles available and may reduce salary potential because employers factor in the costs of physician oversight. For example, in many Southern states with stricter licensing rules, average FNP salaries are notably lower than in full-practice states like California, Oregon, or New York.

The greater the practice independence, the stronger the salary potential. State licensing not only affects pay levels but also influences the demand for FNPs, with full-practice states often leading in both higher compensation and broader employment opportunities.

How does an FNP salary compare to a registered nurse (RN) salary?

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) earn significantly more than registered nurses (RNs) because of their advanced education, expanded scope of practice, and higher level of clinical responsibility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for nurse practitioners, which include FNPs, is about $128,000, while the average RN salary is about $89,000. This means FNPs make roughly 40% more than RNs on average.

The difference is tied to the role itself. RNs provide essential patient care, often under the direction of physicians, while FNPs function as advanced practice providers who can diagnose, can a nurse practitioner prescribe meds, and manage treatment plans.

In states with full practice authority, FNPs may even operate independently, a factor that further boosts their earning potential.

For nurses considering advancing their careers, the salary gap highlights the value of pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. While the additional education requires an investment of time and money, the long-term salary increase and career flexibility often make the transition from RN to FNP financially worthwhile.

Do FNPs earn more in hospitals or private practice?

Family nurse practitioner (FNP) salaries can vary depending on the work setting, but data shows that hospitals typically pay more than private practices. According to BLS and industry salary surveys, FNPs employed in hospitals (state, local, or private) earn an average of $130,000–$135,000 annually, while those working in physician offices or private practice average closer to $115,000–$120,000. Many graduates of FNP online programs weigh these salary differences when deciding where to build their careers.

The difference comes down to workload and scope. Hospitals often demand longer hours, more complex cases, and round-the-clock coverage, which drives higher pay. Private practices, on the other hand, usually offer a more predictable schedule, lighter caseloads, and stronger work–life balance, but at the cost of slightly lower salaries. Some FNPs in private practice may supplement income through bonuses, productivity incentives, or eventually starting their own clinics in states with full practice authority.

In short, hospitals tend to pay more upfront, while private practices may appeal to FNPs seeking stability, autonomy, or entrepreneurial opportunities. The “better” option often depends on whether a nurse values maximum salary potential or a more balanced lifestyle.  

What is the projected employment growth for FNPs through 2030?

The job outlook for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) is exceptionally strong, with employment projected to grow by 45% between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth rate is far above the average for all occupations, reflecting the nation’s increasing demand for primary care providers and the pivotal role FNPs play in filling that gap. As physicians in primary care continue to face shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas, FNPs are expected to take on more responsibility in delivering frontline healthcare services.

Several factors are driving this rapid growth. The aging population is leading to higher rates of chronic illness, which requires ongoing management and preventive care—areas where FNPs excel. In addition, healthcare systems are shifting toward cost-effective models that rely more heavily on nurse practitioners to expand access without compromising quality. The rise of telehealth services has also created new opportunities for FNPs to provide care across state lines, further fueling demand.

By 2030, the FNP profession is expected not only to grow in numbers but also to expand in scope and influence. States that grant full practice authority will likely see the most significant employment gains, as FNPs in those regions can work independently and meet patient needs directly. This combination of strong job security, rising demand, and expanding career opportunities makes becoming an FNP one of the most promising career paths in healthcare today.

Here's What FNPs Have to Say About Their Salary

Other Things You Should Know About Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Salary by State

Do family nurse practitioners get bonuses in addition to salary?

Yes, many family nurse practitioners receive bonuses on top of their base salary. These can include sign-on bonuses, performance incentives, or retention bonuses, especially in high-demand areas. Bonuses vary by employer and location but can add several thousand dollars to annual earnings.

Does the cost of living affect family nurse practitioner salaries?

Cost of living plays a big role in FNP salaries by state. States with higher housing, food, and healthcare costs often pay higher wages to attract and retain nurse practitioners. However, when adjusted for living expenses, some high-paying states may not offer as much take-home value.

Do family nurse practitioners earn overtime pay?

In most cases, family nurse practitioners are salaried employees and may not qualify for traditional overtime pay. However, some employers offer extra compensation for working nights, weekends, or holidays. Others may provide additional pay for taking on-call shifts.

Does experience level make a difference in FNP salaries?

Yes, experience has a major impact on salary growth for FNPs. Entry-level nurse practitioners earn less but see steady increases as they gain clinical expertise and leadership skills. After 10 or more years in practice, many FNPs can reach salaries well above the national average.