As a nurse practitioner, you know the importance of finding a state that offers the right combination of job opportunities, competitive salaries, and quality of life.
Whether you're just starting your career or considering a change, it's essential to consider all your options.
With so many states to choose from, it can be overwhelming to determine where to focus your job search.
To help simplify the process, we've researched and analyzed data from various sources to bring you a list of the best states for nurse practitioners.
In this blog, you'll find information on each state's job market, average salaries, and cost of living, along with insights from nurse practitioners who work in those areas.
So, whether you're a new grad or an experienced NP, this guide is a must-read for anyone looking to advance their career in the nursing field.
Who Are Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who have completed advanced education and clinical training beyond their registered nurse (RN) licensure.
NPs are licensed to diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medication, and provide preventative care services, much like a physician.
They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and long-term care facilities, and collaborate with physicians to provide comprehensive care to patients.
NPs are an essential part of the healthcare system, as they help to increase access to quality care and reduce the shortage of primary care providers.
The duties of a nurse practitioner are many and varied. Some of their responsibilities include:
- Performing physical exams.
- Ordering lab tests and imaging studies.
- Conducting patient education to help patients manage their health.
- Prescribing medications, including antibiotics and other drugs.
- Determining when a patient needs to see a doctor for additional treatment or advice.
What is the National Average Salary of a Nurse Practitioner?
The National Average Salary of a Nurse Practitioner was $118,040 in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
This includes all nurse practitioners, including those that work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The average salary is based on an hourly wage of $56.75.
What are the Top 3 Industries That Employ Nurse Practitioners?
Industry | Annual Mean Wage | Hourly Mean Wage |
Offices of Physicians | $144,870 | $55.23 |
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $122,960 | $59,12 |
Outpatient Care Centers | $129,190 | $62.11 |
Factors To Consider When Evaluating States For Nurse Practitioners
1) Scope Of Practice
The scope of practice refers to the kinds of things that a nurse practitioner can do. For example, the scope of practice may be limited to only certain types of patients or procedures.
States vary in terms of their scope of practice—some states allow nurse practitioners to provide primary care services to all patients, while others may restrict them to only certain types of patients and procedures.
2) Salary And Job Opportunities
If you're looking to become a nurse practitioner, you're probably thinking about where you'll be able to use your skills most effectively.
After all, the last thing you want is to go through the trouble of becoming a nurse practitioner only to find out that there aren't any jobs available when it's time for you to start your career.
The best way to evaluate states for nurse practitioners is by looking at salary and job opportunities. If you can make good money without having to work too hard or travel too far, that's an excellent sign that there are plenty of job opportunities in your state.
3) Cost Living
The cost of living can be a significant factor in your decision about where to live. If you're a nurse practitioner, then you probably have a pretty good idea about what the cost of living is like in each state.
You might consider whether your salary will be enough to cover your expenses or whether there are other factors that will affect your quality of life.
For example, if you have kids or pets, then you may not want to move somewhere where there aren't any schools or veterinarians nearby.
Top States For Nurse Practitioners
These are a few top states for nurse practitioners:
1) New York
New York is a great state for nurse practitioners because of its job outlook, salary, and a number of available jobs.
The average salary for a nurse practitioner in New York is $126,440. This is higher than the national average of $111,620.
There are also plenty of opportunities to work in New York. In fact, there are 1,640 annual job openings for nurse practitioners in New York.
The practice authority for nurse practitioners in New York is reduced. This means that they must collaborate with the physicians.
Overall, New York is a great place for nurse practitioners because it has an excellent job outlook and high pay rate, along with many job openings yearly!
2) Vermont
Vermont has a growing demand for nurse practitioners (NPs). First off, Green Mountain State is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the country, with top-notch hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.
This means that NPs in Vermont have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology alongside some of the most skilled medical professionals.
And the job market? It's red-hot! With a growing demand for NPs in Vermont, it's easier than ever to find a position that fits your skills and interests.
Plus, with a median salary of around $115,487, you can bet that you'll be able to live the good life while you're here.
But let's not forget about the scenery: Vermont is simply stunning! With rolling hills, pristine lakes, and quaint little towns, it's the perfect place to call home.
Plus, there's always something to do, whether you're into outdoor activities like hiking and skiing or prefer a more laid-back lifestyle.
And the cherry on top? The people! Vermonters are some of the friendliest and most down-to-earth folks you'll ever meet. They'll make you feel at home in no time, and you'll be part of the community before you know it.
So, what are you waiting for? If you're a nurse practitioner looking for the perfect place to call home, Vermont is it! Whether starting your career or looking for a change, you won't regret making a move. Trust me on this one!
3) Oregon
Nurse practitioners are one of the most in-demand healthcare professionals in America, and in Oregon, they have a lot to offer.
The state is home to more than 6,000 nurse practitioners. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for nurse practitioners to work within their fields of expertise.
And it's not just the number of nurse practitioners that makes Oregon a great place to live as a nurse practitioner—it's also the fact that they have full practice authority and earn $119,000 per year on average!
But what about job security? Well, if you're looking for stability and predictability, then you'll find it here: with a 31.98% job growth and 210 annual job openings, you can count on a steady stream of employment opportunities for years to come.
4) Arizona
Arizona is a great place to be a nurse practitioner. The average annual salary of a nurse practitioner in Arizona is $117,480, and the state has an enormous demand for this type of professional.
There are currently 3,068 licensed nurse practitioners in Arizona, but there are 200 job openings expected over the next two years.
This means that there will be 50.90% more jobs available than currently licensed nurse practitioners.
Nurse practitioners in Arizona have full practice authority, which means they can perform any task that doesn't require a physician's approval or supervision.
5) California
What's the best state for nurse practitioners? California, of course.
The Golden State has a lot going for it—from its world-famous beaches to its beautiful weather year-round.
But what really stands out is California's average salary: $145,970. That's more than $10,000 yearly, higher than the national average!
And if you're still not convinced that California is the best state for nurse practitioners, consider this: there are an annual 1,390 job openings here—that's nearly double the national rate.
Plus, with 30.46% expected growth over the next decade, California is one of the fastest-growing states in America.
And with practice authority being restricted here (meaning there are limits on where and how NPs can work), it makes sense that there's so much demand for their services!
6) Maryland
Maryland is the best state for nurse practitioners, and here's why:
First of all, it pays well. The average salary for a nurse practitioner in Maryland is $115,240 annually.
That's pretty great! But it gets better: 34.88% of nurse practitioners in Maryland have a ten-year job outlook—that means more opportunities to grow your career! And 390 annual job openings mean there are plenty of new jobs waiting for you if you want to move to Maryland.
Finally, Maryland gives nurse practitioners full practice authority—meaning they can do whatever they want without having to get approval from another doctor first.
So go ahead and move to Maryland, get your license as a nurse practitioner, and make some good money doing what you love!
7) Colorado
Colorado is the place to be if you're a nurse practitioner—and we don't mean because of its Rocky Mountain views.
The state has a $109,760 average salary, 330 annual job openings, and a 44.74% job outlook for nurse practitioners. That's not all: The state also grants full practice authority to NPs in Colorado.
If you don't already live there, you may want to consider relocating to Colorado—especially if you're a nurse practitioner!
8) Washington
With a high salary and full practice authority, Washington is the top state for nurse practitioners. The state's average annual salary is $126,480, which is nearly double the national average of $64,690.
In addition to earning more than in other states, NPs in Washington have full practice authority and can provide primary care services to patients of all ages.
The job outlook for NPs in Washington is also strong at 28.54%. This means there are 480 jobs available right now for NPs who want to start their careers in this state.
Conclusion - Best States For Nurse Practitioners
When it comes to the best states for nurse practitioners (NPs), the District of Columbia is at the top of the list.
With a large number of NP jobs and a high growth rate, nurses in this district have a great opportunity to pursue their career aspirations.
NPs also enjoy a high level of autonomy as primary care physicians, which makes them an attractive option for employers. Other states with high concentrations of NP jobs include California, Texas, and New York.
These states have a strong job market for NPs, along with competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.
In addition to these four states, there are many other states across the country that offer great opportunities for NPs to find fulfilling employment within their chosen field.
Regardless of what state you live in, there are sure to be plenty of options available for those interested in becoming an NP.
FAQs About The Best States For Nurse Practitioners
1. What state needs nurse practitioners the most?
The state that needs nurse practitioners the most is likely to be one with a large population and a shortage of healthcare professionals.
California is at the top of this list, as it has more than 40 million residents, and many of its rural areas have limited access to medical care.
Nurse practitioners can help bridge this gap by providing primary and preventative care to underserved communities.
2. Is the NP field oversaturated?
The NP field is undoubtedly growing in popularity, and with the increasing number of nurse practitioners entering the field, it begs the question: is the NP field oversaturated?
The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Some argue that there are too many NPs competing for limited jobs and resources, while others believe there is still a need for qualified NPs to fill current and future roles.
Despite some concerns about oversaturation, the fact remains that there are still gaps in health care that need to be filled.
In addition, as more people become aware of the benefits offered by nurse practitioners and understand their scope of practice, demand for them will likely increase.
