Do you want to know what the acute care nurse practitioner salary will be in 2024? Or you are here because you want to improve your salary as a DNP. In either case, we have got you covered.
The average acute care nurse practitioner’s yearly salary is $117,423 at the moment. But the top earners in the field are earning nearly $150,000 and even higher. Working hard and in the right direction can boost your salary. We have also shared some practical tips to increase your salary. Stay with us as we uncover the details of ACNP’s salaries.
How Much Does An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Make?
An average acute care nurse practitioner makes around $56.45 per hour in the US. It depends on several factors, like your job, experience, institution, and need.
The highest salary per hour is $73.80, and the lowest has been $37.26. If you want to increase your salary as an acute care nurse, remember to read our pro tips at the end.
Top 10 Cities With The Highest Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Salary
Following are the top 10 cities in which acute care nurse practitioners are paid the highest. You may think of moving to these cities if you are an experienced nurse looking to earn more.
| City Name | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $12,250 | $147,011 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $12,045 | $144,541 |
| Livermore, CA | $12,038 | $144,464 |
| Arlington, VA | $11,978 | $143,737 |
| Clay, CA | $11,829 | $141,948 |
| Westhaven-Moonstone, CA | $11,755 | $141,067 |
| St. Helens, OR | $11,693 | $140,320 |
| Kent, WA | $11,668 | $140,026 |
| Vacaville, CA | $11,626 | $139,512 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $11,498 | $137,984 |
Top 5 Best-Paying Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Here are the top 5 jobs you should aim for if you want a high salary as an acute care nurse.
| Job Title | Hourly Wage | Weekly Pay | Monthly Pay | Annual Salary |
| Post Acute Care Hospitalist | $136.14 | $5,445 | $23,597 | $283,164 |
| Post Acute Physician | $103.64 | $4,145 | $17,964 | $215,578 |
| Surgical Nurse Practitioner | $90.91 | $3,636 | $15,757 | $189,091 |
| Dental Practitioner | $88.09 | $3,523 | $15,269 | $183,230 |
| Critical Care Nurse Practitioner | $82.79 | $3,311 | $14,349 | $172,199 |
Ways To Increase Pay As An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
As an acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP), boosting your income involves strategic choices. Specialising in high-demand areas like cardiology or critical care can make you more valuable and increase your earning potential.
Acquiring advanced certifications, such as ACNP-BC or CCRN, will also help in getting high salary packages. Let’s take a look at some practical methods in detail. .
Travel Nursing
The first tip to increase your salary as an acute care nurse practitioner is travel nursing because location matters. Choosing assignments in areas with high demand for acute care nurses often leads to higher compensation.
You can maximise your income by leveraging tax advantages, building a strong reputation as a reliable travel nurse, and developing relationships with reputable agencies. Flexibility with locations, shifts, and specialties can open doors to high salaries.
Nurse Administration
For those eyeing nurse administration roles, investing in leadership courses and obtaining advanced degrees is also essential for increasing your salary. You can start by gaining experience in administrative roles and building a professional network with nurse leaders. Stay informed about healthcare policies to enhance your value as an administrator.
Earning A DNP
Embarking on a journey to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) will also help boost your salary. It is the highest level a nurse can achieve. Explore financial aid options, scholarships, and employer assistance programs to support your DNP education. .
Work Settings
The choice of work setting can significantly impact an acute care nurse practitioner’s salary. Consider exploring jobs that are highly paid. Keep in mind that the geographic location of your chosen work setting can also influence salary levels.
So carefully weigh the pros and cons of different environments before going for the job. It will help you manage the right balance for your professional and financial goals.
Final Words
Wrapping up the acute care nurse practitioner salary in 2024, it averages around $117,423 annually, with top earners reaching nearly $150,000 or more. Factors such as experience, specialisation, and geographic location play a crucial role in determining salaries. The top-paying cities include Santa Cruz, CA, Sunnyvale, CA, and Arlington, VA.
To maximise earnings, ACNPs can explore high-demand specialties, obtain advanced certifications, and consider travel nursing opportunities. Strategic choices in work settings and continuous professional development are the keys to a good salary as an ACNP.
