NP, DNP, and Ph.D. in Nursing: How High-Level Nursing Salaries Compare to MD Salaries [Updated 2025]
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In the dynamic healthcare landscape of 2025, understanding the financial prospects of advanced nursing and medical roles is essential for professionals and students. This article provides an updated comparison of salaries for Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNPs), Doctors of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.), and Medical Doctors (MDs), highlighting specialty areas within NPs and regional salary variations for DNPs, Ph.D.s, and MDs.
Learn more about the differences between NPs, MDs, and more
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salaries
Let's first look at the Nurse Practitioner (NP) salary ranges. Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialty care across various settings. As of 2025, NPs earn an average annual salary of $128,490. However, salaries can vary significantly based on specialization, experience, and geographic location.
Highest-Paying NP Specialties
Specialization plays a crucial role in determining an NP’s earning potential. Below are some of the highest-paying NP specialties:
| Specialty | Average Annual Salary |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $141,552 |
| Emergency Nurse Practitioner | $136,734 |
| Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | $131,703 |
| Family Nurse Practitioner | $127,170 |
| Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $125,048 |
| Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $116,660 |
| Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $109,512 |
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and employer.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Salaries
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree represents the pinnacle of clinical nursing education, focusing on advanced practice and leadership. DNP-prepared nurses typically earn higher salaries than their master’s-prepared counterparts. The average annual salary for DNP-educated nurses is approximately $117,859. However, this figure can vary significantly by state. Below is a breakdown of average DNP salaries by state:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| California | $158,130 |
| New Jersey | $137,010 |
| Washington | $130,840 |
| New York | $129,970 |
| Massachusetts | $129,540 |
| Nevada | $127,400 |
| Minnesota | $127,010 |
| Wyoming | $125,130 |
| Hawaii | $124,000 |
| Oregon | $123,250 |
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and employer.
RELATED: Search for Nursing Degree Programs by City or State.
Ph.D. in Nursing Salaries
A Ph.D. in Nursing is geared toward those interested in research and academic roles. Salaries for Ph.D.-prepared nurses vary based on their specific roles and settings. The average annual salary for Ph.D. in Nursing graduates is approximately $99,000. However, this figure can vary significantly by state. Below is a breakdown of average Ph.D. in Nursing salaries by state:
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| California | $126,200 |
| New Jersey | $113,160 |
| Washington | $109,350 |
| Massachusetts | $108,980 |
| Minnesota | $102,800 |
| New Mexico | $101,200 |
| Arizona | $101,570 |
| Texas | $100,890 |
| Illinois | $96,880 |
| Florida | $87,370 |
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and employer.
Medical Doctor (MD) Salaries
Medical Doctors (MDs) undergo extensive education and training, leading to a broad range of specialties with varying compensation. As of 2025, the average annual salary for MDs is approximately $313,000. However, this figure can vary widely by specialty and geographic location. Below is a breakdown of average MD salaries in select cities:
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| San Jose, CA | $474,977 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $448,121 |
| St. Louis, MO | $442,576 |
| Sacramento, CA | $440,004 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $438,756 |
| San Francisco, CA | $437,628 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $436,837 |
| San Diego, CA | $430,187 |
| Charlotte, NC | $429,566 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $426,727 |
| Richmond, VA | $420,640 |
| Seattle, WA | $415,000 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $425,096 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $408,199 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $408,044 |
| Atlanta, GA | $407,863 |
| San Antonio, TX | $371,073 |
| Denver, CO | $371,215 |
| Washington, DC | $371,495 |
| Boston, MA | $378,273 |
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specialty, experience, and employer.
Salary Comparison Table for 2025
| Role | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $126,260 | $60.70 |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | $133,600 | $64.23 |
| Ph.D. in Nursing | Up to $125,930 | N/A |
| Medical Doctor (MD) | $313,000 | N/A |
Note: Hourly wages for Ph.D. in Nursing and MD roles are not typically calculated due to the nature of their positions.
Factors Influencing Salaries
Several factors contribute to the salary variations among these roles:
Work Setting: Professionals in private practices or specialized clinics may earn more than those in academic or public health settings.
Specialization: Certain specialties command higher salaries due to the complexity and demand for specific skills.
Geographic Location: Salaries can vary significantly based on the cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals in different regions.
Experience and Education: Advanced degrees and years of experience often lead to higher compensation.
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Upon completing an ADN from Pacific Union College, Catherine worked in various bedside roles until her career evolved into nursing leadership for a large HMO in Northern California. She then completed a BSN at the University of Phoenix and a Masters in Organizational Leadership at Colorado State University.
In addition to her freelance writing, Catherine is the founder and CEO of Burger Legal Nurse Consulting, is an advanced board-certified nurse executive, and is the CNO & Media Response Specialist for RegisteredNursing.org.
Situated in the beautiful Idaho mountains, Catherine loves traveling and spending time with her husband and their five children.