How Much Can You Make?
You should consider several things when thinking about how much you can earn by being an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. According to PayScale, an online employer survey service, rates average salaries for Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners earn between $71,744-113,003 annually; and, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners salary ranges from $79,0226-$119,195 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes an average, national salary for Nurse Practitioners, without a specialty, at $110,930 yearly.
Where You Live
Salaries vary for the same career across the country; and, whether you live in a metropolitan or rural area. Larger states, such as California, Texas, Ohio or Florida, may see salaries ranging from $99,930 to $126,770 yearly. Some states, Alaska, Hawaii, Connecticut and Massachusetts (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) are considered the highest paying areas for specialized Nurse Practitioners with pay scales from $120,140-$126,770. Salaries will also be effected by whether you practice in a metropolitan or non-metropolitan area. Those working in metropolitan areas can see salary ranges from $135,070-$164,180, with practitioners in non-metropolitan areas earning from $90,270-$107,450 yearly.
Other Compensation
There is a difference between a base salary (what you see in your paycheck) and total compensation. When considering at a salary, don't forget to include other forms of compensation that come in the form of benefits. Employers are anxious to hire nurses and Nurse Practitioners and are willing to "sweeten the pot" by offering additional benefits such as matching 401k retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick, family emergency leave), tuition assistance for nurses wishing to advance their degree to benefit their employment, child care, etc. Some employers pay health and life insurance, moving expenses, guaranteed pay increases as part of compensation packages. Monster , an online employment site, has an article, Calculate Your Benefits' Worth to Evaluate the Offer to give you tips on calculating benefits on top of salary compensation. The Robert Half Agency, a professional staffing service, recommends you do your homework and don't be afraid to negotiate your compensation package. How to Evaluate the Compensation Package and Job Offer will give you some key points to consider.
Sign On Bonuses
Healthcare systems, physician groups, hospitals and others are competing for specialized Nurse Practitioners. To recruit qualified practitioners, employers are willing, in a majority of cases to offer sign-on bonuses ranging from $5,000-$20,000, depending on employer and location.
Education and Certification
You're value to an employer may also depend on your educational level in your field. If you're a registered nurse or a Nurse Practitioner, certification and level of education will help you in your salary requirements. In the field of Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioners, Best Medical Degrees has published school rankings Best Online MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A.G.N.P.) Programs and Best Online Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) Degrees which may help you advance your current career.
It's A Lot
As you've probably gathered from the points given here, there is a great deal to consider when deciding if a job offer is your ideal position. These are just generalized considerations which, hopefully, will give you a starting point in determining what you believe your skills and abilities are worth.
Good luck!
