How to Negotiate Your Nurse Practitioner Salary

Nurse practitioners love the work. They invest heavily in their degree to help them earn a place in the healthcare field that is beneficial to the organization they work for and the people they serve. But while their salary usually isn’t the reason they make the commitment to enter the field, money is always a motivator. Let’s take a look at how these professionals can take a stand and negotiate their nurse practitioner salary.

Paying NPs What They’re Worth

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) says there are over 248,000 people working in the profession in the United States. Another 26,000 are on their way; the NP Fact Sheet from the organization says new entrants into the field are coming. This is a good thing because there is a looming physician shortage in the United States. Over the past five years, nurse practitioners have increased their roles and responsibilities to help strengthen the field of caregiving. Depending upon the state, NPs have extensive caregiving abilities, including prescribing rights.

The AANP suggests these professionals have extensive training in order to provide care to patients:

  • 8% of all NPs have graduate degrees.
  • 6% are certified in primary care delivery.
  • 8% prescribe medications.

Nurse practitioner salaries have gone up with these responsibilities, but typically a salary negotiation process is needed to ensure you’re being paid what you’re worth. Healthcareers.com says the average salary of a nurse practitioner is around $100,549. But female NPs make less on average compared to their male counterparts. This is just one reason to consider a salary negotiation when the time is right.

However, studies show that women lag behind men in asking for a salary increase; one book suggested only 7 percent of women attempt to negotiate a raise. Yet more than 90 percent of all NPs are female. It’s clear that more nurse practitioners should consider asking for a raise, at least during their review process, and certainly during the job offer process.

To start the salary negotiation or raise process, first look at the entire salary package. Many organizations offer extensive continuing education stipends. Consider options if the employer cannot meet your salary expectations. For example, can they increase the continuing education stipend or offer additional flexible time off?

Next, research compensation for your area. There are a host of free tools, including Glassdoor, to help you get started.

Here’s one last thought. While the idea of asking for more money may make you extremely nervous, consider the studies show not negotiating could cost you upwards of $1 million over the course of your career. That should be a solid incentive to do your research and prepare to discuss salary with your employer or potential employer.

Find a Nurse Practitioner Job Today!

If you’re thinking about negotiating your nurse practitioner salary, consider reaching out to one of the professional talent managers at National Recruiters. We can share details of salary ranges in your region and discuss the job market so you’re better informed. We also have a variety of jobs for NPs. Contact our nurse practitioner recruiters today to find out how we can help you take the next step in your career.


National Recruiters

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