Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | Salary 2025

In this guide, we’ll explain how to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, what they do, the average psychiatric nurse practitioner's salary, and more. 

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What is a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), also known as psychiatric nurse practitioners, are nurse practitioners who specialize in mental health treatment. They help patients suffering from mental illnesses, disorders, or substance abuse problems by assessing, diagnosing, and providing treatment plans to them. 

PMHNP Duties

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Illnesses and Disorders that Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Treat

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How to Become a Psychiatric Mental-Health Nurse Practitioner 

1. Become an RN

   You’ll need to earn either an ADN or a BSN from an accredited nursing program in order to take the first steps to becoming a registered nurse. ADN-prepared nurses will need to take the additional step of either completing their BSN degree or entering into an accelerated RN to MSN program, which will let them earn their BSN and MSN at the same time.

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN

   Become a Registered Nurse by passing the NCLEX examination.

3. Gain Experience

   Most PMHNP programs will require a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience.

4. Attend a PMHNP Program

   Enter into an MSN/NP program that offers a path to becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. You can select from several in-person or online PMHNP programs nationwide to suit your specific needs.

   If you already have a nurse practitioner degree, you can attend a PMHNP certificate program instead. These programs allow NPs to further specialize in mental health. Check out our guide to learn more about the shortest online PMHNP certificate programs.

5. Become Certified

   The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC).

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary

Nurse practitioners in the US earn a median salary of $129,210 per year, per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)in May 2024. However, the BLS does not differentiate between nurse practitioner specialties.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners are among the highest-paid NP specialties. Indeed reports that the average PMHNP salary is $156,974 as of May 2025.

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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary by Years of Experience

Psychiatric NPs can earn a higher annual salary with increased years of experience:

1. Less than 1 years of experience earn an average salary of $116,084
2. 1-4 years of experience earn an average salary of $123,167
3. 5-9 years of experience earns an average salary of $127,633
4. 10-19 years of experience earns an average salary of $130,637
5. 20+ years of experience earns an average salary of $136,502

Source: PayScale (May 2025)

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Highest Paying Cities for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

In 2025, the highest-paying cities for Psychiatric NPs, according to Indeed, are:

1. Brooklyn, NY: $227,630 per year
2. Chehalis, WA: $227,012 per year
3. North Little Rock, AR: $201,747 per year
4. Baltimore, MD: $195,107 per year 
5. Portland, OR: $189,822 per year 

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PMHNP Continuing Education Requirements

PMHNP CEU hours will vary based on the state of licensure. For each state an individual is licensed, CEU hours will be required. Generally, NPs are required a minimum of 75 contact hours of continuing education in the specialty area (psychiatric nursing).

Additionally, even though they are functioning in an APRN role, they must maintain their RN certification.  In order for an individual to renew their RN license, they will need to fill out an application, complete a specific number of CEU hours, and pay a nominal fee. Each state has specific requirements, and it is important to check with the board of nursing prior to applying for license renewal.

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More PMHNP Resources

1. Top Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
2. How to Become a Psychiatric Nurse
3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary Guide
4. 10 Cheapest Online PMHNP Certificate Programs
5. Top One-Year Online PMHNP Programs

FAQs

• How long does it take to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

  • From the start of undergraduate education to the completion of an Advanced Practice NP degree, an individual can expect it to take a minimum of 10 years.  

• What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner?

  • A psychiatric nurse practitioner vs psychiatrist comparison reveals major differences in education, training, and title. Psychiatrists are physicians who attended medical school and a psychiatry fellowship. PMHNPs are APRNs who completed a graduate nursing program. 

PMHNP