Family nurse practitioner vs womens health nurse practitioner

In the last several decades, nurse practitioners (NPs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) serving in numerous specialty areas have come into their own as valuable and highly respected contributing members of the healthcare system. Roles such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), and other APRNs all contribute to making comprehensive patient care much more robust, diversified, and accessible.

Nurse practitioners are now integral to delivering high-quality care to millions of Americans across the lifespan. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners are projected to see 45% job growth between 2020 and 2030 (an average of 29,400 new jobs per year), an average annual salary of $117,670, and an average hourly rate of $56.57.

While some FNPs focus on treating patients from babies to the elderly, others choose to focus on a specialty of significant interest. Many FNPs can provide important women’s health care based on their education and training, with FNPs hired by OB/GYNs to contribute to care provided in busy practice environments. Some may seek a post-master’s certificate to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHMP).

Women’s health in family practice

Some female patients wish to utilize an FNP for their general health while having a separate relationship with a women’s health specialist; some may choose to receive most of their ongoing comprehensive care from their FNP. In this way, a family nurse practitioner working in a group medical practice or public or private health clinic may have the privilege of treating such women and members of their extended families.


The trust given by the provision of such care could result in the FNP attending to the medical care of an entire family; in such a scenario, the FNP may:

  • Refer grandma for a breast MRI to check on potential abnormalities in dense breasts for which a mammogram is insufficient
  • See the men and male children for health maintenance and urgent medical needs
  • Provide annual gyn and breast exams for female members of the family with children and grandchildren of their own
  • Refer a pregnant teenage girl for prenatal care due to a high-risk pregnancy, subsequently doing well-baby checks and post-natal gynecological exams following a successful delivery
  • Perform the first gynecological exams for three adolescent girls, as well as provide family planning, breast self-examination instruction, advice on sexual and dating safety, IUD fittings, and condoms
  • Educate adolescent males on general health maintenance, sexual health, STI prevention, and testicular self-examination

The provision of robust multigenerational care across the lifespan — including women’s health — is rightfully within the scope of practice of a family nurse practitioner, even without the above-referenced post-master’s certificate in women’s health. Such multigenerational holistic care could certainly lend itself to a high level of personal and professional satisfaction for a dedicated FNP, not to mention loyalty and gratitude from patients and their families.

Family nurse practitioner vs womens health nurse practitioner

Nurse practitioners are in demand across the country. Women's health nurse practitioner (WHNP) salaries reflect this demand, with a median salary in the low six-figures. This guide describes typical WHNP salary ranges, identifies the cities and states where you're likely to find the highest women's health NP salaries, and describes how to earn more.

Keep reading to find out more about this rewarding career and how to maximize your salary.

Average Salary for Women's Health Nurse Practitioners

WHNP salaries, at a median $105,000 as of 2019, are lower than many other NP specialties, though women's health NPs often have lower stress. They usually work more predictable hours than other specialties too.

Still, women's health nurse practitioner salaries are more than 35% higher compared to the median registered nurse salary (RN) at $77,600, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Highest-Paying Cities and States for Women's Health Nurse Practitioners

According to the BLS, NP salaries (across all specialties) are highest in the states of:

  • California (average salary $151,830)
  • New Jersey ($137,010)
  • New York ($133,940)
  • Washington ($130,840)
  • Massachusetts ($129,540)

How Do Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Salaries Compare to Other Specialties?

Women's health nurse practitioner salaries are lower than earnings for other specialties, though women's health tends to offer more predictable hours and less stress. For comparison, certified nurse midwives, earn a median salary of $111,130, according to the BLS, but unlike WHNPs, they are qualified to oversee labor and delivery and provide antepartum care.

4 Ways to Increase Pay as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

While women's health nurse practitioner salaries are overall lower than other NP specialties, you can still find ways to earn more or to make your salary go further. Some of these require significant or lasting lifestyle changes, while others are temporary measures (such as earning a doctorate) or changing responsibilities (like moving into administration).

  1. 1

    Practice as a WHNP Travel Nurse

    Travel nurses go to where the demand is highest, for periods ranging from a week to months. Some travel nurses earn more than twice the regular salary for equivalent permanent positions. This is personally demanding since it means a physical separation from friends and family.

    If you have a partner who can telecommute, though, it's a way to see the country together. It also requires learning a new culture and processes and getting to know new colleagues in each organization.

  2. 2

    Earn Your Doctor of Nursing Practice

    A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) takes most candidates at least three years and is a major financial commitment. Still, it opens even more doors to advancement. A DNP is especially valuable at large academic medical centers, if you want to become the head of a nursing department, lead major quality improvement initiatives, or teach nursing.

  3. 3

    Pursue a WHNP Position in Nursing Administration

    In addition to offering a higher potential women's health NP salary, nurse administration is generally less physically strenuous than direct patient care. Generally, nurse administration careers require extensive experience and/or a doctorate.

    The more leadership experience or education you have, the better your chances. If you have a nursing mentor in administration, talk to them about their pathway and recommendations.

  4. 4

    Relocate to a Region With Higher Pay

    By going where demand is high, but the cost of living is low, you can either increase your WHNP salary or make your salary earn more. If you go to a medically underserved area, you may be eligible for nursing student loan forgiveness (or for a nursing scholarship in exchange for committing to work in an underserved area), which means you can keep more of your salary.


Frequently Asked Questions About Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Salaries


Are women's health nurse practitioners in demand?

Currently, all nurse health practitioners are in demand. However, one study projects that by 2030, there will be a surplus of 8,970 WHNPs.

However, these projections do not take COVID-19's impact on the nursing workforce into account, so the surplus may be smaller than projected.

How do women's health NP salaries compare to other women's health nursing roles?

Women's health nurse practitioner salaries are considerably higher than RN salaries and somewhat higher than nurse midwife salaries. The median WHNP total income is $110,000 (including bonuses), while nurse midwives earn a median $111,130.

What is the difference between a certified nurse midwife and a women's health NP?

Certified nurse midwives and women's health NPs are both advanced practice nurses, with at least a master's degree and board certification in their field. However, nurse midwives and WHNPs have very different professional focuses. Nurse midwives specialize in pregnancy and delivery and are licensed to oversee births. Women's health nurse practitioners cover all aspects of women's health with the exception of pregnancy and delivery.

How can RNs gain experience in women's health?

RNs can gain experience in women's health by working in obstetrics and gynecology, in hospitals, independent practices, fertility clinics, or other women's healthcare settings. They can also work in clinics, military bases, or other nonspecialty settings focusing on specialty care for women.

Page last reviewed April 12, 2022

What is the difference between family nurse practitioner and nurse practitioner?

The main FNP vs. NP difference is that an FNP program is more flexible, enabling graduates to treat people of all ages, from infants to geriatrics. The other NP specialties are much narrower in scope and focus on a specific age group, branch of medicine, or medical setting.

What type of nurse practitioner is in highest demand?

WHAT NURSE PRACTITIONER SPECIALTIES ARE IN HIGH DEMAND?.
Pulmonology Nurse Practitioner..
Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner..
House Call Nurse Practitioner..
Cardiology Nurse Practitioner..
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner..
Pain-Management Nurse Practitioner..
Emergency Department/Urgent Care Nurse Practitioners..

Who makes more money PA or FNP?

NP Salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse practitioners earn an average hourly pay rate of $53.77, while physician assistants earn $54.04.

Which nurse practitioner specialty is easiest?

1. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner.