A method for manufacturing an acrylic fiber uses a spinning solution in which an acrylic polymer is dissolved in an organic solvent, the method including reducing an amount of organic solvent by repeatedly spraying water onto coagulated filaments obtained by solidifying the spinning solution and pressing the coagulated filaments with nip rolls. The nip rolls may apply a nip pressure of 0.2 MPa or higher. Thus, a method for manufacturing an acrylic fiber with which an organic solvent in the acrylic fiber can be removed within a short period of time without using a water bath is provided.