How much does a Acute Care Nurse make?
Acute Care Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system. They care for patients who need immediate and intensive medical attention. The salary for Acute Care Nurses varies based on experience and location. On average, these nurses earn about $103,443 per year.
Nurses in the lower end of the salary range often have less than a year of experience. Their starting pay can be around $52,700 per year. As nurses gain more experience, their earnings increase. Experienced nurses in the top 10% can earn over $161,200 annually. This higher pay reflects their advanced skills and expertise.
What are the highest paying cities for a Acute Care Nurse?

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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $167,839
In Sacramento, nurses can find work in large medical centers. Well-known hospitals include Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health. Nurses will handle intensive care for patients with serious conditions.
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Dayton, OH
Average Salary: $148,003
Dayton offers a range of opportunities for nurses. Hospitals like Kettering Health and Miami Valley Hospital are prominent employers. Nurses can expect to provide critical care in a fast-paced environment.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $142,049
Portland’s healthcare sector is growing. Nurses can work at renowned places like Oregon Health & Science University. The city’s focus on wellness makes it a good place for those in acute care.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $132,143
San Jose’s tech-driven economy means unique healthcare needs. Nurses at Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente deal with high-tech and complex patient care. It’s an exciting place for those in the field.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $129,901
Seattle offers diverse healthcare opportunities. Major hospitals such as Harborview Medical Center and Swedish Medical Center need skilled nurses. The city’s progressive healthcare environment is ideal for acute care professionals.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $126,740
Rochester is known for its strong healthcare system. Nurses can work at the Mayo Clinic and Rochester Regional Health. These hospitals require experienced staff to manage intensive care.
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Sioux Falls, SD
Average Salary: $124,267
Sioux Falls has a strong focus on healthcare. Sanford Health and Avera Health are key employers. The city offers a supportive environment for nurses to provide critical care.
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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $117,923
Tucson’s healthcare industry is expanding. Banner University Medical Center and Carondelet Health Network offer many opportunities. Nurses here work in a vibrant community with diverse patient needs.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $114,938
Albany’s healthcare scene features top institutions. Nurses can work at Albany Medical Center and St. Peter’s Health Partners. The city offers a mix of urban and community healthcare settings.
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Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $114,117
Omaha has a robust healthcare sector. Nurses can find positions at Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health. The city’s hospitals provide a range of opportunities for those in acute care.
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What are the best companies a Acute Care Nurse can work for?

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Oregon Health & Science University
Average Salary: $150,196
Oregon Health & Science University offers rewarding opportunities for Acute Care Nurses. The university operates in Portland, Oregon. Nurses work in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge technology and support.
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NYU Langone Health
Average Salary: $128,592
NYU Langone Health provides excellent Acute Care Nurse positions. The company has locations in New York City and Mineola, New York. It offers a supportive culture with strong team dynamics.
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Beth Israel Lahey Health
Average Salary: $126,913
Beth Israel Lahey Health has many Acute Care Nurse roles available. The company operates in Boston, Massachusetts. Nurses benefit from a collaborative environment and ongoing professional development.
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Clinical Management Consultants
Average Salary: $123,507
Clinical Management Consultants offers great Acute Care Nurse positions. The company serves clients across the United States. They focus on providing excellent patient care and support for their nursing staff.
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UMass Memorial Health
Average Salary: $116,377
UMass Memorial Health provides opportunities for Acute Care Nurses. The company operates in Worcester, Massachusetts. It offers a comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to nursing excellence.
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Genie Healthcare
Average Salary: $115,143
Genie Healthcare offers competitive Acute Care Nurse salaries. The company serves clients nationwide. They focus on placing nurses in high-quality healthcare settings.
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National Staffing Solutions
Average Salary: $112,064
National Staffing Solutions provides Acute Care Nurse positions with good salaries. The company operates across the United States. They emphasize career growth and professional development.
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White Glove Placement, Inc.
Average Salary: $106,140
White Glove Placement, Inc. offers Acute Care Nurse jobs with a solid salary. The company operates in the United States. They provide a supportive work environment with opportunities for advancement.
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Providence
Average Salary: $104,507
Providence offers rewarding Acute Care Nurse roles. The company has locations in several states, including Oregon, Washington, and California. It emphasizes a compassionate approach to patient care.
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Bassett Healthcare Network
Average Salary: $103,467
Bassett Healthcare Network provides Acute Care Nurse positions with good compensation. The company operates in New York and Pennsylvania. It focuses on community health and nurse well-being.
How to earn more as a Acute Care Nurse?
Acute Care Nurses play a critical role in healthcare. They work in fast-paced environments like emergency rooms or intensive care units. These professionals need to manage high-pressure situations effectively. To earn more in this role, several factors can be considered. Understanding and implementing these strategies can lead to higher earnings.
Firstly, gaining experience is a key factor. Experienced Acute Care Nurses often receive higher pay. Hospitals and clinics value seasoned professionals who can handle complex cases. Continuing education also matters. Certifications in specialized areas such as critical care nursing can lead to better-paying positions. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to excellence and expertise.
Another factor is location. Pay scales for Acute Care Nurses can vary greatly depending on where they work. Urban areas with higher living costs tend to offer better salaries. Relocation to these areas can be a smart move for those looking to increase their earnings. Networking with other healthcare professionals can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations can provide valuable connections.
The following are some key factors for increasing earnings as an Acute Care Nurse:
- Gain more experience and certifications
- Consider relocating to areas with higher pay
- Network with other healthcare professionals
- Continue education and specialization
- Stay updated with the latest healthcare practices



