Nurse Practitioner vs Medical Lab Scientist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Nurse Practitioner
Provide advanced nursing care including diagnosing and treating conditions.
Medical Lab Scientist
Perform laboratory tests on patient samples to aid clinical diagnosis.
Nurse Practitioner earns more on average — the national median is $62,143/year (89%) higher than a Medical Lab Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Nurse Practitioner vs Medical Lab Scientist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Nurse Practitioner | Medical Lab Scientist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $187,882 | $103,069 | Nurse +$84,813 |
| New York, NY | $163,340 | $87,047 | Nurse +$76,293 |
| Seattle, WA | $192,574 | $102,380 | Nurse +$90,194 |
| Austin, TX | $143,940 | $79,439 | Nurse +$64,501 |
| Chicago, IL | $139,454 | $75,418 | Nurse +$64,036 |
| Boston, MA | $174,490 | $90,176 | Nurse +$84,314 |
| London, UK | £104,229 | £55,328 | Nurse +$48,901 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$171,863 | CA$91,433 | Nurse +$80,430 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Nurse Practitioner or Medical Lab Scientist earn more?+
A Nurse Practitioner earns more on average. The national median salary for a Nurse Practitioner is $132,300/year, compared to $70,157/year for a Medical Lab Scientist — a difference of $62,143 (89%).
Which has better career growth — Nurse Practitioner or Medical Lab Scientist?+
Nurse Practitioner roles are growing at 40% YoY while Medical Lab Scientist demand is growing at 7% YoY. Nurse Practitioner has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Nurse Practitioner to Medical Lab Scientist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Nurse Practitioner or Medical Lab Scientist?+
Nurse Practitioner has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.