Wyoming, like many other parts of the country, is trending toward a nursing shortage as increasing numbers of nurses in the state near retirement age. As a result, projections for many advanced nursing jobs like nursing administrators, instructors, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) show double-digit growth in the coming years.
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The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services projects the following job growth rates between 2016 and 2026:
- Nurse administrators and executives: 19.1%
- Nurse practitioners: 38.1%
- Nursing instructors: 16.7%
While APRNs can be licensed with a master’s degree, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is rapidly becoming the preferred credential for these advanced clinical practitioners. The DNP is the highest clinical degree available to nurses.
The DNP also comes with its share of economic benefits. According to a 2018 Advance Healthcare Network survey, DNP-educated nurse practitioners earn, on average, 7% more than their MSN-educated peers.
Statewide Salary Data for DNP-Educated APRNs and More in Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services highlights the salary information for DNP-educated APRNs and more, as of 2018:
- Nurse Administrators: $115,470-$144,870
- Nursing Educators: $78,570-$91,890
- Nurse Practitioners: $135,510-$156,910
DNP-Educated Nurse Salaries in Wyoming’s Largest Cities
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services provides salary information for DNP-educated nursing professionals in the major cities of the state (2018):
Nurse Administrators and Executives:
- Casper: $116,970-$149,590
- Cheyenne: $112,930-$137,650
Nurse Practitioners:
- Casper: $127,060-$151,450
- Cheyenne: $141,150-$160,240
An Overview of Hourly Wages for Wyoming’s DNP-Educated Nurses
A 2019 Medscape Compensation Report found that more than three-quarters (78%) of APRNs are paid overtime for their work. This means that these nursing professionals are paid an hourly wage and that many enjoy the financial perks that come along with earning overtime wages.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services provides hourly wages for DNP-educated nursing professionals, as of 2018:
- Nurse Administrators: $55.51-$69.65
- Nurse Practitioners: $65.15-$75.44
Salary and employment data compiled by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services in May of 2018 – (http://doe.state.wy.us/lmi/LMIinfo.htm). Salary data represents state and MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) average and median earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
All salary and job growth data accessed in December 2019.
This page includes salaries that fall within the 75th and 90th percentiles for each nursing role to account for the fact that DNP-educated nurses are recognized as earning more than master’s-prepared nurses in the same roles.