If you’ve ever wondered what it means to be an APRN, you’re in the right place! APRN stands for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and it’s a big deal in the nursing world. These are RNs who take things to the next level with advanced clinical training and education!
When thinking about becoming an APRN, chances are you’re not just thinking about passion—you’re also wondering what kind of lifestyle and job security this career can offer. The good news? APRNs are in demand, well-compensated, and have a lot of options when it comes to shaping their careers. As with any professional path, it’s important to look at the full picture before diving in.
Let’s break down what APRNs do, how much they earn, what influences their salary, and what you’ll expect to invest (both financially and time-wise) to get there.
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What is an APRN?
APRN is actually an umbrella term that includes a few different roles:
- Nurse practitioners (NPs)
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
- Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
- Nurse Midwives (CNMs)
Each role has its own focus, but all APRNs provide advanced care, often diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and managing client treatment outcomes.
Average Salary for APRNs
Money talk? Let’s get into it!
The national average salary for APRNs is around $125,000 per year, but this can vary A LOT depending on a few key factors.
Just to give you a reference, nurse practitioners make approximately $121,000/year, nurse anesthetists make approximately $200,000//year, nurse midwives make approximately $120,000 , and clinical nurse specialists make approximately $115,000/year.
What affects an APRN’s salary?
1. Years of experience
As with most jobs, the more experience you have, the more money you can make. Entry level APRNs might start closer to $90,000, while those with 10+ years of experience can earn well over $140,000 especially in high-demand jobs.
2. Workplace setting
Where you work matters—hospitals, private practices, outpatient care centers, and academic institutions all pay differently. For example, working in a private surgical clinic might bright in more money than a public health clinic, but the hours and stress levels may differ too. For example, hospitals can provide great benefits, strong salaries, and a high pace environment, outpatient care can provide good work-life balance and competitive pay, private practice can provide opportunities for high autonomy and potential for higher earnings, and academic environments may come with lower pay but more predictable hours and academic perks.
3. Specialization
This is a big one! Not all APRNs are paid the same because some specializations are in much higher demand or require more intense training. We’ll talk about top earners below – but just know CRNA’s salary is going to be very different from an NP working in general family practice.
4. Location
Geography plays an important role in salary. States with higher costs of living often pay more (hello, California and New york!), but rural or underserved areas might offer sign-on bonuses, loan repayment, or high base pay to attract providers.
Top paying states for APRN include California, New Jersey, Washington, New York, and Texas.
Also, metropolitan areas tend to pay more than rural ones – but don’t rule rural out! Some offer amazing incentives and benefits for APRNs willing to relocate.
What are the highest-paying APRN specializations?
Let’s break it down! These are the APRN roles that tend to bring home the biggest paycheck:
- Nurse anesthetists (CRNA): $195,000-220,000/year
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners: $130,000-$160,000/year
- Acute care nurse practitioners: $120,000-$150,000year
- Orthopedic Nurse practitioners: $120,000-$140,000/year
How much does it cost to become an APRN?
Lets talk about the investment side of things. Becoming an APRN isn’t free, but many nurses see it as being 100% worth it! A few approximate costs include:
- Master’s degree in nursing (MSN): $30,000-$60,000
- Doctor of nursing practice (DNP): $40,000-$80,000
- Certifications & Licensing: Depending on the specialty, this can cost a few hundred or thousand dollars.
You’ll also want to factor in time! Most APRNs spend about 2-3 years in school after becoming an RN.
So yes, it is a commitment! But the earning potential and career satisfaction make it a solid investment for many.
APRN Job Outlook: Bright & Getting Better!
Here’s good news: APRNs are in demand! The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for APRNs will grow by 38% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Why? We have an aging population, an increased need for preventive care, a growing emphasis on mental health, and a continued physician shortage. Translation: more jobs, more choices, and more opportunities to grow your career.
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about healthcare, want more responsibilities, and are excited by the idea of earning a strong salary while making a massive impact—then yes, becoming an APRN could be the perfect next step for you.
You’ll get to work autonomously, specialize in something you’re passionate about, earn a six-figure salary, and have job security in a growing field! The road takes effort (and tuition), but the rewards can be so worth the investment. 💙
Looking for more (free!) posts to help you become a real-deal RN? Check out these other blogs from Blueprint Nursing:
