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How Much Do Nurse Practitioners in New Jersey Earn?
Nurse practitioners in New Jersey earn an annual mean wage of $145,030 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023). Considering that the national annual mean wage is $128,490, this is an excellent state to work as a nurse practitioner. In fact, it’s second only to California as the highest paying state in the country.
Still, no one can fault you for wanting to maximize your earning potential. Thus, check out some ways you can increase your nurse practitioner salary in New Jersey below.
New Jersey Nurse Practitioner Salaries – Visualized
Nurse Practitioners Salaries in urban areas of New Jersey
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 180 | $129,530 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 30 | $139,530 |
| Trenton, NJ | 290 | $139,680 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 80 | $130,400 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023 |
Increasing Nurse Practitioner Salary in New Jersey
Relocate to the State’s Highest Paying Metropolitan Area
If you want to explore higher-paying opportunities, look for jobs in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metropolitan area. Nurse practitioners here earn an annual mean wage 3% above the state average. If you find a job in the New Jersey portion of the metropolitan area, you will not need to transfer your license to another state, so you will not incur expenses beyond relocating.
Explore Other Ways to Make Money With Your License
You are not limited to patient care when making money with your nurse practitioner license. In fact, there are numerous other ways to increase your earnings while still holding down a full-time job.
For instance, many nurse practitioners make money through medical writing. Upwork, LinkedIn, and other sites post medical writing jobs that pay by the hour, word count, or project. While some projects will require research, you can also use your vast medical knowledge when crafting articles for your clients.
If you prefer steady work, teaching a class might be the option for you. You can look for in-person jobs at local colleges and universities or find a virtual teaching position.
Add Another Certification or Two
You likely stay busy with work and meeting the state’s continuing education requirements. However, if you have some extra time, consider adding additional specialties to your resume. Once you complete a post-master’s certificate program in a new specialty, you’ll become an even more valuable member of the team. For instance, if you currently work as a pediatric nurse practitioner, getting certified in pediatric acute care will give your employers more flexibility. That, in turn, can help you negotiate for a higher salary.
Take on Multiple Roles
You can also enhance your resume by taking on numerous roles when at work. For instance, you can handle some nurse administrator duties to grow your skill-set. Be sure to add all the roles you take to your resumes to give you more leverage when negotiating.
When you analyze the national estimates for nurse practitioners provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s clear that nurse practitioners in New Jersey have an advantage. However, that does not mean you cannot negotiate for a higher salary. Keep these tips in mind so you can take steps to increase your salary in New Jersey.