Better Nurse
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Better Nurse, El Paso, Texas, United States
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary 2025
Nurses already have one of the most in-demand jobs in the country. However, you can advance your career and increase your nursing salary by specializing as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).
Nurse practitioners earn more than the average registered nurse (RN), but how much more can this type of NP make? In this guide, you’ll learn about the average psychiatric nurse practitioner salary, what they do, and how to become one.
This will help you decide if you’re ready to take the step toward your next professional journey!
What Is the Average Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary? Whether you’re a nursing student deciding on your career path or a travel nurse practitioner wanting to know how much you can earn in a different state, you’ll want to know about average PMHNP salaries.
As of 2025, the average salary for a psychiatric nurse practitioner is around $141,112 per year. Salaries typically range from $79,000 to $200,500 annually, depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer. Entry-level PMHNPs can expect to earn between $41,500 and $200,000 per year, while those with several years’ experience may see their salaries rise to $180,000 or more annually. Overall, salaries for this specialty continue to trend upward as demand for mental health services grows.
Average Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary by State We’ve collected data on the average psychiatric nurse practitioner salary by state, based on data collected in 2025. Since the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide salary data specifically for PMHNPs, ZipRecruiter served as the primary source for this information.
State
Average Annual Salary
Alabama $126,429
Alaska $150,219
Arizona $129,985
Arkansas $115,342
California $137,660
Colorado $146,672
Connecticut $132,691
Delaware $139,606
District of Columbia $157,623
Florida $104,237
Georgia $117,780
Hawaii $144,920
Idaho $131,242
Illinois $135,166
Indiana $132,730
Iowa $131,015
Kansas $124,401
Kentucky $121,148
Louisiana $119,278
Maine $135,050
Maryland $135,377
Massachusetts $152,336
Michigan $121,575
Minnesota $136,614
Mississippi $132,103
Missouri $130,839
Montana $128,027
Nebraska $132,993
Nevada $142,040
New Hampshire $135,652
New Jersey $141,611
New Mexico $135,172
New York $152,603
North Carolina $126,765
North Dakota $147,588
Ohio $132,609
Oklahoma $128,792
Oregon $147,477
Pennsylvania $139,821
Rhode Island $136,600
South Carolina $129,437
South Dakota $139,486
Tennessee $126,600
Texas $129,953
Utah $126,984
Vermont $148,309
Virginia $138,290
Washington $157,982
West Virginia $107,986
Wisconsin $140,791
Wyoming $134,077
Where Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Get Paid the Most?
Washington:
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in Washington state make an average salary of $157,982. This is about 13.3% above the national average.
District of Columbia:
Psychiatric nurse practitioners in Washington, D.C. earn an average annual salary of $157,623, making it one of the highest-paying locations in the country. This is about 13.0% above the national average.
New York:
PMHNPs in New York earn an average salary of $152,603, which is approximately 9.4% above the national average.
Massachusetts:
In Massachusetts, psychiatric nurse practitioners make an average salary of $152,336, or about 9.2% above the national average.
Alaska:
The average annual salary for PMHNPs in Alaska is $150,219. This is about 7.7% above the national average.
Demand Outlook for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners The demand for healthcare professionals who treat mental health disorders continues to rise across the United States. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health says about 1 in 5 American adults struggle with mental health issues today. This growing need indicates that the demand for PMHNP will continue to increase in the years ahead.
What Is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner? What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do? The day-to-day duties of PMHNPs vary depending on where they work and the kind of facility they’re employed in. However, their work often entails:
Collaborating with a psychiatrist in the process of medication management. In some states, psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe medications independently.
Providing family, group, and individual psychotherapy for patients with diagnosed chronic psychiatric conditions.
Integrating and coordinating multidisciplinary treatment plans for patients who suffer from more complex psychiatric issues.
Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute psychiatric crises using evidence-based nursing practices.
Providing comprehensive mental health education to patients and their families.
Recommending or performing age-appropriate screening options for mental health concerns.
Promoting self-care focused on personal wellness.
Referring patients to other medical professionals for necessary specialized medical treatment.
What Conditions Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Treat? There’s a wide range of disorders and mental illnesses that psychiatric nurse practitioners help treat. These often include:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Adjustment Disorders, PTSD, and Trauma
Bipolar and Manic-Depressive States
Substance Abuse
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Eating Disorders
Dementia
Depending on the provider’s experience and work environment, a mental health NP may work with specific patient populations, such as adolescents or couples. Additionally, they may specialize in treating certain conditions, or focus on particular therapeutic techniques. For example, a PMHNP who specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for anxiety may not be the right choice for a patient struggling with Bipolar disorder.
Where Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Work? Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can work in many different settings, the most common being hospital psychiatric wards and outpatient mental health clinics. PMHNPs can also work in:
Academic institutions teaching psychology and psychiatry courses to nursing students.
Veterans administration psychiatric facilities, helping veterans cope with PTSD and other combat-related mental health illnesses.
Public health agencies, collaborating to influence policies and implement community initiatives.
Substance abuse rehabilitation facilities, helping addicts with recovery and sobriety.
Domestic violence shelters, helping victims of abuse heal.
Home health agencies, visiting and counseling patients who are not able to leave their homes for treatment.
Correctional facilities, providing counseling and medication for inmates with mental health conditions.
Schools, educating students on self-care and mental health awareness, and providing a safe space for students in crisis.
How To Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner As you can see, working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner can be a fulfilling career full of possibilities. However, reaching this advanced nursing level isn’t easy. To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you’ll need to complete several years of schooling, gain RN nursing experience, and receive specialized training.
1. Obtain Your ADN or BSN To start, you’ll need to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. ADN programs typically take 18 months to two years to complete, offering a faster on-ramp to nursing.
However, you’ll likely need to complete your BSN before entering an MSN program for psychiatric nursing. You can do this immediately through a four-year BSN degree program, or start with an ADN and then complete an RN-to-BSN program. This can often be done while working as an RN, which many nurses prefer.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam Once you get your degree, you’ll have to pass the NCLEX-RN examination. This allows you to become a registered nurse.
At this point, you have two options. You can either find work as an RN and gain valuable nursing experience before you go back to studying, or apply directly to an MSN program.
Many NP programs require at least two years of work experience prior to admission. But some may allow you to work while you study part time, which can help you gain experience and manage the cost of your education.
4. Complete an Accredited MSN or DNP Program To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you’ll want to select a postgraduate degree program with a specialization in mental health. This may be a PMHNP track or a concentration in mental health treatment.
While only a master’s degree is required for psychiatric nurse practitioners, getting your Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) can help you advance your career. This is especially helpful if you are interested in leadership, policy, or education roles later on.
5. Get Your Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification To apply for the certification exam, you’ll need to meet several eligibility requirements. You must have:
A current, active, and unencumbered nursing license valid in the United States.
Finished a minimum of 500 clinical hours with faculty supervision from your PMHNP program.
Completed three comprehensive, separate graduate-level courses in:
Pathophysiology and Physiology
Health Assessment
Pharmacology
Completed clinical training in at least two types of psychotherapeutic treatments.
PMHNP Certification Exam The exam costs $295 for American Nurses Association members and $395 for non-members. However, you may be eligible for a discount if you belong to select other nursing associations.
The exam takes about three and a half hours, and includes 175 multiple-choice questions. Out of these, 150 questions are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions used for statistical analysis.
The PMHNP exam questions will examine your knowledge in areas including:
Ethical and legal principles
Psychotherapy and relevant theories
Diagnosis and treatment
Advanced practice skills
Science foundation
The exam is administered by Prometric and must be scheduled for completion at an approved testing site. Testing is available year round. If you fail the exam the first time, you can retest after 60 days; however, you cannot take the exam more than three times in a 12-month period.
Maintenance and Renewal for PMHNP Licensure To keep your psychiatric nurse practitioner certification valid, you’ll need to submit a renewal application once every five years. Make sure to set a reminder and apply for renewal before the five-year mark to avoid a lapse in your certification.
During this five-year period, you’ll need to complete requirements for continuing education. These include 75 contact hours of approved continuing education, with at least 25 hours of pharmacology-related training. You’ll also need to complete an approved form of professional development. This can take the form of specialty-specific CEUs, academic credits, research, acting as a preceptor for nursing students, or a minimum number of practice hours in your specialty, among other options.
You will also have to complete continuing education requirements to maintain both your RN and APRN licensure. Luckily, most of the CEUs that you use to fulfill your certification renewal requirements can also be used toward your license renewal requirements.
The specific requirements and timelines vary depending on the state you’re licensed in, as well as your license type. Make sure to research what your state board of nursing requires for license renewal. If you hold a multi-state or compact nursing license, you only need to worry about the licensing requirements of the state of licensure–even if you are working as a travel nurse in another state.
Become a PMHNP Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner is a great choice if you’re looking to advance your nursing career and help patients navigate the complexities of mental health issues. You’ll be able to work in a wide variety of care settings, and receive higher pay than the average RN. In some states, you may even be able to practice and prescribe medications independently, which makes this a fantastic option if you want more autonomy in your nursing practice.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Nurse practitioners earn more than the average registered nurse (RN), but how much more can this type of NP make? In this guide, you’ll learn about the average psychiatric nurse practitioner salary, what they do, and how to become one.
This will help you decide if you’re ready to take the step toward your next professional journey!
What Is the Average Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary? Whether you’re a nursing student deciding on your career path or a travel nurse practitioner wanting to know how much you can earn in a different state, you’ll want to know about average PMHNP salaries.
As of 2025, the average salary for a psychiatric nurse practitioner is around $141,112 per year. Salaries typically range from $79,000 to $200,500 annually, depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer. Entry-level PMHNPs can expect to earn between $41,500 and $200,000 per year, while those with several years’ experience may see their salaries rise to $180,000 or more annually. Overall, salaries for this specialty continue to trend upward as demand for mental health services grows.
Average Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Salary by State We’ve collected data on the average psychiatric nurse practitioner salary by state, based on data collected in 2025. Since the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide salary data specifically for PMHNPs, ZipRecruiter served as the primary source for this information.
State
Average Annual Salary
Alabama $126,429
Alaska $150,219
Arizona $129,985
Arkansas $115,342
California $137,660
Colorado $146,672
Connecticut $132,691
Delaware $139,606
District of Columbia $157,623
Florida $104,237
Georgia $117,780
Hawaii $144,920
Idaho $131,242
Illinois $135,166
Indiana $132,730
Iowa $131,015
Kansas $124,401
Kentucky $121,148
Louisiana $119,278
Maine $135,050
Maryland $135,377
Massachusetts $152,336
Michigan $121,575
Minnesota $136,614
Mississippi $132,103
Missouri $130,839
Montana $128,027
Nebraska $132,993
Nevada $142,040
New Hampshire $135,652
New Jersey $141,611
New Mexico $135,172
New York $152,603
North Carolina $126,765
North Dakota $147,588
Ohio $132,609
Oklahoma $128,792
Oregon $147,477
Pennsylvania $139,821
Rhode Island $136,600
South Carolina $129,437
South Dakota $139,486
Tennessee $126,600
Texas $129,953
Utah $126,984
Vermont $148,309
Virginia $138,290
Washington $157,982
West Virginia $107,986
Wisconsin $140,791
Wyoming $134,077
Where Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Get Paid the Most?
Washington:
Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in Washington state make an average salary of $157,982. This is about 13.3% above the national average.
District of Columbia:
Psychiatric nurse practitioners in Washington, D.C. earn an average annual salary of $157,623, making it one of the highest-paying locations in the country. This is about 13.0% above the national average.
New York:
PMHNPs in New York earn an average salary of $152,603, which is approximately 9.4% above the national average.
Massachusetts:
In Massachusetts, psychiatric nurse practitioners make an average salary of $152,336, or about 9.2% above the national average.
Alaska:
The average annual salary for PMHNPs in Alaska is $150,219. This is about 7.7% above the national average.
Demand Outlook for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners The demand for healthcare professionals who treat mental health disorders continues to rise across the United States. In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health says about 1 in 5 American adults struggle with mental health issues today. This growing need indicates that the demand for PMHNP will continue to increase in the years ahead.
What Is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner? What Does a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do? The day-to-day duties of PMHNPs vary depending on where they work and the kind of facility they’re employed in. However, their work often entails:
Collaborating with a psychiatrist in the process of medication management. In some states, psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe medications independently.
Providing family, group, and individual psychotherapy for patients with diagnosed chronic psychiatric conditions.
Integrating and coordinating multidisciplinary treatment plans for patients who suffer from more complex psychiatric issues.
Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute psychiatric crises using evidence-based nursing practices.
Providing comprehensive mental health education to patients and their families.
Recommending or performing age-appropriate screening options for mental health concerns.
Promoting self-care focused on personal wellness.
Referring patients to other medical professionals for necessary specialized medical treatment.
What Conditions Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Treat? There’s a wide range of disorders and mental illnesses that psychiatric nurse practitioners help treat. These often include:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Adjustment Disorders, PTSD, and Trauma
Bipolar and Manic-Depressive States
Substance Abuse
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Eating Disorders
Dementia
Depending on the provider’s experience and work environment, a mental health NP may work with specific patient populations, such as adolescents or couples. Additionally, they may specialize in treating certain conditions, or focus on particular therapeutic techniques. For example, a PMHNP who specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for anxiety may not be the right choice for a patient struggling with Bipolar disorder.
Where Do Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners Work? Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can work in many different settings, the most common being hospital psychiatric wards and outpatient mental health clinics. PMHNPs can also work in:
Academic institutions teaching psychology and psychiatry courses to nursing students.
Veterans administration psychiatric facilities, helping veterans cope with PTSD and other combat-related mental health illnesses.
Public health agencies, collaborating to influence policies and implement community initiatives.
Substance abuse rehabilitation facilities, helping addicts with recovery and sobriety.
Domestic violence shelters, helping victims of abuse heal.
Home health agencies, visiting and counseling patients who are not able to leave their homes for treatment.
Correctional facilities, providing counseling and medication for inmates with mental health conditions.
Schools, educating students on self-care and mental health awareness, and providing a safe space for students in crisis.
How To Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner As you can see, working as a psychiatric nurse practitioner can be a fulfilling career full of possibilities. However, reaching this advanced nursing level isn’t easy. To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you’ll need to complete several years of schooling, gain RN nursing experience, and receive specialized training.
1. Obtain Your ADN or BSN To start, you’ll need to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. ADN programs typically take 18 months to two years to complete, offering a faster on-ramp to nursing.
However, you’ll likely need to complete your BSN before entering an MSN program for psychiatric nursing. You can do this immediately through a four-year BSN degree program, or start with an ADN and then complete an RN-to-BSN program. This can often be done while working as an RN, which many nurses prefer.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam Once you get your degree, you’ll have to pass the NCLEX-RN examination. This allows you to become a registered nurse.
At this point, you have two options. You can either find work as an RN and gain valuable nursing experience before you go back to studying, or apply directly to an MSN program.
Many NP programs require at least two years of work experience prior to admission. But some may allow you to work while you study part time, which can help you gain experience and manage the cost of your education.
4. Complete an Accredited MSN or DNP Program To become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you’ll want to select a postgraduate degree program with a specialization in mental health. This may be a PMHNP track or a concentration in mental health treatment.
While only a master’s degree is required for psychiatric nurse practitioners, getting your Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) can help you advance your career. This is especially helpful if you are interested in leadership, policy, or education roles later on.
5. Get Your Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification To apply for the certification exam, you’ll need to meet several eligibility requirements. You must have:
A current, active, and unencumbered nursing license valid in the United States.
Finished a minimum of 500 clinical hours with faculty supervision from your PMHNP program.
Completed three comprehensive, separate graduate-level courses in:
Pathophysiology and Physiology
Health Assessment
Pharmacology
Completed clinical training in at least two types of psychotherapeutic treatments.
PMHNP Certification Exam The exam costs $295 for American Nurses Association members and $395 for non-members. However, you may be eligible for a discount if you belong to select other nursing associations.
The exam takes about three and a half hours, and includes 175 multiple-choice questions. Out of these, 150 questions are scored and 25 are unscored pretest questions used for statistical analysis.
The PMHNP exam questions will examine your knowledge in areas including:
Ethical and legal principles
Psychotherapy and relevant theories
Diagnosis and treatment
Advanced practice skills
Science foundation
The exam is administered by Prometric and must be scheduled for completion at an approved testing site. Testing is available year round. If you fail the exam the first time, you can retest after 60 days; however, you cannot take the exam more than three times in a 12-month period.
Maintenance and Renewal for PMHNP Licensure To keep your psychiatric nurse practitioner certification valid, you’ll need to submit a renewal application once every five years. Make sure to set a reminder and apply for renewal before the five-year mark to avoid a lapse in your certification.
During this five-year period, you’ll need to complete requirements for continuing education. These include 75 contact hours of approved continuing education, with at least 25 hours of pharmacology-related training. You’ll also need to complete an approved form of professional development. This can take the form of specialty-specific CEUs, academic credits, research, acting as a preceptor for nursing students, or a minimum number of practice hours in your specialty, among other options.
You will also have to complete continuing education requirements to maintain both your RN and APRN licensure. Luckily, most of the CEUs that you use to fulfill your certification renewal requirements can also be used toward your license renewal requirements.
The specific requirements and timelines vary depending on the state you’re licensed in, as well as your license type. Make sure to research what your state board of nursing requires for license renewal. If you hold a multi-state or compact nursing license, you only need to worry about the licensing requirements of the state of licensure–even if you are working as a travel nurse in another state.
Become a PMHNP Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner is a great choice if you’re looking to advance your nursing career and help patients navigate the complexities of mental health issues. You’ll be able to work in a wide variety of care settings, and receive higher pay than the average RN. In some states, you may even be able to practice and prescribe medications independently, which makes this a fantastic option if you want more autonomy in your nursing practice.
#J-18808-Ljbffr