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 Boost Your Pay as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
If you’re looking to boost your income as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), you need to think outside the box. It’s not just about clocking in more hours or taking on extra shifts. With the right moves, you can earn a lot more. Let’s go through some smart strategies.
1. Travel Nursing
Travel nursing is a game-changer if you’re up for a little adventure. It’s not just about working in new places—it’s about the serious cash you can make. Hospitals in high-demand areas are ready to pay top dollar to get skilled nurses. Plus, you’ll score some sweet perks, like tax advantages.
Choosing assignments in locations that need acute care nurses the most often means more money. If you’re flexible, agencies will notice and hook you up with even better pay. You get to travel, gain experience in different settings, and pad your paycheck. Plus, travel acute care nurse practitioner salary.
2. Nurse Administration
If you want to move up in the world, nurse administration could be your path. It’s all about stepping into leadership roles and handling more responsibility. With that comes more pay, too. But this isn’t a shortcut—you’ll need experience, and you might want to look into extra certifications or advanced degrees.
Start by diving into leadership courses and networking with nurse leaders. Get familiar with healthcare policies—knowing your stuff will make you an asset when positions open up. More responsibility means more pay, so get ready to level up.
3. Earn a DNP
Ready to kick your career into overdrive? A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) could be your ticket. This is the highest degree in nursing and, yes, it takes work. But the rewards? Totally worth it. You’ll be able to apply for leadership positions and get access to top-paying roles in the field.
Don’t let the cost stop you—scholarships, financial aid, and employer programs are out there to help with tuition. Once you’ve got your DNP, you’ll be in line for the most lucrative positions, which means bigger paychecks and more job satisfaction.
4. Work Settings
Believe it or not, where you work plays a huge role in how much you make. Hospitals generally pay more than outpatient clinics. And big cities or high-demand areas? They’re known for offering higher salaries to get qualified nurses to work there.
When job hunting, think about your ideal work environment. Are you okay with high-stress, on-call shifts? Consider the pros and cons of each option. If you’re willing to relocate, jumping to a state or city that pays better can be a major pay boost. California, for example, is a top-paying state for ACNPs, offering salaries much higher than other areas.
Last 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.
