Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and families with mental health or substance use disorders or the potential for such disorders. Apply therapeutic activities, including the prescription of medication, per state regulations, and the administration of psychotherapy.
Median pay: $97,550/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.9% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 189,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Assess patients' mental and physical status, based on the presenting symptoms and complaints.
• Diagnose psychiatric disorders and mental health conditions.
• Document patients' medical and psychological histories, physical assessment results, diagnoses, treatment plans, prescriptions, or outcomes.
• Educate patients and family members about mental health and medical conditions, preventive health measures, medications, or treatment plans.
• Write prescriptions for psychotropic medications as allowed by state regulations and collaborative practice agreements.
• Monitor patients' medication usage and results.
• Evaluate patients' behavior to formulate diagnoses or assess treatments.
• Distinguish between physiologically- and psychologically-based disorders, and diagnose appropriately.
What's the median pay for Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses?
The median pay for Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses is $97,550 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses?
Employment for Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses is projected to change +4.9% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses?
About 189,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.