Delaware Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) Salary
Salaries for Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Delaware range from $107,484 (entry-level) to $166,246 (highly experienced) annually, ranking the state 3 of 19 nationwide. Review complete compensation data, percentiles, local hospital demand, and state Board of Nursing requirements.
Verified March 2026
by 
sirI, MSN, RN, APRN, NP
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (May 2023; SOC 29-1171.07)
Salary & Cost-of-Living (COL) Adjusted Salary
Median Salary
$131,563
Mean Hourly
$63.66
Your real purchasing power after adjusting for local cost of living.
Salary Range & Percentiles
ACNP Salary by Metro Area in Delaware
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Delaware. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $122,930 | $61.40 | -6.6% |
Top Hospitals Hiring ACNPs in Delaware
Delaware is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where ACNPs are in demand include:
View all open ACNP jobs in DelawareDelaware BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and earn the salaries listed above, the Delaware Board of Nursing requires strict licensure and certification steps.
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1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Delaware.
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2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track. Top Programs: University of Delaware and Delaware State University
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3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
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4
State Authorization & Credentialing: Submit your CRNA credentials and national board verification to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of the Professions to obtain your state practice authorization and prescriptive authority. Apply for APN Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Acute Care Nurse Practitioner make in Delaware?
As of 2023, the median Acute Care Nurse Practitioner salary in Delaware is $131,563 per year or $0.00 per hour. This is 5% above the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad ACNP in Delaware?
Entry-level Acute Care Nurse Practitioners in Delaware typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $107,484. With 5-10 years of experience, ACNPs can expect to reach the median salary of $131,563 or higher.
What is the average Acute Care Nurse Practitioner salary in Delaware?
The average (mean) Acute Care Nurse Practitioner salary in Delaware is $0 per year ($63.66/hr), with a median annual wage of $131,563, according to the latest BLS OEWS survey.
Is Delaware a good state for ACNP salaries when considering the cost of living?
Delaware has a cost of living index of 1.03. When adjusting the raw median salary of $131,563 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $127,483. Keep in mind that housing and living costs may offset the premium pay.
How much does an ACNP make an hour in Delaware?
The median hourly wage for an ACNP in Delaware is $0.00. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $79.93 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most ACNPs in Delaware?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Delaware, top employers hiring ACNPs include Tidalhealth Nanticoke, INC., Christiana Hospital, Wilmington VA Medical Center, St Francis Hospital.
What are the requirements to become an ACNP in Delaware?
To practice as a Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Delaware, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Delaware Board of Nursing.
Are there ACNP programs in Delaware?
Yes, aspiring Acute Care Nurse Practitioners can attend local programs such as University of Delaware and Delaware State University. Alternatively, many Delaware nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners in Delaware?
Yes, the demand for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners remains strong in Delaware, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.