Knowing the earning potential of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners is vital for both existing professionals and those aspiring to enter this specialized healthcare field. Salaries can differ widely depending on location, influenced by factors like the healthcare system, demand, and cost of living.
In this blog, I will delve into a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salary across the U.S., spotlighting the states with the highest pay, those offering competitive starting salaries, and the factors driving these differences.
Whether you’re making plans for your career path or thinking about relocating, this article offers valuable insights into where psychiatric NPs can best enhance their earning potential.
What Are The Responsibilities of a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) are highly trained nurses who focus on mental health care. In this role, you will assess patients and diagnose and treat substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders across different groups of people.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are trained to handle numerous conditions and disorders listed in the DSM-5, such as personality disorders, generalized anxiety, depression, and ADHD. PMHNPs work in various environments, which can vary based on their experience and area of expertise. PMHNPs mainly work in:
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Hospitals
- Primary care clinics
- Correctional institutions
- Mental health programs for veterans
- Public health positions
- Inpatient psychiatric centers
- Private practices
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners states that PMHNPs typically see about 15 patients daily. Throughout your workday, you might be tasked with:
- Guiding patients through assessments and evaluations
- Explaining diagnoses to patients
- Prescribing medications when necessary
- Developing a treatment plan based on your observations
- Working together with other doctors and mental health professionals
You might be curious about what life is like as a PMHNP. The experience can vary depending on where you live. Your state’s nursing board sets the boundaries of your practice. In 28 states and Washington, D.C., PMHNPs can work independently, while in others, they must operate under a doctor’s supervision.
No matter where you work, being a PMHNP comes with its own set of challenges. You might encounter patients who are difficult to engage or feel emotionally burdened by your workload.
What Is The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary?
If you’re thinking about returning to school to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, you’ll be pleased to learn that the earning potential is significantly higher than that of a nurse who holds a BSN degree. As of May 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse practitioners earn a median salary of $129,480 annually.
The BLS doesn’t specify salaries for different types of nurse practitioners. However, Indeed estimates that the average salary for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is $158,078 per year as of March 3, 2025. The average salary for a psychiatric nurse practitioner can vary depending on the source.
For instance, ZipRecruiter states that as of March 2025, the average yearly salary for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is $141,112. It’s crucial to remember that these numbers are just averages. Actual salaries can differ based on various factors like your years of experience, level of education, and the organization you work for.
Which States Provide The Most Attractive Starting Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary?
The psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner starting salary in the U.S. can differ widely due to factors like demand, location, and living expenses. Although detailed starting salary data by state is scarce, average salary figures can hint at where starting pay might be higher.
The highest average psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salary by state is given below:
| State | Average Salary Per Year |
| California | $161,540 |
| Nevada | $148,670 |
| Washington | $145,400 |
| New Jersey | $145,030 |
| Oregon | $144,950 |
These numbers reflect average salaries and imply that entry-level roles in these states might also come with attractive pay. However, it’s crucial to remember that higher salaries in these areas often align with higher living expenses.
According to data from Rockhurst University, states such as Massachusetts ($138,700), New York ($145,590), and New Jersey ($143,250) boast high average salaries for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, which could indicate promising entry-level wages as well.
Although these averages offer a broad picture, actual starting salaries can differ based on various factors like the specific employer, whether the job is in an urban or rural area, and the individual’s qualifications.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary Based on Experience
As Psychiatric nurse practitioners gain more experience, their annual salaries tend to rise. According to Payscale.com, here is what individuals are earning at various experience levels in 2025:
- Those with less than a year of experience earn, on average, around $111,976
- With 1-4 years under their belt, the average salary rises to $121,430
- For those with 5-9 years of experience, the average pay is about $126,242
- Professionals with 10-19 years of experience earn an average salary of $129,307
- People with over 20 years of experience earn, on average, approximately $131,954
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Salary: What Elements Affect It?
Nurse Practitioners show a broad range of incomes. 56% make from $100,000-$150,000 per year, while 23% earn more than $150,000. Among those earning higher salaries, 61% have a Master’s degree as their highest level of education. In addition, 36% of nurse practitioners have an additional source of income.
Various factors impact the salary of a psychiatric nurse practitioner, such as the type of workplace, education, geographic location, and experience. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Education
- Some employers consider your education’s quality. The top nurse practitioner degree programs and BSC in Nursing degrees come from well-regarded and accredited nursing schools and colleges.
- Holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice can lead to higher salaries compared to having a Master of Science in Nursing.
- Certifications such as the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified can boost your earning potential.
Experience Level
- New nurse practitioners who have just finished a one-year NP degree usually start at the lower end of the salary spectrum.
- With 5–10 years of experience, salaries see a notable increase.
- Seasoned psychiatric NPs or individuals in leadership positions can earn even higher pay.
Employer’s Type
- The private sector generally offers the highest salaries, particularly in specialized mental health centers.
- Non-profit organizations often offer lower salaries, although they may include perks such as loan forgiveness.
- Government organizations might provide benefits and stable salaries, but they usually pay less compared to private employers.
Living Expenses
- In states such as New York and California, high salaries are often balanced out by the higher cost of living. Psychiatric NPs in states with lower expenses of living might enjoy more disposable income, even if their salaries are a bit lower.
Geographic Location
- States such as Washington, California, and New York provide higher salaries because of the increased demand for mental health services and the elevated expenses of living.
- Urban areas typically offer higher pay because of greater demand and living expenses, whereas rural areas might provide incentives such as loan forgiveness, though salaries may be somewhat lower.
Demand for Mental Health Services
- Regions with a shortage of mental health professionals often provide higher salaries to draw in skilled individuals.
- Specializing in treating specific groups, like children and veterans, can also result in increased pay.
Workplace Setting
- Psychiatric NPs in private practice generally earn more because they can set their own rates.
- While government salaries are competitive, they are usually lower than those in private practice.
- The increasing demand for remote mental health services can also provide attractive pay.
Extra Skills
- In states where psychiatric NPs have full practice authority, salaries tend to be higher.
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners who hold additional licenses as counselors or therapists might often make higher earnings.
The Bottom Line
The demand for mental health providers is on the rise across the United States. the National Institute for Mental Health shows that in 2022, 23.1% of U.S. adults were diagnosed with a mental illness, yet fewer than half obtained treatment. This gap continues to widen each year.
If you’re looking to grow your nursing career in mental health care, think about becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health NP. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioners offer essential mental health services to every patient, whether young or old.
Once you become a practitioner, you can assist patients dealing with substance abuse issues, mental illnesses, or disorders by evaluating, diagnosing, and developing treatment plans for them. I am hopeful that this article has helped you to know everything about a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner salary.