11 Highest Paid Nurse Practitioner (NP) Specialties

Considering becoming a nurse practitioner? You're probably wondering what the highest-paid nurse practitioner specialty is. Read on to learn about all the highest-paying nurse practitioner jobs and how much you can earn in each.

Highest Paid Nurse Practitioner Specialities

The median annual income for all nurse practitioners is $126,260 per year, per the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS).

However, there are a lot of different nurse practitioner specialties to choose from that will impact your salary potential. Let's take a look at some of the most popular ones and their earning potential, according to a 2024 survey conducted by consulting firm SullivanCotter.

1. Anesthesiology – pain medicine — $152,697
2. Radiology – diagnostic — $149,981
3. Psychiatry – outpatient — $148,650
4. Emergency medicine — $148,506
5. Pediatrics – neonatal-perinatal medicine — $147,680
6. Orthopedic surgery – medical — $146,571
7. General surgery — $143,478
8. Oncology – hematology and oncology — $142,720
9. Cardiovascular surgery — $142,456
10. Pediatrics – hospitalist — $142,155
11. Family medicine - $140,837

1. Anesthesiology/Pain Medicine Nurse Practitioner - $152,697

Anesthesiology with a focus on pain medicine management NPs offer pain consultations and services to patients who experience chronic pain and/or active pain. NPs might administer specific medications or develop surgical treatment plans depending on the severity and location of the illness. 

2. Radiology/Diagnostic Health Nurse Practitioner - $149,981

A radiology NP specializes in the interpretation of medical imaging studies and the management of patients with radiological conditions. Radiology NPs interpret imaging studies, collaborate with radiologists and other healthcare professionals, order additional tests, and provide patient education on imaging procedures and results.

3. Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - $148,650

Psychiatric nurse practitioners focus on mental illnesses in the same way psychiatrists do. They treat patients, prescribe medication, and/or counsel those who suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and other disorders.

4. Emergency Nurse Practitioner - $148,506

Emergency nurse practitioners assess, diagnose, and manage injuries and illnesses that need urgent care. They are highly dedicated professionals whose work and quick responses save lives every day.

5. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - $147,680

Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) care for premature and sick newborns, including diagnosing them, providing treatment plans, and prescribing medication. They also can assist in delivering patients in certain settings.

Most commonly NNPs work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, but they can work in a variety of healthcare settings. The technical skills required to be an NNP make it one of the highest-paid nurse practitioner specialties.

6. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner - $146,571

Orthopedic nurse practitioners focus on caring for and treating patients suffering from musculoskeletal problems. These problems can include disease and/or injuries of the bones, muscles, joints, and supporting connective tissue.

7. General Surgery Nurse Practitioner - $143,478

A general surgery NP is an advanced practice provider that works with patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. This may be done in a hospital setting and/or an outpatient office. General surgery NPs may also assist surgeons in the operating room, depending on skill level.

8. Oncology Nurse Practitioner - $142,720

Oncology nurse practitioners work with patients undergoing cancer treatment. They collaborate with other healthcare providers, including physicians, to develop treatment plans for cancer patients.

9. Cardiovascular Surgery Nurse Practitioner — $142,456

A cardiovascular surgery NP provides care to patients suffering from heart diseases as well as blood vessel diseases. A CV NP can help treat patients through medication management or surgical intervention. 

10. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - $140,950

Pediatric nurse practitioners focus on the primary health care of young patients to help them achieve healthy physical and emotional development. PNPs offer a range of care from check-ups and immunizations to diagnosing illnesses and treating chronic and acute conditions.

Aspiring PNPs can select from in-person and online pediatric nurse practitioner programs. Graduating from a PNP course takes 2-4 years, culminating in a master's or doctoral degree.

11. Family Nurse Practitioner - $140,837

Family nurse practitioners work in a similar way to family doctors, which is one reason they're among the highest-paid nurse practitioner specialties. They most often work in hospitals, medical offices, or clinics, but some have their own practices.

FNPs provide family-focused medical care to individuals and groups throughout the lifespan. The most common FNP duties include diagnosing and treating patients, providing wellness check-ups, and prescribing medication.