What are the Best States for NPs & Other APRNs (2025-26)?
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Nurse practitioners belong to the third-fastest-growing occupation in the nation between 2023 and 2033. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2025), the NP workforce is projected to grow by 46 percent between 2023 and 2033, adding over 100 thousand jobs. NPs will also earn an average wage of $132,000 per year (BLS May 2024), which is approximately double the national average.
But national statistics can be misleading, especially in a data set that extends across a country with the size and population of the US. NPs and APRNs in Tennessee, for example, will earn 37 percent less, on average, than their counterparts in California, and 14 percent less than their counterparts in Wyoming.
But what good is a high salary if you can’t find a job? Tennessee is projected to grow its NP workforce by 57.9 percent between 2022 and 2032 (Projections Central 2025), and Wyoming by 47.9 percent, which seems a negligible difference, until you consider that Wyoming only averages 50 job openings for NPs each year, while Tennessee offers an average of 1,570.
Methodology: The Best States for NPs and APRNs
If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. We’ve crunched the numbers for you. In ranking the best states for NPs and other APRNs, we utilized the following sources—the latest information available as of August 2025:
- Job Growth Data: Long-Term Occupational Projections (2022-2032) from Projection Central that accounts for states’ projected workforce percentage increase and annual average job openings
- Salary Data: State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (May 2024) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that cover average annual wages
- Regulatory Data: Classification as restricted practice, reduced practice, and full practice authority as defined by either the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or localized NP associations
From the aggregated data, we ranked each geographic area from best to worst (1-50), then weighted those rankings as follows:
- 25 percent (projected job growth by percentage)
- 25 percent (average annual job openings)
- 50 percent (projected annual salary)
We distributed our weight between job growth by percentage and job growth by annual job openings in order to better capture the actual availability of opportunities for new NPs, without completely discounting low-population states.
Each state’s final score, with the lowest being best, determined its overall ranking. (Note that the District of Columbia has been included in the list below).
While not included as a major weight within the rankings, a state’s regulatory status regarding the NP and APRN practice environment remains an important factor to consider. Restricted and reduced practice states with collaborative agreements may present local NPs and APRNs with financial burdens that cut into their annual salary.
We’ve used regulatory status as a tiebreaking metric and included information on each state’s practice environment in our master database below.
Ultimately, the regulatory landscape is constantly shifting, with nearly every restricted and reduced practice state introducing a new full practice authority bill each year. NPs and APRNs are advised to stay updated with AANP and local state NP associations for the latest regulatory news, and factor that into their final calculations.
“Best” will always be a somewhat subjective term. But below you’ll find the most pertinent data points for NPs and APRNs in each state, so you can make your own determinations.
Top Ten States for NPs & Other APRNs in 2025-2026
Based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Projections Central, here are the top 10 states for nurse practitioners in 2025. Whether it’s a student preparing to enter the profession or a seasoned NP aiming for better compensation, these states offer the best mix of job growth, professional autonomy, and pay.
#1: California
- Average Salary: $173,190 (Highest in the U.S.)
- Projected Job Growth: 58.6 percent
- Average Annual Job Openings: 2,500 (Highest in the U.S.)
- Regulatory Status: Restricted
Despite a restricted practice environment, California continues to top the chart for NPs. It’s the highest-paying state on the list, with NPs earning over 60 percent more than the lowest-paying state. The state’s exceptional salary, combined with explosive job growth and a massive volume of openings, makes it the most lucrative state overall.
California is the nation’s best when it comes to annual job openings for NPs and APRNs, with an estimated 2,500 positions available every year. It’s also one of the high-paying environments. NPs in California earned an average of $173,190 per year (highest in the nation).
#2: Texas
- Average Salary: $130,930
- Projected Job Growth: 60 percent
- Average Annual Job Openings: 2,240
- Regulatory Status: Restricted
Texas takes second place due to its explosive job market, boasting the second-highest number of annual openings and a strong projected job growth. While the practice environment remains restricted, the state’s lower cost of living means that an NP’s salary goes further here than in coastal states. The rapid population growth in Texas ensures long-term demand for NPs, particularly in urban centers like Houston and Dallas.
Texas is projected to grow its NP workforce by 60 percent and is home to an estimated 2,240 annual job openings for NPs. NPs in Texas earned an average of $130,930 per year.
#3: Florida
- Average Salary: $128,340
- Projected Job Growth: 58.5 percent
- Average Annual Job Openings: 2,190
- Regulatory Status: Restricted
With strong demand for nurse practitioners and consistent salary growth, Florida ranks in the top three. Despite regulatory limitations, Florida’s fast-growing healthcare sector and aging population make it a high-opportunity state for NPs.
Florida is projected to grow their ARNP workforce by 58.5 percent, and boast an average of 2,190 ARNP job openings per year. NPs in Florida earned an average of $128,340 per year.
#4: Arizona
- Average Salary: $132,920
- Projected Job Growth: 71.1 percent (Highest in the U.S.)
- Average Annual Job Openings: 860
- Regulatory Status: Full
Arizona is growing its NP workforce faster than any other state, with a 71.1 percent projected growth rate. The state has an average of 860 new NP annual job openings, and the pay is good, too: the average NP in Arizona earns $132,920 per year. Full practice authority adds to Arizona’s bright outlook for NPs, as does its average of 300 days of sun per year.
#5: New York
- Average Salary: $148,410
- Projected Job Growth: 26.3 percent
- Average Annual Job Openings: 440
- Regulatory Status: Full
New York stands out with the second-highest nurse practitioner salary in the nation at $148,410, plus the advantage of full practice rights. While job growth isn’t as fast as in some states, New York’s huge healthcare network, from big city hospitals in NYC to regional medical centers across the state, means NPs will always find good opportunities.
#6: Washington
- Average Salary: $143,620
- Projected Job Growth: 45.1 percent
- Average Annual Job Openings: 600
- Regulatory Status: Full
Washington ARNPs are among the top 10 highest paid in the US, earning an average of $143,620 per year. They’re also projected to grow their ARNP workforce by 45.1 percent and boast an average of 600 ARNP job openings per year.
And that Pacific Northwest air tastes even better for the state’s ARNPs, who can breathe a little easier knowing they have full practice authority. State organizations like the ARNPs United of Washington State (AUWS) aren’t finished advocating for the profession, though they’re pushing further, lobbying for equal reimbursement and insurance expansion.
#7: Massachusetts
- Average Salary: $145,140
- Projected Job Growth: 46.9 percent
- Average Annual Job Openings: 280
- Regulatory Status: Full
Massachusetts is the fourth highest paying state for NPs, with an average annual salary of $145,140. The Massachusetts NP workforce is projected to grow by 46.9 percent, amounting to an average of 280 annual job openings. For one of the oldest states in the union, it’s remarkably progressive, and Massachusetts NPs enjoy full practice authority.
Other states look to Massachusetts to lead the way on health reform, and it continues to do so: the state’s NPs have full practice authority and advocate for mental healthcare access.
#8: Oregon
- Average Salary: $148,030
- Projected Job Growth: 52.7 percent
- Annual Openings: 240
- Regulatory Status: Full
Oregon ticks all the boxes for NPs. It’s set to grow its NP workforce by 52.7 percent and is home to an average of 240 annual NP job openings. NPs in Oregon have the 3rd highest salaries in the nation at $148,030 per year. Furthermore, the state has a history of progressive health-related regulation: it has compassionate end-of-life policies, it was the first state to decriminalize marijuana, and it extends full practice authority to its NPs.
#9: Georgia
- Average Salary: $125,490
- Projected Job Growth: 58.2 percent
- Average Annual Job Openings: 910
- Regulatory Status: Restricted
Georgia makes the top 10 due to strong job growth and decent annual openings. The salary is competitive for the Southeast, and Atlanta’s expanding healthcare market drives demand. Georgia is a compelling option for NPs willing to work within collaborative agreements, as it offers a restricted practice environment.
With 910 annual openings and 58.2 percent growth, it’s a stable option for NPs. Nurse practitioners in Georgia earned an average of $125,490 per year.
#10: North Carolina
- Average Salary: $124,830
- Projected Job Growth: 55.5 percent
- Average Annual Job Openings: 920
- Regulatory Status: Restricted
Rounding out the top ten, North Carolina offers a strong mix of high job growth and above-average salary. Though openings are modest, the state’s quality of life and low cost of living make it attractive, especially in research hubs like the Raleigh-Durham area.
North Carolina is projected to grow its NP workforce by 55.5 percent and offers an average of 920 NP job openings every year. North Carolina also offers its NPs an above-average salary of $124,830 per year.
Data Set: Best States for NPs & Other APRNs (2025-2026)
| State | Average Annual Salary | Job Growth Projection (Total) | Job Growth Projection (Percent) | Average Annual Job Openings | Regulatory Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $109,650 | 2,270 | 50 | 480 | Reduced |
| Alaska | $142,340 | 50 | 10 | 30 | Full |
| Arizona | $132,920 | 4,650 | 71.1 | 860 | Full |
| Arkansas | $116,030 | 1,840 | 61.3 | 360 | Reduced |
| California | $173,190 | 12,600 | 58.6 | 2,500 | Restricted |
| Colorado | $127,610 | 2,080 | 56.2 | 420 | Full |
| Connecticut | $141,140 | 1,410 | 44.8 | 310 | Full |
| Delaware | $130,190 | 550 | 55 | 110 | Full |
| District of Columbia | $137,600 | 250 | 41.7 | 60 | Full |
| Florida | $128,340 | 11,070 | 58.5 | 2,190 | Restricted |
| Georgia | $125,490 | 4,600 | 58.2 | 910 | Restricted |
| Hawaii | $135,020 | 250 | 48.9 | 50 | Full |
| Idaho | $131,380 | 540 | 60 | 110 | Full |
| Illinois | $128,880 | 3,690 | 41.1 | 850 | Reduced |
| Indiana | $126,520 | 3,000 | 45.8 | 660 | Reduced |
| Iowa | $133,020 | 1,270 | 52.9 | 260 | Full |
| Kansas | $127,900 | 1,390 | 42.9 | 310 | Full |
| Kentucky | $116,930 | 2,140 | 45.2 | 470 | Reduced |
| Louisiana | $124,850 | 1,950 | 43.6 | 440 | Reduced |
| Maine | $127,750 | 470 | 35.3 | 120 | Full |
| Maryland | $127,100 | 2,210 | 42.2 | 500 | Full |
| Massachusetts | $145,140 | 1,280 | 46.9 | 280 | Full |
| Michigan | $127,200 | 3,040 | 41.2 | 700 | Restricted |
| Minnesota | $128,120 | 2,440 | 43.8 | 550 | Full |
| Mississippi | $122,930 | 1,750 | 42.6 | 400 | Reduced |
| Missouri | $124,600 | 3,150 | 41.9 | 720 | Restricted |
| Montana | $131,560 | 550 | 55.2 | 110 | Full |
| Nebraska | $127,950 | 640 | 35.8 | 160 | Full |
| Nevada | Estimate not released | 940 | 51.1 | 200 | Full |
| New Hampshire | $133,660 | 770 | 50.7 | 160 | Full |
| New Jersey | $140,470 | 3,440 | 50.7 | 720 | Reduced |
| New Mexico | $136,620 | 1,030 | 64.8 | 200 | Full |
| New York | $148,410 | 4,370 | 26.3 | 440 | Full |
| North Carolina | $124,830 | 4,550 | 55.5 | 920 | Restricted |
| North Dakota | $121,200 | 280 | 48.3 | 60 | Full |
| Ohio | $121,250 | 4,690 | 42.6 | 1,060 | Reduced |
| Oklahoma | $127,120 | 1,170 | 38.6 | 280 | Restricted |
| Oregon | $148,030 | 1,180 | 52.7 | 240 | Full |
| Pennsylvania | $126,730 | 3,420 | 42.7 | 770 | Reduced |
| Rhode Island | $139,600 | 650 | 45.1 | 140 | Full |
| South Carolina | $113,950 | 2,500 | 60.7 | 490 | Restricted |
| South Dakota | $122,300 | 460 | 56.1 | 90 | Full |
| Tennessee | $108,180 | 7,880 | 57.9 | 1,570 | Restricted |
| Texas | $130,930 | 11,430 | 60 | 2,240 | Restricted |
| Utah | $131,680 | 2,220 | 60.3 | 430 | Full |
| Vermont | $130,580 | 290 | 35.8 | 70 | Full |
| Virginia | $122,180 | 3,990 | 55.6 | 800 | Restricted |
| Washington | $143,620 | 1,870 | 45.1 | 600 | Full |
| West Virginia | $122,140 | 890 | 52.3 | 180 | Reduced |
| Wisconsin | $130,490 | 2,530 | 51.1 | 530 | Reduced |
| Wyoming | $126,060 | 230 | 47.9 | 50 | Full |
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California, and he believes nurse practitioners (NP) are an indispensable component of America’s current and future healthcare workforce. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the work and advocacy of NPs, with a particular focus on the rapid growth of specialization programs, residencies, fellowships, and professional organizations. As part of an ongoing series on state practice authority, he’s worked with NP leaders, educators, and advocates from across the country to elevate policy discussions that empower NPs. His articles have featured interviews with the leadership of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP), and many other professional nursing associations.