As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Acting Head Nurse in the United States is $109,262 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, an Acting Head Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Acting Head Nurse's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Acting Head Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 8.76% |
| Geriatrics | 2.41% |
| Staff Development | 1.44% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrity
|
$116,910 |
7%
|
|
Quality Improvement
|
$115,818 |
6%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$114,725 |
5%
|
|
Clinical Operations
|
$114,725 |
5%
|
|
Regulatory Compliance
|
$114,725 |
5%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$113,632 |
4%
|
For Acting Head Nurse roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Acting Head Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Acting Head Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $131,114 | $63.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Acting Head Nurse's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an Acting Head Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $60,353 in 2023 to around $60,526 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Acting Head Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $60,353 |
| 2024 | $60,870 |
| 2025 | $60,526 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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