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The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the nurse practitioner field in the state of Hawaii and to grow 44.5% from 2022 to 2032 across the country as whole. This high growth rate is due to increased need for healthcare among aging Americans who are benefitting from advances in medical treatments and technology, better access to health insurance, a greater emphasis on preventative care, and a lack of new primary care physicians to replace ones who are retiring.
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners in Hawaii Earn?
The US mean annual wage for nurse practitioners is $128,490 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023). However, nurse practitioners in Hawaii earned an average of $132,610. Nurse practitioner is listed among the fastest growing jobs in the US, especially in rural areas where there is a severe shortage of doctors. This can only mean that wages will continue to rise.
Hawaii Nurse Practitioner Salaries – Visualized
Nurse Practitioners Salaries in urban areas of Hawaii
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 50 | $130,250 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 410 | $132,770 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Nurse Practitioners Salaries in rural areas of Hawaii
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area | 50 | $133,740 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
How to Increase Your Salary
Nurse practitioners in Hawaii make a higher salary than those in most states; however, Hawaii is expensive and you may be feeling the pinch. Here are four ways to increase your salary as a nurse practitioner:
- Apply for prescriptive authority
- Earn a sub-specialty
- Become a Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Consider freelancing on the side
Let’s look at these options one by one.
Apply for Prescriptive Authority
After being recognized as an APRN, you can apply for prescriptive authority. In addition to your master’s degree, you must have a specialty certification. At least 30 hours of coursework in advanced pharmacology, including advanced pharmacotherapeutics is also required. Your license must be renewed every two years, which requires a continuing education component.
Earn a Sub-Specialty
There are 12 possible sub-specialties accepted for nurse practitioners in Hawaii. Among them are adult, family, pediatric, neonatal, acute care, geriatric, and psychiatric. As of January 2022, the average salary for nurse practitioners with a specialty in Hawaii was $122,609. This will mean returning to school, but the bump in salary may make it worth the time.
Become a Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest degree in the nursing field. It prepares you for leadership positions in administration, research, clinical care delivery, and nursing education. DNP programs are available at University of Hawaii (Hilo and Manoa) as well as through other schools on the island that can be found here: Hawaii Nurse Practitioner Programs. DNPs make an average of 30% more than those with MSN degrees in Hawaii.
Consider Freelancing on the Side
If you’re a good writer, you can make up to $65 an hour or more as a medical writer or editor. Do you enjoy teaching? Become an online or in-person tutor. Medical transcriptionists and coders are also in high demand. With a background in healthcare, the possibilities are endless.