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The average acute care nurse practitioner salary in 2025 ranges from $120,000 to $160,000 per year, with DNP-prepared ACNPs earning up to $180,000 or more. These salaries reflect the complex, high-stakes environments ACNPs operate in trauma bays, ICUs, and ERs where split-second decisions and procedural skill can mean the difference between stability and catastrophe.
TL;DR – The Real Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Salary Breakdown
- Average salary for ACNPs in 2025 is $120K–$160K, with DNPs earning up to $180K+—especially in ICU, trauma, or ER roles.
- Location matters: Top-paying cities include New York, Miami, and Los Angeles; urban hospitals and high-acuity units often pay more.
- ACNPs earn more than most other NP specialties thanks to longer shifts, higher-acuity patients, and procedural demands.
- Ways to increase your salary include specialising in high-demand units, working travel/contract roles, and negotiating smarter.
- NPHire helps ACNPs find high-paying jobs with transparency, filters, and role-matching that align with your goals—without the burnout.
What Makes Acute Care Nurse Practitioners So Valuable (and So Well-Paid)?
When you're an acute care nurse practitioner, your job is intense as well as relentless.
You’re diagnosing complex conditions in real time, leading code blues at 2 a.m., and managing critically ill patients while juggling documentation, families, and five alarms going off at once. And for all that? Your paycheck better reflect your impact.
In 2025, acute care nurse practitioner salaries are climbing, but so are expectations. With hospital systems increasingly dependent on ACNPs to fill gaps in trauma, ICU, and step-down units, the demand (and pressure) has never been higher.
This guide breaks down how much ACNPs are really earning across the country, what factors impact your income, and how you can increase your salary without selling your soul, or every holiday and weekend, to the job.
2025 Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Salary Overview
If you’re wondering what kind of paycheck your ACNP role should come with in 2025, here’s the real deal: acute care nurse practitioners are still earning some of the highest salaries in the NP world and it’s not by accident.
Right now, the average acute care nurse practitioner salary sits at about $120,368 per year, with experienced clinicians easily pushing past the $180,000 mark depending on their setting, location, and subspecialty.
Hourly? You’re looking at an average of $57.87, with plenty of roles offering $65/hour or more, especially if you’re covering nights, weekends, or handling high-risk procedures.
And if you’ve earned your DNP, you’re likely in a whole different salary bracket. DNP-level acute care nurse practitioner salaries range from $135,000 to $170,000+, depending on your position and the institution. Why the bump?
Because advanced training and clinical expertise matter, especially in high-acuity settings where the demands are constant and the stakes are high.
Still, location plays a huge role. Even with the same credentials and workload, your earning potential can vary widely based on where you practice.
Cities Where ACNPs Are Paid the Most
Your paycheck will absolutely depend on your zip code. According to current data, some of the highest-paying areas for ACNP nurse roles include:
- New York, NY – $128,930
- Miami, FL – $114,984
- Boca Raton, FL – $103,725
Whether it’s cost of living or hospital demand, major metro areas tend to offer higher compensation—especially for NPs who bring experience, credentials, and the ability to hit the ground running from day one. But how does acute care stack up against other NP specialties overall?
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Salaries Compared to Other NP Specialties
Not all NP roles come with the same intensity, or the same paycheck. Acute care nurse practitioners consistently rank at the top when it comes to compensation, especially those with a DNP under their belt. Why?
Because the job isn't just about treating patients, it's about stabilizing them when everything's going wrong, performing procedures most NPs never touch, and doing it all on a schedule that doesn’t care if it’s 2 a.m. or Christmas morning.
That's why compared to other high-earning NP specialties:
- A cardiology NP earns around $125,000 to $135,000, managing complex cardiac conditions like heart failure and arrhythmias in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
- In oncology, NPs command similar pay for managing chemotherapy and radiation protocols—but with an emotionally intense caseload that not every provider wants to take on.
- Emergency nurse practitioners also land in the $120,000 to $130,000 range, with a wide clinical scope and fast-paced ER work, often mirroring some of the acuity ACNPs handle.
- Dermatology NPs make strong salaries too—up to $130,000—largely driven by cosmetic procedures and high-volume private practices.
- Then there are pediatric acute care NPs, who focus on critically ill children. Their salaries tend to be slightly lower, between $115,000 and $125,000, but the role requires deep specialty training and the ability to handle complex pediatric cases in high-stress environments.
- Family nurse practitioners, while still well-paid, tend to earn less—$110,000 to $120,000 annually—due to their outpatient focus and lower acuity caseloads.
So, if you're asking whether your ACNP salary is competitive, the answer is yes. And if you’re holding a DNP and still not seeing those upper-tier numbers?
It might be time to rethink your setting, employer, or negotiating strategy because where you work doesn’t just shape your schedule, it can make or break your paycheck.
Where Acute Care Nurse Practitioners Work (And Why It Pays Well)
Acute care nurse practitioners aren’t floating through quiet clinics or charting wellness checks, they’re embedded in the most clinically demanding and logistically complex units in the healthcare system. Where you work as an ACNP doesn’t just shape your day-to-day—it dramatically influences your income, autonomy, and burnout risk.
High-Acuity Hospital Settings Are the ACNP’s Home Base
The majority of acute care nurse practitioners are employed in full-time inpatient roles within large hospital systems. These environments include:
- Intensive Care Units (ICUs) – including medical, surgical, trauma, neuro, and cardiac subspecialties
- Emergency Departments (EDs) – managing high patient turnover, rapid stabilization, and diagnostic triage
- Step-Down and Telemetry Units – bridging care between ICU-level patients and general med-surg floors
- Post-Operative Recovery and Specialty Surgical Floors – particularly transplant, cardiothoracic, and neuro units
- Hospitalist and Internal Medicine Teams – providing longitudinal inpatient care with 24/7 coverage
Each of these settings demands independent critical thinking, procedural skills, and around-the-clock availability. ACNPs often work 12-hour shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays—making them eligible for shift differentials, incentive bonuses, and on-call pay that significantly increase their effective hourly rate.
Why Acute Care Settings Pay More Than Primary Care
While family and primary care NPs often work standard hours in outpatient settings, ACNPs operate under entirely different clinical and logistical pressures:
- Their patients are medically unstable, often with multi-organ dysfunction or rapidly changing conditions
- They’re expected to diagnose and treat on the spot, often without immediate physician input
- They manage longer shifts, higher patient acuity, and significantly more procedural involvement
Hospitals recognize this intensity with higher base salaries, more aggressive overtime and holiday pay structures, and retention incentives, especially in trauma centers or hard-to-staff departments.
But while the compensation can be compelling, the demands of acute care aren’t something you can or should ignore.
Long shifts, high patient acuity, and constant pressure can take a serious toll over time. That’s why it’s essential to think strategically about how you’re earning, not just how much.
Because the goal isn’t just to bring home a high paycheck. it’s to do it in a way that’s sustainable for your career and your life.
How to Maximize Your ACNP Salary Without Burning Out
The job already pays well. But let’s be real: most acute care nurse practitioners are doing the work of two people (sometimes three) while managing patients who could crash at any minute.
So if you’re going to keep showing up for this kind of intensity, your income needs to match the reality of your role.
And the good news? There are ways to increase your salary without running yourself into the ground.
Focus on Specializing (the Right Way)
The fastest way to grow your income isn’t always switching jobs, it’s narrowing your focus. ACNPs who specialize in areas like trauma, cardiothoracic ICU, neurocritical care, or transplant surgery tend to earn more, not because their hours are longer (though sometimes they are), but because the skill demand is higher.
If you can manage a post-op heart transplant patient without blinking or you’re comfortable responding to neurosurgical complications at 3 a.m. you’re more valuable. Period.
Hospitals are always looking for NPs who can do more than “cover the floor.” If you’ve got procedural skills and the nerve to operate in high-acuity specialties, you’ll find they’re ready to pay for it.
Consider Travel or Contract Roles (Seriously)
Look, not everyone wants to live out of a suitcase but if you’re in a season of life where flexibility works, locum tenens and travel contracts can be a financial game-changer.
We’re talking $90–$110 per hour, plus housing stipends, with zero meetings, no committee work, and no performance reviews hanging over your head.
You show up, do the job, get paid, and go. It's intense, yes, but it’s often short-term and high reward. Perfect if you’re paying down loans, saving for a break, or just done with hospital politics for a while.
Negotiate Smarter, Not Louder
If you’ve never negotiated your salary, let’s start there. Employers expect you to ask. And with the right data, you’re not guessing—you’re presenting facts.
Come to the table with your procedural scope, on-call experience, certifications, and salary averages in your area. You’re not “just an NP.”
You’re the person they call when a patient decompensates at shift change. Let that show up in your paycheck.
Also: don’t let “competitive pay” slide without a number attached. You deserve transparency.
Use Your DNP Strategically
Holding a DNP doesn’t just look good on a business card, it opens doors. From protocol development to clinical leadership, to educator roles at academic centers, DNP-prepared NPs have leverage that goes beyond bedside care.
These roles often come with higher pay, reduced clinical load, or additional stipends. It’s not just about climbing a ladder, it’s about using your degree to create options that work for you.
Pick the Right Employer—Not Just the Highest Salary
There’s always going to be a job that pays more. But if that pay comes with burnout, toxic leadership, and no time off for two years? Not worth it.
The best-paying roles aren’t always the ones with the highest base salary—they’re the ones with sustainable schedules, fair patient loads, and employers who value NP autonomy.
Look for positions that offer blocked shifts, protected time off, and reasonable expectations. Because no one thrives long-term in a role that drains them dry, no matter how much it pays.
Maximize What You’ve Earned and What You’re Worth
In 2025, the acute care nurse practitioner salary continues to reflect the intensity of the role but only if you're strategic.
Whether you're working full-time in a trauma unit or managing patients on a part-time contract in California, one thing is clear: the combination of clinical skill, advanced education, and unpredictable hours should translate into real earning power.
But finding the right job, one that fits your specialty, schedule, and income goals, takes more than Googling "nurse practitioner jobs near me."
That’s exactly why NPHire was built. It's the only platform designed for nurse practitioners, with tools that cut through the noise and put you in control.
Here’s how NPHire helps you move faster and smarter:
- Targeted job matches based on your NP credentials, subspecialty, and preferred clinical setting (whether you’re in Texas, California, or open to remote work).
- Salary transparency up front—no more guessing games or wasted time on vague listings.
- Advanced filters that let you sort by schedule, location, incentives, and experience level, so whether you're looking for acute care, primary care, or something in between, you find what actually fits.
- Easy application tracking—no more “just checking in” emails or lost files buried in your inbox.
With demand rising for acute care nurse roles in high-pressure settings like ICUs, EDs, and step-down units, hospitals are looking for NPs who can diagnose fast, perform under pressure, and stay composed through weekends and holidays.
So whether you're a new grad student exploring options, a DNP-prepared clinician ready to negotiate up, or simply interested in leveling up your income without adding more chaos to your week, NPHire gives you the edge.
The average salary might be impressive, but with the right data, the right platform, and the right move, you don’t have to settle for average.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the average salary for an acute care nurse practitioner in 2025?
The average salary is between $120,000 and $160,000 annually. DNP-prepared ACNPs can earn up to $180,000 or more, especially in high-acuity roles and urban settings.
2. How does an ACNP salary compare to other nurse practitioner specialties?
ACNPs typically earn more than FNPs, PNPs, and outpatient NPs due to the complexity of cases, longer shifts, and hospital-based responsibilities.
3. Will getting a DNP increase my salary as an ACNP?
Yes. A DNP can increase your salary by $10,000 to $20,000 annually. It also opens doors to leadership, education, and protocol development roles.
4. What cities or states offer the highest ACNP salaries?
New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Houston consistently report some of the highest ACNP salaries. High-cost-of-living areas and large trauma centers usually pay more.
5. Can I make a strong income working part-time as an ACNP?
Yes. Many part-time and contract roles pay well, especially in high-demand units like trauma or ICU. Travel positions often offer premium hourly rates and stipends.
6. What benefits do ACNPs typically receive beyond salary?
In addition to base pay, many acute care nurse practitioners receive benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, CME allowances, malpractice coverage, and paid time off. Some hospitals also offer loan repayment programs and sign-on bonuses.
7. What’s the career growth outlook for acute care nurse practitioners?
The demand for ACNPs continues to grow due to provider shortages and rising patient acuity. ACNPs can move into leadership, teaching, or specialty care roles, with opportunities to increase both salary and autonomy over time.
8. What factors influence how much I’ll earn as an ACNP?
Key factors include location, years of experience, credentials (like DNP or certifications), clinical setting (ICU vs step-down), shift type, and call requirements.
9. Do acute care nurse practitioners earn more than family nurse practitioners?
Yes. ACNPs usually earn $10K–$30K more due to higher acuity, more procedures, longer shifts, and inpatient settings.
10. Where’s the best place to find high-paying ACNP jobs?
NPHire.com. It’s the only job board built exclusively for NPs, offering salary transparency, relevant filters, and early access to ACNP openings nationwide.
Key Terms & Definitions
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP):
An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides care to patients with complex, high-acuity conditions, typically in hospital settings like ICUs, trauma units, and emergency departments.
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice):
A terminal degree in nursing practice that prepares NPs for leadership, clinical, and academic roles. DNP-prepared ACNPs often earn higher salaries due to advanced training and expanded scope.
Salary Differential:
Additional hourly or shift-based pay given to NPs who work nights, weekends, holidays, or take on-call shifts.
High-Acuity Setting:
A clinical environment where patients are critically ill, unstable, or require intensive, immediate intervention—such as trauma bays, ICUs, or cardiac step-down units.
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner:
An NP who provides ongoing, outpatient care in clinics, private practices, or community health centers. Typically manages lower-acuity, stable patients compared to ACNPs.
Specialty Certification:
An advanced credential that qualifies an NP to practice in a specific area (e.g., acute care, cardiology, oncology). These often influence salary potential and job eligibility.
Shift Differential:
Bonus pay for working non-standard hours like overnight, weekends, or holidays. Common in hospital-based ACNP roles.
Locum Tenens:
Temporary or travel-based contracts where NPs are hired to fill staffing gaps. Often offers higher pay and short-term flexibility.
Setting:
Refers to the type of clinical environment an NP works in—hospital, clinic, telehealth, etc.—which significantly affects workload and salary.
About the author
- NPHire Staff
At NPHire, we’re here for nurse practitioners at every step of the job search. Our team is made up of experienced NPs, healthcare recruiters, job strategists, and former students who know firsthand how overwhelming the market can be. We work directly with nurse practitioners across the country to help them find the right roles faster, with less stress, and with more clarity about what they’re walking into. Whether you’re looking for your first job or your next big move, we’re in your corner. - Last updated
Jun 25, 2025 - Fact-checked by
NPHire Nurse Practitioner Career Strategy Team - Sources and references
- https://www.gcu.edu/blog/nursing-healthcare/what-acute-care-nurse-practitioner
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/acute-care-nurse-practitioner-salary-SRCH_KO0,29.htm
- https://nurse.org/education/DNP-salary/
- https://www.npjournal.org/action/showPdf?pii=S1555-4155%2809%2900214-1
- https://jobs.asra.com/salary/acnp-acute-care-nurse-practitioner
- https://www.nphire.com
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