How much does a Acute Care Nurse make?
Acute Care Nurses play a crucial role in providing immediate and intensive care to patients. Their work often takes place in emergency rooms and critical care units. These professionals earn a solid income that reflects their vital role in the healthcare system. The average yearly salary for an Acute Care Nurse stands at $101,345. This figure helps set a baseline for what job seekers might expect to earn.
Acute Care Nurses can see variations in their salary based on experience and location. The salary range spans from $48,413 to $156,000 annually. Factors such as geographic region and level of experience can lead to differences in earnings. Nurses in metropolitan areas, for instance, often see higher salaries compared to those in rural settings. Similarly, those with more years of experience and specialized certifications tend to earn more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Acute Care Nurse?

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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $164,061
In Sacramento, hospitals like Kaiser Permanente offer excellent opportunities. Nurses benefit from a vibrant community and a growing healthcare sector. The city's warm climate adds to a pleasant work environment.
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Dayton, OH
Average Salary: $148,076
Dayton features several major healthcare facilities, including Kettering Health. Nurses here enjoy a friendly community and a lower cost of living. The city's diverse population enhances cultural learning.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $136,665
Portland's healthcare institutions, such as Providence Health & Services, provide a supportive environment. Nurses appreciate the city's natural beauty and outdoor activities. The focus on wellness aligns well with nursing careers.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $128,080
Seattle's renowned hospitals, like Swedish Medical Center, offer cutting-edge medical facilities. The city's tech-savvy environment complements a modern nursing practice. Nurses enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with easy access to nature.
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Rochester, NY
Average Salary: $126,740
Rochester's healthcare system, including the Mayo Clinic, provides top-tier patient care. The city's historical charm and educational institutions create a unique setting. Nurses here often benefit from professional development opportunities.
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Sioux Falls, SD
Average Salary: $123,170
Sioux Falls offers a smaller city feel with excellent healthcare facilities like Avera Health. The community is welcoming and offers a lower cost of living. Nurses find a strong sense of community here.
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New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $117,501
New Orleans' healthcare sector, featuring Ochsner Health, offers vibrant opportunities. The city's rich culture and lively atmosphere enhance the work experience. Nurses enjoy a unique blend of professional growth and cultural richness.
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Peoria, IL
Average Salary: $115,316
Peoria's healthcare providers, such as OSF HealthCare, offer solid career prospects. The cost of living is affordable, and the community is supportive. Nurses can enjoy a relaxed pace of life here.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $115,202
Albany's healthcare landscape, including St. Peter's Health Partners, provides diverse opportunities. The city's rich history and proximity to nature make it attractive. Nurses benefit from a strong support network here.
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Omaha, NE
Average Salary: $113,133
Omaha's healthcare facilities, such as Nebraska Medicine, offer excellent career growth. The city is family-friendly and offers a good balance between work and leisure. Nurses enjoy a welcoming and tight-knit community here.
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What are the best companies a Acute Care Nurse can work for?

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Clinical Management Consultants
Average Salary: $126,697
Clinical Management Consultants offer top-notch positions for Acute Care Nurses with a focus on competitive salaries and professional growth. They have locations across multiple states.
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UMass Memorial Health
Average Salary: $115,859
UMass Memorial Health provides excellent opportunities for Acute Care Nurses in Massachusetts. The company supports continuous education and career advancement.
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Genie Healthcare
Average Salary: $115,489
Genie Healthcare offers high-paying roles for Acute Care Nurses. They have numerous placements nationwide, ensuring a variety of work environments.
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National Staffing Solutions
Average Salary: $112,374
National Staffing Solutions provides Acute Care Nurse jobs with a strong emphasis on compensation and employee well-being. Locations include major cities across the U.S.
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Bassett Healthcare Network
Average Salary: $102,270
Bassett Healthcare Network offers rewarding positions for Acute Care Nurses with a good salary and a supportive work environment. The company operates in upstate New York.
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OneStaff Medical
Average Salary: $98,249
OneStaff Medical provides competitive pay for Acute Care Nurses, with assignments in many states. They focus on building long-term career relationships.
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Supplemental Health Care
Average Salary: $95,083
Supplemental Health Care offers good salaries for Acute Care Nurses. The company has a presence in various locations, providing diverse job opportunities.
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Emory Healthcare
Average Salary: $94,688
Emory Healthcare provides Acute Care Nurse positions with a focus on high-quality patient care. Located in Georgia, the company offers a supportive and innovative work environment.
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Atrium Health
Average Salary: $91,971
Atrium Health offers rewarding opportunities for Acute Care Nurses, with a competitive salary package. They operate in several states, providing a wide range of work environments.
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Banner Health
Average Salary: $86,088
Banner Health provides positions for Acute Care Nurses with a focus on excellent patient care. The company serves multiple states, offering diverse job opportunities.
How to earn more as a Acute Care Nurse?
Acute care nurses play a vital role in hospitals and medical centers, making crucial decisions in fast-paced environments. Increasing earnings in this field can be achieved by focusing on specific strategies that enhance both skill and career opportunities. Gaining advanced certifications can lead to higher pay grades. Specialized training in areas like critical care or trauma nursing often results in better job offers and increased salary potential.
Networking within the medical community also opens doors to higher-paying positions. Attending conferences and joining professional organizations allows for connections with recruiters and potential employers. Building a strong professional reputation can make a nurse more attractive to hospitals willing to offer higher salaries. Seeking out mentorship from experienced colleagues provides valuable insights and career advice, which can guide one toward more lucrative opportunities. Negotiation skills play a crucial role in salary discussions. Preparing well for these talks ensures that one's worth is clearly communicated, leading to better financial outcomes.
Continuing education and staying updated with the latest medical practices can also boost earning potential. Employers often value nurses who actively seek to improve their knowledge and skills. Consider these factors to increase earnings and advance in the field of acute care nursing.
- Obtain advanced certifications
- Network within the medical community
- Seek mentorship from experienced colleagues
- Hone negotiation skills
- Pursue ongoing education and training



