How Much Does a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Make
PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) is a highly specialized nurse primarily focused on providing mental health care. If you have been considering a career in nursing, you might be wondering how much a mental health nurse practitioner makes.
Averagely, a mental health nurse practitioner can expect to earn between $96,000 and $157,000 per year, $8,020 to $13,170 per month, and $46.27 to $75.96 per hour. The salary range depends on some factors, including location, experience, level of specialization, and more.
These figures represent the national averages, and the pay may vary depending on your specific location. Continue reading to learn more about the exciting field of mental health nursing and how much a mental health nurse practitioner can expect to earn.
How Much Does a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Make?
Working as a mental health nurse practitioner is a rewarding yet challenging career. As a mental health nurse practitioner, you will be responsible for providing care and support to patients facing mental health issues.
It's a field that has seen rapid growth in recent years, and there are many opportunities for professionals who want to impact the mental health of their community positively.
While you might want to offer your services as a mental health nurse practitioner no matter where you are, how much you will earn is a factor in deciding if you want to pursue this. So, how much can you realistically expect to earn as a mental health nurse practitioner in the U.S.?
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a mental health nurse practitioner in the U.S. is $122,056 annually. This equates to an hourly wage of around $58.68 per hour.
At the higher end of the salary range, the top 10% of mental health nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $184,500.
According to ZipRecruiter, the salary for a mental health nurse practitioner varies depending on several factors as well. For example, experienced mental health nurse practitioners may earn as much as $184,500 annually, while those just starting in the field may earn around $69,000 annually.
As mentioned above, some factors that can influence your salary include your location, level of education, and professional experience.
What Factors Affect How Much a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Makes
When considering whether or not to pursue a career as a mental health nurse practitioner, the salary you can expect to earn is an important consideration.
Some factors that may affect how much you can make include your level of experience, where you are located, and your level of education.
● Experience
As with any career, your experience level is one of the most important factors when determining how much you will make as a mental health nurse practitioner. Typically, mental health nurse practitioners make more money as they gain experience.
A good example is those just starting in the field may earn an average annual salary of $69,000, while those with 10-19 years of experience may earn up to $184,500. It might be more or less, but these are primarily average wages.
● Location
Another significant factor that can influence the salary you will earn is your location. In fact, location is the most crucial factor determining how much money a mental health nurse practitioner will make.
Typically, the salary range will differ from one state to the next and from one city to the next. For example, if you're a mental health nurse practitioner in New York, your average annual salary is $137,830.
If you were to pursue the same career in California, you would earn an average annual salary of $149,070. Thus, if you were to move to Hawaii, you would earn an annual average wage of $144,150.
● Education
Finally, your level of education can also impact how much you earn. While the basic mental health nurse practitioner program qualifications are an ADN and a BSN, achieving your MSN or DNP is possible instead. Adding extra degrees or certifications can also make you more valuable in the field.
Adding an MSN, for example, can increase your average salary to $149,070 per year. Adding a DNP can add another $5,000 or so to that average salary. There are other certifications you can pursue, which can also impact your salary.
Where Do Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Work
Now that you know how much a mental health nurse practitioner makes, you might wonder where they typically work.
The most common settings for psychiatric nurse practitioners are hospitals and mental health clinics. Besides, they can also be found in schools, prisons, home health services, and more. These are the common places a mental health nurse practitioner works.
● Regular hospitals
Regular hospitals are one of the most common settings for mental health nurse practitioners. In these facilities, psychiatric care is a critical part of the overall treatment for patients with general health conditions and those experiencing mental health issues.
● Psychiatric hospitals
Psychiatric hospitals are specifically designed to help patients with acute mental health issues, such as severe depression or psychosis. These facilities provide on-site care 24 hours a day, often with a higher staff-to-patient ratio than other facilities.
● Mental health clinics
Mental health clinics are outpatient facilities that help patients manage their chronic mental health conditions. These clinics typically see patients regularly and offer a wide variety of therapeutic services, including psychiatric care.
● Mental health and substance abuse centers
These centers are inpatient facilities where patients receive treatment for mental health and addiction issues. Most of these patients reside at the facility for less than 30 days, during which time they receive treatment and counseling services to help them overcome their issues.
● Community health centers
Some patients with mental health conditions cannot work and therefore qualify for services at a community health center. This provides medical care and counseling to patients below a certain income level.
Mental health nurse practitioners can play an essential role in these centers, helping patients manage their conditions to stay healthy and productive.
● Schools
Schools also offer a unique setting for mental health nurse practitioners as they can work with students who have emotional or psychological issues that impact their ability to succeed academically.
Many schools have a proactive approach to helping students with mental health issues, which may include psychiatric care provided by nurse practitioners.
● Home health services
Home health care is a growing field, with many patients experiencing chronic or severe mental health conditions that require ongoing care. Mental health nurse practitioners can work with their patients in their homes, helping them manage their illnesses and achieve a higher quality of life.
● Prisons and jails
Many incarcerated patients live with mental health conditions that require specialized care and treatment. Mental health nurse practitioners can work in prisons, jails, or other correctional facilities, helping patients manage their needs while they work to rehabilitate.
Conclusion
With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting an expected growth in demand for mental health nurse practitioners, a career as one may be the right choice for you. The salary for these professionals is competitive, and the flexible job opportunities available provide excellent earning potential.
So, you can become a mental health nurse practitioner and start making a difference in the lives of your patients with passion, the proper education, training, and experience.