Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary: Top 12 Highest-Paying States

Psychiatric nurse practitioners help patients experiencing various mental health conditions. They play a vital role in improving the level of access to mental health care within the country. If you are considering a career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, having detailed salary information can help you decide if it's the right career path for you. In this article, we discuss the states with the highest average salaries for psychiatric nurse practitioners and provide answers to frequently asked questions about the compensation of a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also commonly known as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, is a licensed mental health care professional who has the qualifications needed to assess, diagnose and provide treatment to patients who have mental health conditions such as addiction, ADHD, mood disorders and more. The role of a psychiatric nurse practitioner may vary based on the state they work in because certain states limit what a psychiatric nurse practitioner can do.

Psychiatric nurse practitioner average salary

When considering the national average salary for a position, it is important to consider the average salary and salary range. There are also other compensation factors to think about when considering a job offer such as overtime pay, bonuses and benefit packages. One of the greatest advantages of being a psychiatric nurse practitioner is the strong compensation and benefits packages typically provided for the role.

The national average salary for a psychiatric nurse practitioner in the United States is recorded here at $124,883 per year though salaries are frequently updated on Indeed with a salary range between $54,000 per year and $224,000 per year. Additionally, the national average overtime pay for a psychiatric nurse practitioner in the United States is $15,000 per year.

Psychiatric nurse practitioner salary by state

When comparing the average salary of each state, it is important to consider the average salary, the salary range and the comparison of the cost of living for each state to make sure you are getting an accurate picture that will help you choose which location is right for you. Here is a list of the top 12 states with the highest average salaries for psychiatric nurse practitioners, although updated salary information can be found by following the corresponding links:

1. Maryland

2. Massachusetts

3. Vermont

4. Washington State

5. Arkansas

6. Missouri

7. Nebraska

8. Arizona

9. California

10. Mississippi

11. Nevada

12. North Dakota

1. Maryland

Average salary: $140,936 per year

Percent above national average: 8%

Salary range: $70,000–$235,000 per year

2. Massachusetts

Average salary: $141,524 per year

Percent above national average: 9%

Salary range: $52,000–$273,000 per year

3. Vermont

Average salary: $2,800 per week

Percent above national average: 19%

Salary range: $1,400–$4,200 per week

4. Washington State

Average salary: $2,800 per week

Percent above national average: 19%

Salary range: $1,400–$4,200 per week

5. Arkansas

Average salary: $2,800 per week

Salary range: $1,400–$4,200 per week

Salary Range: $1,400–$4,200 per week

6. Missouri

Average salary: $2,800 per week

Percent above national average: 19%

Salary range: $1,400–4,200 per week

7. Nebraska

Average salary: $2,800 per week

Percent above national average: 19%

Salary range: $1,40– $4,200 per week

8. Arizona

Average salary: $148,242 per year

Percent above national average: 14%

Salary range: $74,000–$224,000 per year

9. California

Average salary: $148,446 per year

Percent above national average: 14%

Salary range: $73,000– $249,000 per year

10. Mississippi

Average salary: $150,110 per year

Percent above national average: 15%

Salary Range: $55,000–$290,000 per year

11. Nevada

Average salary: $154,616 per year

Percent above national average: 19%

Salary range: $78,000–$237,000 per year

12. North Dakota

Average salary: $175,936 per year

Percent above national average: 35%

Salary range: $59,000–$353,000 per year

FAQs about the role of a psychiatric nurse practitioner

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the role of a psychiatric nurse practitioner:

• How long does it take to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

• What is the hourly wage of a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

• What factors affect the salary of a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

• What is the job outlook for psychiatric nurse practitioners?

• What type of shifts do psychiatric nurse practitioners work?

How long does it take to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

It usually takes a minimum of seven years to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. However, it may take some students longer to become psychiatric nurse practitioners depending on their course load and the path they take toward earning the necessary credentials. To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you will first need to complete a four-year bachelor's degree. Many individuals pursuing a career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner begin by receiving their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

You will then need to complete the requirements to become a registered nurse (RN) and enroll in a two-year master's degree psychiatric nurse practitioner program. Many students take time between their bachelor's degree and master's degree to gain experience as a nurse, although this is usually not required. Finally, you will need to complete clinical hours and pass the licensing exam, which can take an additional year or more.

What is the hourly wage of a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

Based on the national average salary of a psychiatric nurse practitioner of $124,883 per year, the average hourly wage of a psychiatric nurse practitioner working full-time is $60.04 with a range between $25.96 per hour and $107.69 per hour.

What factors affect the salary of a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

In addition to geographic location, the salary of a psychiatric nurse practitioner may vary based on several other factors such as the type of practice, the requirements of their role and level of experience.

What is the job outlook for a psychiatric nurse practitioner?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nurse practitioners will have a job outlook of a 26% growth rate between the years of 2018 and 2028. This projected growth rate is much faster than the national average projected job growth rate for all occupations of 5%. This means psychiatric nurse practitioners should experience strong job stability and have several career opportunities available to them during this time.

What types of shifts do psychiatric nurse practitioners work?

Psychiatric nurse practitioners typically work full-time, 40-hour per week schedule. The shift of a psychiatric nurse practitioner is usually between eight and twelve hours per day and may vary based on the needs of their patients. The needs of a psychiatric nurse practitioner's patients may require them to work evenings, weekends and overtime.