There are 3,072,700 actively practicing registered nurses, compared to 258,230 nurse practitioners and 140,910 physician assistants.
Here is a table providing insight on compensation differences between registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the U.S.:
|
Figure |
Registered nurses |
Nurse practitioners |
Physician assistants |
|
Mean annual salary |
$89,010 |
$124,680 |
$125,270 |
|
Mean hourly wage |
$42.80 |
$59.94 |
$60.23 |
|
Median annual salary |
$81,220 |
$121,610 |
$126,010 |
|
Avg. annual salary among bottom 10% of earners |
$61,250 |
$87,340 |
$83,820 |
|
Avg. annual salary among top 10% of earners |
$129,400 |
$165,240 |
$168,120 |
|
Avg. annual salary in highest-paying state for profession |
$133,340 (California) |
$158,130 (California) |
$145,390 (Washington) |
|
Avg. annual salary in lowest-paying state for profession |
$64,500 (South Dakota) |
$99,330 (Tennessee) |
$68,270 (Arkansas) |
