Table of Contents
- What Is the Salary of an ER Nurse?
- How Much Does an ER Nurse Make Per Year?
- How Much Do ER Nurses Make Per Hour?
- How Much Do ER RNs Make With Experience?
- Salaries in Different States
- How Much Does an Emergency Room Nurse Make in Different Settings?
- Certifications and Salary
- Do ER Nurses Make More Money Than Other Nurses?
- How Much Money Do ER Nurses Make Compared to Other Medical Staff?
- How Much Do ER Nurses Make? A Final Look
ER nurses play an important role in saving lives, working in fast-paced, high-pressure situations every day. If you are considering a career in emergency nursing, how much do ER nurses make? Salaries vary based on experience, location, and certifications, but ER nurses are well-compensated for their fast-paced, high-stakes work.
Emergency rooms never slow down, and nurses on the front lines must think fast, handle critical situations, and provide life-saving care. Their pay reflects the intensity of their role, often including competitive hourly wages, overtime opportunities and shift differentials for nights and weekends.
Beyond the paycheck, ER nursing offers job security, career growth, and the satisfaction of making a real difference. Advanced certifications such as ACLS, PALS, and trauma training can further boost earning potential. So, let’s look into the numbers and find out how much an ER nurse earns, the CEN Nurse Salary, and whether it’s a financially rewarding career.
What Is the Salary of an ER Nurse?
The average salary of an ER nurse in the U.S. is around $104,687 per year. However, this number is not the same for every ER nurse. Some nurses earn more, while others earn less.
Nurses working in large hospitals or trauma centers usually earn higher salaries than those in smaller hospitals. Additional certifications and skills can also increase earnings. In high-demand areas, wages are often higher to attract skilled nurses.
How Much Does an ER Nurse Make Per Year?
Many people ask, how much does an ER nurse make a year? The answer depends on different factors but experienced ER nurses typically earn around $104,587 per year. The entry-level ER nurses earn around $53,400 per year. These nurses are usually beginners or work in rural areas where salaries are lower. Smaller hospitals may not pay as much as large medical centers. On the other hand, highly experienced ER nurses with advanced certifications or leadership roles in large trauma centers can earn over $123,000 a year.
Read More: Value of an ACLS Certification Course for Hospice Workers
How Much Do ER Nurses Make Per Hour?
Some hospitals pay nurses by the hour rather than offering a fixed ER nurse yearly salary. The ER nurse’s hourly pay is usually between $30.10 and $43.24 per hour. Lower hourly wages are common in smaller hospitals or areas with a lower cost of living. New nurses also start with a lower hourly rate.
Higher hourly wages are found in big cities, trauma centres, or hospitals that need more staff. Nurses who work in states with high living costs often earn more per hour. Moreover, overtime and shift differentials can increase hourly wages. Nurses who work night shifts, weekends, or holidays often get paid more per hour. Some hospitals also offer bonuses for extra shifts. A new grad ER nurse salary is lower because beginners need time to develop their skills. A fresh ER nurse earns around $30.10 per hour. Most new nurses start with a base salary and can expect a pay increase as they gain experience.
How Much Do Experienced ER RNs Earn?
The emergency RN salary increases as nurses gain more experience. Hospitals value experienced nurses because they can handle difficult situations and provide better patient care. Here is the answer to the question of how much does ER nurse makes:
1–3 years of Experience
With 1-3 years of experience, ER RNs earn around $65,000 – $75,000 per year. After a few years, nurses become more confident in their skills. Many hospitals offer pay raises after the first or second year. Nurses may also take additional courses to improve their knowledge.
3–5 years of Experience
With 3–5 years of experience, ER RNs earn around $75,000 – $90,000 per year. Nurses with this level of experience are highly skilled. They may take on leadership roles, train new nurses, or specialize in trauma care. Some nurses earn more by working in high-demand hospitals.
Over 10 years of Experience
With 10 years of experience, ER RNs earn around $95,000 – $110,000 per year. Experienced nurses often take on senior positions. Some work as charge nurses, overseeing other staff in the emergency department. Others become educators, teaching new nurses and helping improve hospital procedures.
Read More: Become an Active Emergency Medical Responder With an ACLS Course
Average ER Nurse Salaries in Different States
The salary of an ER nurse depends on the state in which they work. Some states pay more due to high demand and cost of living. So here’s how much do emergency nurses make in different states:
| State | Average ER Nurse Pay (Per Year) |
| New York | $87,890 |
| Illinois | $84,969 |
| California | $81,444 |
| Missouri | $81,315 |
| South Carolina | $80,599 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,515 |
| New Jersey | $80,453 |
| Wisconsin | $79,702 |
| Maine | $79,573 |
| Oklahoma | $79,301 |
| North Carolina | $78,936 |
| New Hampshire | $78,283 |
| Idaho | $77,888 |
| Texas | $77,344 |
| Florida | $59,741 |
How Much Does an Emergency Room Nurse Make in Different Settings?
The salary of an ER nurse depends on where they work. Some workplaces pay more than others based on the level of care they provide and the number of patients they handle. Below is a detailed breakdown of ER nurse pay in different healthcare settings according to a study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023.
| Workplace | Average Salary | Details |
| Government Hospitals | $99,840 per year | Government hospitals usually offer stable salaries and good benefits. Nurses working here may see a variety of patients, but the workload is generally manageable.
These hospitals follow strict rules and offer structured career growth. Salaries are higher in large cities compared to rural areas. |
| Private Hospitals | $88,430 per year | Private hospitals often offer competitive salaries and better equipment. However, job security may depend on the hospital’s financial condition.
These hospitals may expect nurses to work longer hours, but they often provide better facilities and faster career advancement opportunities. |
| Urgent Care Centers | $79,280 per year | Urgent care centers treat patients with non-life-threatening emergencies. ER nurses in these centers handle cases that need immediate attention but are not as critical as those in hospitals.
The workload is generally lighter, but salaries are slightly lower compared to hospitals. |
Certifications and Salary
ER nurses with certifications earn higher salaries. A certified emergency nurse salary is $90,000 per year on average. Nurses with advanced degrees or certifications earn more than regular ER nurses.
| Nursing Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VPN) | $59,730 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $86,070 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $126,260 |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $212,650 |
| Nurse Midwife | $129,650 |
Do ER Nurses Make More Money Than Other Nurses?
Many people ask, do ER nurses make more money than other nurses? The answer depends on the hospital and job role. So here is the average salary of different types of nurses:
| Nursing Specialty | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
| Telemetry Nurse | $87,048 | $42 |
| OB Nurse | $83,242 | $40 |
| NICU Nurse | $128,211 | $62 |
| Corporate Nurse | $117,046 | $56 |
| ICU Nurse | $85,205 | $41 |
How Much Money Do ER Nurses Make Compared to Other Medical Staff?
If you are wondering how much an ER RN makes as compared to other ER nurses, then you should know that nurses earn different salaries compared to other healthcare workers. The table below includes the answers to the question, how much money do ER nurses make as compared to ER nurses:
| Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | 2023 Median Pay |
| Dental Hygienist | Examines patients for oral diseases and provides preventive care. | Associate’s degree | $87,530 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | Operates imaging equipment for medical diagnostics. | Associate’s degree | $80,850 |
| EMT/Paramedic | Assesses injuries, provides emergency care, and transports patients. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $44,780 |
| LPN/LVN | Provides basic medical care. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $59,730 |
| Medical Dosimetrist | Designs and oversees radiation treatment plans for patients. | Bachelor’s degree | $132,880 |
How Much Do ER Nurses Make? A Final Look
ER nursing is a challenging yet rewarding career. The salary of an ER nurse depends on experience, location, certifications, and workplace setting. When looking for an answer to how much do ER nurses make, consider all the different factors. Nurses who work in trauma centers or major hospitals often earn higher salaries due to the intense nature of their work.
Experienced nurses with certifications like Certified Emergency Nurses (CEN) earn more than those without special training. ER nurse hourly pay also increases with overtime, night shifts, and high-demand areas. While new nurses start with lower salaries, their income grows with experience and skill development. Overall, ER nursing is a stable and well-paying profession with many opportunities for career growth.
References:
- https://jobs.wsma.org/salary/emergency-room-nurse-er-nurse
- https://mynursingcareers.com/guides/er-nurse-salary-guide
- https://nursingeducation.org/careers/emergency-room-nurse/salary/
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/listing/emergency-room-nurse-salary
