Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Salary by State for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What is the gerontology nurse practitioner salary by state? 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not specifically report the income of a gerontology nurse practitioner. Instead, it lists the overall nurse practitioner salary, which is $132,000. Meanwhile, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) recorded a salary of $119,000 for AGNPs in primary care and $125,000 for those in acute care nationwide. 

Furthermore, here is a side-by-side comparison of the annual wages of GNPs from ZipRecruiter and nurse practitioners from the BLS.

When interpreting this data, it helps to compare with other nursing roles. For example, knowing how much does acute care nurse practitioner make ($120,000–$130,000 on average) provides context for why gerontology NP salaries are competitive but vary by setting and demand.

What factors affect the gerontology nurse practitioner salary?

The compensation of AGNPs are affected by many other variables beyond location alone. Below are the most common factors that shape how much a gerontology nurse practitioner can expect to earn.

• State and Region: States with higher demand for elder care and greater cost of living typically offer higher salaries. In contrast, rural areas or regions with less demand may offer lower compensation.
• Experience Level: Entry-level practitioners often start on the lower end of the pay scale, and their income can increase as they gain expertise.
• Education and Certifications: Advanced degrees and specialized certifications can also raise earning potential, with MSN- and DNP-educated nurses earning significantly more than their BSN counterparts. 
• Employer Type: Hospitals and specialty clinics usually offer higher wages compared to long-term care facilities or community health centers. 
• Workload and Hours: Practitioners working overtime, night shifts, or weekends often receive pay differentials. Consistently higher patient volumes may also be reflected in salary packages.
• Comparison With Other NP Specialties: The AANP records that 68.7% of NPs are specializing in family care, while 15.1% are in adult and geriatric care, making AGNPs the second most common type of NP. Comparing AGNP and FNP salary levels can highlight differences in demand and scope of care.
• Benefits and Total Compensation: Benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses add value. Some states and employers emphasize strong benefits to offset lower base pay. 

Researching more about these factors before choosing a nursing specialty can help explain why salaries vary significantly across settings, regions, and levels of practice.

What are the top-paying states for a gerontology nurse practitioner?

Based on salary reports from the ZipRecruiter, the following are the highest-paying states for a gerontology nurse practitioner:

1. Washington: $152,186
2. District of Columbia: $151,840
3. New York: $147,004
4. Massachusetts: $146,747
5. Alaska: $144,708

This shows a great difference compared to the top states based on BLS records. However, take note that the BLS only shows general data for all nurse practitioners:

1. California: $173,190
2. New York: $148,410
3. Oregon: $148,030
4. Massachusetts: $145,140
5. Washington: $143,620

The salary information from both sources points to certain states as consistent leaders in pay. Still, both lists indicate that states with higher costs of living, robust healthcare systems, and strong demand for advanced practice nurses tend to lead in compensation. 

With that being the case, nurses working in these states may face heavier workloads and higher day-to-day expenses. So, understanding these dynamics can help practitioners weigh both financial and lifestyle considerations when evaluating job opportunities across the country.

This chart displays the highest-paying locations for gerontology nurse practitioners. In comparison, allied healthcare roles may differ widely; for instance, the highest paying state for dental assistant often doesn’t align with NP pay trends, showing how demand and cost of living shape salaries differently across professions.

What are the lowest-paying states for a gerontology nurse practitioner?

According to a 2025 survey from Fitzgerald Health Education Associates, 57% of NPs report being satisfied with their current salary. Despite this, the salary of a gerontology nurse practitioner is not uniform across the U.S. Some states offer modest wages, highlighting the importance of evaluating location as carefully as one’s chosen field. 

Reports from ZipRecruiter list the following states as the lowest-paying for GNPs:

1. Florida: $100,413
2. West Virginia: $104,024
3. Arkansas: $111,110
4. Georgia: $113,459
5. Louisiana: $114,902

In comparison, these are the lowest-paying states based on BLS data:

1. Tennessee: $108,180
2. Alabama: $109,650
3. South Carolina: $113,950
4. Arkansas: $116,030
5. Kentucky: $116,930

Although salaries tend to be lower in many Southern states, these figures are often balanced by reduced living expenses, which can help preserve overall financial stability. However, aspiring NPs must also look into broader influences, such as reimbursement rates, healthcare infrastructures, and restrictive or reduced scope-of-practice laws, which all play a major role in shaping compensation and limiting earning potential.

At the same time, NPs considering other career pivots sometimes explore non bedside nurse jobs as alternatives that may offer better work-life balance, even if salaries in certain states lag behind.

What is the highest-paying region for a gerontology nurse practitioner?

Regional differences also affect the salary of a gerontology nurse practitioner. The AANP records that America’s Region 2, which includes New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico, has the highest wages for adult-gerontology primary care NPs, at $137,000. 

Meanwhile, Region 9, where Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Nevada are located, offers top dollars to adult-gerontology acute care NPs, at around $156,000. Reasons for their high pay include the rising cost of living in many of these areas, as well as the expectation that providers often work longer hours or handle higher patient volumes. 

In states like California and Hawaii, both the demand for advanced practitioners and the financial pressures of urban living create upward pressure on wages. At the same time, the concentration of large healthcare systems and teaching hospitals in these regions further drives competitive compensation packages.

For students considering different educational pathways, even accelerated options such as 1 year NP programs can lead to opportunities in regions where demand and salaries remain especially strong.

This chart reveals the estimated salaries of AGNPs across U.S. regions.

Which industries pay a gerontology nurse practitioner the most?

Part of the training in easy nurse practitioner programs includes providing care in different settings. For instance, a gerontology nurse practitioner in outpatient clinics might focus on managing chronic conditions, conducting routine checkups, and coordinating long-term treatment plans. 

Meanwhile, an NP in inpatient facilities might handle acute illnesses, post-surgical recovery, and higher patient loads. Moreover, in specialty hospitals, AGNPs might deliver highly targeted care, such as cardiology or oncology services, that require advanced knowledge and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Because of this, NPs’ incomes in various settings will also vary. Consider the differences in pay among these industries, based on BLS data:

• Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse Facilities: $163,000
• Scientific Research and Development Services: $155,150
• Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals: $144,860
• Other Ambulatory Health Care Services: $144,240
• Outpatient Care Centers: $143,600
• Specialty Hospitals: $142,270
• Individual and Family Services: $139,070
• General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: $138,340
• Offices of Dentists: $137,170
• Health and Personal Care Retailers: $133,490

These figures show that industries outside traditional hospital settings, such as residential care facilities and scientific research, may offer higher salaries to attract and retain advanced practice providers. At the same time, common employers like general hospitals and outpatient care centers remain stable and accessible options, even if their average salaries are slightly lower. 

The variation reflects how some industries may provide higher pay but also involve more complex caseloads or demanding schedules, while others may offer greater work-life balance and long-term stability. Recognizing these trade-offs helps current and aspiring NPs make informed decisions about where they choose to work.

How can a gerontology nurse practitioner increase their income?

Like many healthcare professions, nursing salaries are not fixed. Earnings can vary widely depending on the steps taken to enhance professional skills, pursue additional roles, or choose the right work environment. For a gerontology nurse practitioner, there are several strategies that can help maximize earning potential over the course of a career.

• Pursue Advanced Certifications: Obtaining specialty certifications in either acute or primary care demonstrates higher expertise. Certifications also enhance competitiveness in states with tight job markets.
• Explore Other Career Pathways: Moving into administrative, supervisory, or leadership roles, like clinical nurse leader jobs, can expand professional responsibilities. Some practitioners also branch out into policy, consulting, or education.
• Work Out-of-State: Working in other states with higher pay scales can lead to a significant salary increase, especially for traveling or out-of-state nurses. In fact, 70% of traveling nurses cite higher pay as a reason for becoming one. However, NPs should also prepare for additional licensing requirements and increased living expenses.
• Explore Research and Academia: Academic institutions and research organizations may pay well for NPs who contribute to teaching or scientific work. These settings allow practitioners to influence the next generation of nurses or shape advancements in gerontology practice.
• Consider Alternative Healthcare Industries: Employment outside of hospitals, such as in scientific research or residential facilities, can offer higher pay. These roles may involve unique patient populations or specialized projects. 
• Take On Per Diem or Overtime Work: Accepting additional shifts or weekend duties can boost income quickly. This strategy can be especially effective for practitioners looking to raise earnings in the short term.

While not every option will fit every career stage, a mix of clinical expertise, continued education, and strategic role selection can create a sustainable path toward higher income and professional fulfillment.

How does a gerontology nurse practitioner salary compare to other NPs?

Nurse practitioner salaries differ by specialty, reflecting variations in demand, clinical responsibilities, and patient populations. While a gerontology nurse practitioner earns a strong income, other NP roles may offer higher or lower salaries depending on work setting and scope of practice. 

• Pediatric Nurse Practitioners ($104,066): PNPs specialize in caring for infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on preventive health, growth, and developmental needs. They provide routine checkups, manage childhood illnesses, and support families in promoting long-term well-being.
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners ($106,280): WHNPs focus on reproductive, gynecological, and prenatal care across a woman’s lifespan. They deliver family planning services, screenings, and wellness education in both clinical and community settings.
• Family Nurse Practitioners ($120,000): FNPs care for patients of all ages. Their broad scope includes preventive services, chronic disease management, and treatment of common acute conditions.
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioners ($120,171): NNPs specialize in caring for high-risk newborns, often in neonatal intensive care units. They provide critical support for premature infants or those with complex medical needs.
• Home Health Nurse Practitioners ($130,295): They provide advanced care to patients in their homes, often managing chronic conditions, post-surgical recovery, or end-of-life care. The home health nurse salary offers a good comparison point, reflecting both the flexibility of in-home care and the unique challenges of this practice setting.
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners ($135,000): PMHNPs treat and manage mental health conditions across the lifespan. They deliver therapy, prescribe medications, and develop care plans to address issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Overall, salaries among nurse practitioners are shaped by patient needs, specialization, and practice settings. Gerontology remains one of the most common specialties, positioned solidly in the middle-to-upper tier of NP compensation. Comparing these figures helps prospective NPs weigh income potential alongside their interests and long-term career goals.

This chart differentiates the salaries of various advanced practice nurse practitioners.

What is the job outlook for a gerontology nurse practitioner?

The career outlook for nurse practitioners continues to be exceptionally strong, with gerontology specialists in especially high demand. The BLS projects a 40.1% growth in NP employment from 2024 to 2034, making it the third fastest-growing occupation nationwide. 

This translates to around 29,500 annual openings and an estimated 128,400 new practitioners entering the workforce over the decade. With an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions, the need for a gerontology nurse practitioner is expected to grow consistently.

This increase is also being fueled by the ongoing shortage of physicians, which has shifted more primary and specialized care responsibilities to nurse practitioners. In many states, expanded scope-of-practice laws allow NPs to provide care independently, further widening opportunities for employment. Importantly, GNPs will also be needed in nonmetropolitan areas, where significant disparities exist between geriatric workforce availability in urban versus rural counties (Xue et al., 2024). 

Beyond strong job numbers, the outlook also reflects opportunities for career advancement. Nurse practitioners in gerontology may pursue leadership roles, teaching positions, or policy advocacy to influence how elder care is delivered in the future. 

For students and professionals evaluating career options, this combination of rapid growth, stable demand, and long-term career pathways underscores why gerontology nursing remains such a promising and impactful field.

What challenges does a gerontology nurse practitioner face? 

While salaries for nurse practitioners are strong overall, certain challenges can affect earning potential in gerontology nursing. A gerontology nurse practitioner may encounter financial, professional, or workplace factors that limit compensation despite growing demand. 

• Reimbursement Rates: Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements may fall below private insurance rates. This can limit revenue streams for employers and, in turn, impact salaries.
• Workload Intensity: Managing multiple chronic illnesses in aging patients often requires extended time and complex care coordination. Without fair compensation for these demands, the income may not reflect the workload.
• Scope-of-Practice Laws: Some states restrict independent practice for NPs, which can reduce opportunities to run private practices or negotiate higher pay.
• Physician Shortages: The Health Resources and Services Administration projects a 78% shortage of geriatricians by 2037. While this creates job security for GNPs, it can also place pressure on compensation structures if systems rely heavily on NPs to close workforce gaps.

Even with these obstacles, gerontology nursing continues to offer consistent high demand and reliable career prospects. Earnings depend on many factors, yet those who approach the field strategically can achieve both financial stability and professional fulfillment.

Even with these obstacles, gerontology nursing continues to offer consistent high demand and reliable career prospects. Earnings depend on many factors, yet those who approach the field strategically can achieve both financial stability and professional fulfillment. For some, the benefits of earning a graduate certificate in leadership, informatics, or policy can also improve career resilience and help overcome these challenges.

Other Things You Should Know About Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Salaries

What type of nurse makes the most money?

Among nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) consistently earn the highest salaries. Their role involves administering anesthesia during surgeries and medical procedures, often in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals.

Because anesthesia carries significant risks, CRNAs undergo rigorous training and carry a high level of responsibility. According to federal labor data, their median annual pay is often well above $200,000, making them the top earners among all nursing specialties.

What type of nurse practitioner makes the most money?

The nurse practitioner specialty with the highest salary is typically the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) or the neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP). These roles demand specialized skills, advanced education, and the ability to manage complex or high-risk patients.

PMHNPs address the rising mental health crisis, while NNPs care for critically ill newborns in intensive care units. Because of their expertise and workforce shortages in these areas, their compensation usually exceeds that of other NP roles, often averaging above $150,000 annually.

What is a gerontology nurse practitioner?

A gerontology nurse practitioner (GNP or AGNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in providing care to adults, particularly older adults. Their role involves diagnosing, managing, and treating acute and chronic conditions while also focusing on preventive care and healthy aging. They work in diverse settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, and community health centers.

With the aging U.S. population, their expertise is increasingly vital in addressing the unique health challenges faced by seniors.

What is the age range for gerontology nurse practitioners?

The patient population for gerontology nurse practitioners spans from young adulthood through advanced age. Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs) are trained to care for individuals starting around age 13 or 18 and continuing through the entire lifespan.

However, their main focus is typically adults over 65, who represent the fastest-growing demographic in healthcare. By managing chronic diseases, promoting wellness, and addressing age-related conditions, AGNPs provide comprehensive care for both younger adults and elderly patients.