The 2024 Advanced Practitioner Job Market

What you need to know about nurse practitioner + physician assistant salaries.

Part of a successful advanced practitioner career plan is the specialty pay rate, experience, and region. Demand for advanced practitioners is growing, and we are seeing a rise in organizations competing to attract talent. Healthcare facilities are implementing innovative strategies that aim to better support their staff. The introduction of technology, wellness programs, and opportunities for growth help to make a positive difference in the healthcare field.

Jackson + Coker analyzed and compiled NP and PA salary reports from key industry sources for the top specialties. Use this guide as an aid for your career strategy – and as a way to justify support your salary expectations when applying for a role.

NP looking at Xray

Understanding salary increases and the growing role of nurse practitioners.

What’s behind the rise in salaries? The United States is experiencing a heightened need for medical care. With an aging population in America, the Association of American Medical Colleges anticipates a deficit of as many as 86,000 physicians by 2036. Moreover, 20% of practicing clinicians are aged 65 or above, making them retirement-ready. This creates an opportunity for advanced practitioners to deliver crucial healthcare services where they are most needed while also getting the salary they deserve. 

As healthcare organizations compete for a shrinking physician pool, you can expect that facilities will utilize nurse practitioners and physician assistants as a strategy to fill open roles. Currently, there are over 385,000 NPs licensed to practice in the U.S., a number that has grown exponentially in the last several years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of 38% for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives by 2032, far outpacing the average job growth outlook.

To further help relieve pressure, lawmakers across the U.S. are seeking change for NPs allowing them to practice more independently. The Veteran’s Administration has already taken a step further and has granted full practice autonomy to NPs, CRNAs, and clinic nurse specialists.

View our guide for scope of practice by state.

The best states for nurse practitioners.

States with highest, annual wage for nurse practitioners:

  1. California, $161,540
  2. Nevada, $148,670
  3. Washington, $145,400
  4. New Jersey, $145,030
  5. Oregon, $144,950 

Source: BLS, 2023 Data Accessed June 2024

States with highest location quotients for nurse practitioners:

  1. Tennessee
  2. Mississippi
  3. New Hampshire
  4. West Virginia
  5. Arkansas

Source: BLS, 2023 Data Accessed June 2024

The booming and necessary role of physician assistants.

Physician assistants are expected to grow at a much faster rate than other occupations. Physician assistant employment is projected to grow 27% by 2032, according to the BLS, compared to just 4% for all occupations. PAs will continue to play an integral part in our healthcare system as the demand for healthcare services grows.

The median annual wage for physician assistants in May 2023 was $130,020. Of course, the type of facility impacts PA salaries, with those in outpatient care centers and hospitals making more than those in physician offices.

The best states for physician assistants.

Physician assistants’ salaries vary by state. The states where PAs make the most are Nevada, California, Washington, Connecticut, and Alaska. States with the best job opportunity are New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, Alaska, and North Pennsylvania.

States with highest annual mean wage for physician assistants:

  1. Nevada, $154,800
  2. California, $ 153,960
  3. Washington, $152,800
  4. Connecticut, $149,300
  5. Alaska, $148,480

Source: BLS, 2023 Data Accessed June 2024

States with highest location quotients for physician assistants:

  1. New York
  2. Connecticut
  3. North Carolina
  4. Alaska
  5. Pennsylvania

Source: BLS, 2023 Data Accessed June 2024

What to know about benefits for advanced practitioners.

Beyond base salary, you’ll need to take benefits into account when considering a new position.

Employee benefits cost U.S. employers an average of $12.77 per hour, according to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, making up about 29.5% of employees’ total compensation in the health care sector. So, if you make a salary of $100,000, you can expect to receive about $29,500 in standard benefits.

A strong basic benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, cost sharing, disability insurance, life insurance, paid time off, retirement funds, CME dues and malpractice coverage, according to SullivanCotter, a firm that provides healthcare benefits strategy.

Of course, as organizations try to attract a small pool of physicians, many are offering non-traditional benefits like relocation expenses, student-loan repayment and sign-on bonuses which can reach into six figures.

Explore advanced practice locums opportunities.

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Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

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Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

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Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson + Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.