- All advanced practice nurses, including adult nurse practitioners, are registered nurses. The base level of education required for a nurse practitioner as of 2010 is a graduate-level degree, according to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has proposed requiring all advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners, to obtain a doctor of nursing practice degree (DNP) as of 2015.
- Registered nurses are the largest employment segment of the health care industry. The median annual income for all registered nurses in the United States ranged from less than $43,970 to more than $93,700 as of May 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average earnings of nurse practitioners are in the top 50 percent of all registered nurses.
- There are several factors that can affect the potential income of an adult nurse practitioner. Those who have more experience tend to earn a higher rate of pay, according to PayScale.com. Those just starting in practice may average between $61,462 and $79,727, while nurse practitioners with more than 10 years on the job may earn more than $94,000 per year. Geographical location also plays a role in determining salary levels. Those practicing in New York or California may expect to earn more than $90,000 per year while those practicing in North Carolina may earn less than $80,000 annually.
- CNN Money lists nurse practitioner at No. 4 on its 2009 Top 50 List of the Best Jobs in America. The publication lists the median annual income for an experienced nurse practitioner at $85,200 with a top pay rate of $113,000. Employment opportunities for nurse practitioners are expected to grow by 23 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the BLS.
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