Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Salary for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

How much do acute care nurse practitioners typically make?

Salary can vary widely for an acute care nurse practitioner, but most fall within a predictable range. Looking at percentile data helps illustrate how compensation is distributed across the field.

Below is a breakdown of typical salary levels for ACNPs according to ZipRecruiter (n.d.):

• Top Earners: $150,000 — The highest-paid acute care nurse practitioners often combine extensive experience with advanced specialization and high-demand practice settings.
• 75th Percentile: $132,000 — Many seasoned ACNPs with strong credentials earn within this range, often in competitive metro areas or specialized units.
• Average: $117,423 — This reflects what most acute care nurse practitioners earn across the country, serving as a realistic benchmark for compensation.
• 25th Percentile: $101,500 — Early-career ACNPs or those working in lower-cost regions typically earn at this level as they build experience.

Understanding salary trends in 2025 is a step toward making confident and informed choices about the future. If you're interested in exploring related career paths, check out our guide on medical assistant vs physician assistant salary for a deeper look at how compensation compares across healthcare roles.

What are the factors that influence an acute care nurse practitioner's salary?

Not every acute care nurse practitioner earns the same salary, even within the same state or hospital. Pay is influenced by a combination of personal qualifications, professional choices, and market conditions. Understanding these factors can help ACNPs maximize both career satisfaction and earning potential.

Here are the key elements that most often shape salary levels:

• Experience: More years in practice typically lead to higher pay, as seasoned ACNPs bring advanced clinical judgment and efficiency to their roles.
• Education and Certification: Holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or certifications like ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) often boosts earning potential.
• Location: Salaries differ greatly by region, with metropolitan areas and high-cost-of-living states paying significantly more for ACNPs.
• Practice Setting: Working in hospitals, ICUs, or specialty clinics may offer higher compensation than outpatient or community health centers.
• Work Schedule: Night shifts, weekends, and holiday coverage often come with added pay differentials or bonuses for ACNPs.
• Leadership Roles: ACNPs who move into leadership or hospital administrative positions can see substantial salary increases.

If you're curious about the wages of other healthcare roles, you may also find our breakdown of PCT salary per hour helpful in understanding how pay compares across the field.

How does an acute care nurse practitioner’s salary compare with other nurse professionals?

In a report by ZipRecruiter (n.d.), an acute care nurse practitioner’s salary falls near the middle of the spectrum, earning more than many registered nurses but slightly less than some highly specialized nurse practitioners. 

Comparing these roles side by side provides a clear perspective on how ACNP pay stacks up:

• Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP): $117,423 — A strong salary reflecting advanced training and expertise in critical care and hospital-based settings.
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): $127,976 — Often earn more due to their versatility in providing primary care across the lifespan.
• General Nurse Practitioner: $130,295 — A broad role that often brings competitive pay for practitioners in diverse clinical environments.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): $135,161 — Specialization in child and adolescent health care can result in higher-than-average compensation.
• Registered Nurse (RN): $92,525 — A foundational nursing role, but with lower pay compared to nurse practitioners due to scope of practice.
• ASN Nurse (Associate of Science in Nursing): $97,201 — Typically earn slightly more than RNs with a diploma, but still below advanced practice providers.

For another useful comparison, explore our article on medical assistant vs phlebotomist salary to understand how pay differs in those two entry-level roles.

What are the most lucrative industries for acute care nurse practitioners in the US?

The hospital sector remains the most lucrative for an acute care nurse practitioner, where the average salary is $137,790 (BLS, 2025). The role often involves critical care units, emergency departments, and specialized services where advanced skills are essential.

Outpatient care centers also offer competitive pay, averaging $137,640 annually. These settings allow ACNPs to provide high-level care while balancing structured hours and continuity with patients. 

Furthermore, educational services, like colleges and universities, present another lucrative path, with average salaries of $132,070. In these roles, ACNPs may combine teaching with clinical responsibilities, helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. This mix of teaching and practice mirrors career mobility seen in other fields, such as alternative jobs to pursue with an MSW degree, where graduates often diversify into academia or consulting roles.

Below is a full breakdown of the top paying industries for nurse practitioners of all specializations, giving a broader view of where the best financial opportunities exist:

How does an acute care nurse practitioner's salary compare to the national average wage in the US?

The average salary for an acute care nurse practitioner is $117,423, which is significantly higher than the national average wage of $66,621.80 (SSA, 2025). This difference of more than $50,000 highlights the financial advantages of pursuing advanced nursing roles compared to the broader workforce.

This gap also shows how specialized healthcare roles can offer greater long-term earning potential. It reflects the higher level of education, training, and responsibility that acute care nurse practitioners take on in their daily practice.

For those considering a career path, the comparison underscores both the professional value and financial rewards tied to advanced practice nursing—similar to weighing the benefits of being a family nurse practitioner, another role with strong salary potential and broad career impact.

Here’s a visual comparison for a clearer look at the difference between ACNP earnings vs. the national average:

What are currently the top-paying US companies for acute care nurse practitioners?

While an acute care nurse practitioner’s salary can vary by region and specialty, certain employers consistently offer higher-than-average pay. Many of these organizations are well-known healthcare leaders, while others are innovative companies shaping how care is delivered. 

According to Indeed (2025), below are some of the top-paying companies for acute care nurse practitioners:

• Chest and Critical Care Consultants: Based in Orange, CA, this private pulmonary and critical care practice is offering $130,000–$150,000 a year.
• Vis-À-Vis Health: Located in New York, NY and offering remote work, this company specializes in home health and patient-centered care with salaries ranging from $115,000–$150,000 annually.
• Devoted Health: Serving Medicare Advantage members, this fully remote all-in-one healthcare company offers salaries ranging from $115,000–$125,000 a year.
• University of California, Irvine Medical Center: This major public research university and medical center in Irvine, CA pays $177,798–$244,006 annually, reflecting hourly wages of $85.48–$117.33.
• Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego: This nationally recognized pediatric hospital in San Diego, CA provides compensation ranging from $140,566 to $193,294 annually, reflecting hourly wages of $67.58–$92.93.

Top-paying employers show how competitive compensation for acute care nurse practitioners can be. These salary ranges set a strong benchmark for what ACNPs can expect at the highest levels of the profession. 

For readers exploring other career options in healthcare, our guide on medical administrative assistant salary per hour offers additional insight into how pay compares across different roles.

What are the highest-paying states for acute care nurse practitioners?

Location plays a major role in determining salary for an acute care nurse practitioner. States with higher costs of living and strong healthcare networks tend to offer more competitive pay, and understanding which states lead in compensation can help an ACNP make informed career decisions.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), here are the top-paying states for acute care nurse practitioners:

• California: $161,540 — The highest-paying state, where robust healthcare systems and a high cost of living drive salaries upward.
• Nevada: $148,670 — Offers strong pay and growing opportunities, particularly in fast-expanding metropolitan areas like Las Vegas and Reno.
• Washington: $145,400 — Competitive salaries paired with access to advanced practice roles across both urban centers and rural communities.
• New Jersey: $145,030 — Known for high compensation, especially in its proximity to major healthcare hubs like New York City and Philadelphia.
• Oregon: $144,950 — Provides high earnings alongside opportunities in both large hospital systems and community-based care.

These states set the pace for acute care nurse practitioners’ salaries nationwide, showing how geography can greatly influence income. The data echoes patterns seen in other professions too—for example, how location shapes the air force nurse salary, with pay scales often tied to duty station and cost of living.

What are the lowest-paying states for acute care nurse practitioners?

Just as some states lead the nation in compensation, others fall on the lower end of the salary scale. These states may offer lower pay due to cost of living, healthcare budgets, or fewer large healthcare systems. For acute care nurse practitioners, knowing these figures provides a realistic picture of how location can impact earnings.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), here are the lowest-paying states for acute care nurse practitioners:

• Tennessee: $99,330 — The lowest average salary, reflecting the state’s overall lower cost of living and limited high-paying metropolitan healthcare hubs.
• Alabama: $106,610 — Salaries here tend to lag behind the national average, with fewer large hospital systems driving pay upward.
• West Virginia: $106,790 — Lower wages align with rural healthcare networks and economic challenges in the region.
• Arkansas: $107,110 — Pay remains modest, though ACNPs may benefit from lower housing and living expenses.
• South Carolina: $109,130 — Compensation falls below the national mean, but opportunities exist in growing urban centers like Charleston and Columbia.

Ultimately, an acute care nurse practitioner's salary varies widely depending on location, industry, and employer. Understanding both the top- and bottom-paying states provides valuable context for anyone considering where to build their career. 

And just as with other healthcare roles, such as when comparing medical assistant vs dental assistant salary, it’s clear that pay is shaped not only by training and responsibilities but also by regional demand and the broader healthcare landscape.

How can acute care nurse practitioners increase their earning potential?

While acute care nurse practitioners already earn well above the national average, there are several ways they can maximize their income over the course of their careers. From pursuing further education to targeting specific industries and locations, the path to higher earnings often involves a blend of strategic choices. 

Below are some of the most effective strategies for boosting earning potential as an acute care nurse practitioner:

• Pursue Additional Certifications: Earning certifications from organizations like American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) can justify higher pay.
• Target High-Paying Industries: Choosing to work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, or other top-paying healthcare sectors can significantly impact salary levels.
• Consider Relocating to High-Paying States: States like California and Nevada offer salaries well above the national average, with Richmond, CA standing out as the top paying city for ACNPs at about $127,474/year.
• Gain Leadership or Administrative Experience: Transitioning into advanced leadership roles, such as nurse manager or director of clinical services, can elevate both pay and career influence.
• Take on Travel Nursing Opportunities: Partnering with travel healthcare agencies often comes with higher pay rates, housing stipends, and bonuses that can substantially raise overall earnings.
• Get Advanced Education: Completing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or pursuing subspecialty fellowships can open doors to higher-paying positions and more complex clinical responsibilities.
• Negotiate Salary and Benefits: Many ACNPs don’t fully negotiate their offers; advocating for fair compensation, sign-on bonuses, or flexible schedules can make a meaningful financial difference.

By combining education, specialization, and smart career moves, acute care nurse practitioners can significantly boost their earning potential. Whether it’s relocating to top-paying areas or pursuing advanced credentials, each step helps create a more rewarding and financially secure career path.

What is the job outlook for acute care nurse practitioners over the next 10 years?

The demand for acute care nurse practitioners is projected to grow significantly over the next decade. Factors such as an aging population, a rise in chronic health conditions, and ongoing shortages in primary care providers continue to drive this need.

The result? ACNPs are projected to reap strong job security benefits driven by higher career mobility and increasing opportunities nationwide.

Here’s a closer look at the job outlook for ACNPs between 2023 and 2033:

• 2023 Employment: In 2023, approximately 292,500 ACNPs were employed, already making this a substantial workforce within healthcare.
• Projected 2033 Employment: By 2033, employment is expected to reach 427,900. This expansion signals not only more job openings but also greater opportunities in diverse care settings.
• Employment Growth: The 46% growth rate (equal to 135,500 new jobs) is far above the average for most occupations. This growth underscores ACNPs’ vital role in closing care gaps and improving outcomes.

In short, the next decade looks exceptionally promising for acute care nurse practitioners. Those who pursue advanced skills and education today are positioning themselves to thrive in a field where demand is only expected to accelerate—similar to the surging demand seen in best in-demand healthcare business intelligence jobs, where technology and analytics intersect with patient care.

Here’s What Acute Care Nurse Practitioners Have to Say About Their Salaries

Other Things You Need to Know About Acute Care Nurse Practitioner’s Salaries

How do acute care nurse practitioner salaries compare to physician assistant salaries?

Physician assistants currently earn an average annual salary of about $120,212, which is slightly higher than the average salary for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners at $117,423. While the gap is not large, PAs often benefit from higher pay in certain specialties and regions.

Acute care nurse practitioners, however, may find their salaries increase more when working in hospitals, critical care, or high-demand areas where their advanced training is most valued.

Does obtaining board certification increase salary for acute care nurse practitioners?

Yes, board certification often leads to higher salaries for acute care nurse practitioners because it signals advanced expertise and competence. Many hospitals and healthcare organizations offer pay differentials or bonuses for certified practitioners.

Moreover, certifications like ANCC Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) can also open the door to leadership opportunities or specialized roles that come with higher pay.

How do unionized positions affect an acute care nurse practitioner's salary?

Unionized ACNP positions often come with structured pay scales that ensure fair compensation and regular increases over time. Unions can also negotiate better benefits, shift differentials, and protections that add to overall earnings.

While salaries may not rise as quickly as in non-union roles, unionized acute care nurse practitioners often enjoy greater job security and predictable pay progression.

Are bonuses and overtime pay common for acute care nurse practitioners?

Bonuses and overtime pay are relatively common for acute care nurse practitioners, especially in hospital systems facing staffing shortages or high patient volumes. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses, retention bonuses, or productivity-based incentives. Overtime opportunities can also significantly boost earnings, though they depend on staffing needs and state labor laws.