There are 2,986,500 actively practicing registered nurses, compared with 280,140 nurse practitioners and 145,740 physician assistants.
Here is a table providing insight on differences between registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the U.S.:
|
Figure |
Registered nurses |
Nurse practitioners |
Physician assistants |
|
Level of education required |
Bachelor’s |
Master’s |
Master’s |
|
Mean annual salary |
$80,010 |
$128,490 |
$130,490 |
|
Mean hourly wage |
$38.47 |
$61.78 |
$62.74 |
|
Median annual salary |
$75,330 |
$126,260 |
$130,020 |
|
Average annual salary among bottom 10% of earners |
$53,410 |
$94,530 |
$86,280 |
|
Average annual salary among top 10% of earners |
$116,230 |
$168,030 |
$170,790 |
|
Average annual salary in highest-paying state for profession |
$137,690 (California) |
$158,130 (California) |
$139,060 (Wyoming) |
|
Average annual salary in lowest-paying state for profession |
$69,030 (South Dakota) |
$103,720 (Tennessee) |
$96,210 (Alabama) |
