Registered Nurse vs Nurse Practitioner: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Registered Nurse
Provide patient care, administer medications, and support physicians.
Nurse Practitioner
Provide advanced nursing care including diagnosing and treating conditions.
Nurse Practitioner earns more on average — the national median is $34,750/year (36%) higher than a Registered Nurse. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Registered Nurse vs Nurse Practitioner — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Registered Nurse | Nurse Practitioner | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $138,630 | $187,882 | Registered $49,252 |
| New York, NY | $115,773 | $163,340 | Registered $47,567 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,867 | $192,574 | Registered $53,707 |
| Austin, TX | $107,039 | $143,940 | Registered $36,901 |
| Chicago, IL | $102,780 | $139,454 | Registered $36,674 |
| Boston, MA | $129,765 | $174,490 | Registered $44,725 |
| London, UK | £52,037 | £104,229 | Registered $52,192 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$171,863 | Registered $77,249 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner earn more?+
A Nurse Practitioner earns more on average. The national median salary for a Registered Nurse is $97,550/year, compared to $132,300/year for a Nurse Practitioner — a difference of $34,750 (36%).
Which has better career growth — Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner?+
Registered Nurse roles are growing at 6% YoY while Nurse Practitioner demand is growing at 40% YoY. Nurse Practitioner has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioner?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: EMR.
Which is harder to automate — Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner?+
Nurse Practitioner has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 15%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.