As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nurse Manager - OR in the United States is $109,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Nurse Manager - OR's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Nurse Manager - OR Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $119,200 | $9,933 | $2,292 | $57 |
| Average | $109,000 | $9,083 | $2,096 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,200 | $8,267 | $1,908 | $48 |
A Nurse Manager - OR'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Nurse Manager - OR's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Nurse Manager - OR | $105,343 |
| Intermediate Level Nurse Manager - OR | $105,782 |
| Senior Level Nurse Manager - OR | $107,245 |
| Specialist Level Nurse Manager - OR | $109,000 |
| Expert Level Nurse Manager - OR | $111,588 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 13.4% |
| Acute Care | 2.3% |
| Clinical Nursing | 1.36% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Nurse Manager - OR's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Nursing | $120,990 | |
| Nursing Practice | $119,900 | |
| Cardiac | $119,900 |
Nurse Manager - OR salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $115,692. While startup companies pay approximate $98,522.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $98,522 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $104,027 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $111,883 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $115,692 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Nurse Manager - ORs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Nurse Manager - OR with a Bachelor's Degree is between $114,134 and $123,449).
| Typical Education for Nurse Manager - OR | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 2.5% |
| High School | 2.5% |
| Associates | 38.3% |
| Bachelors | 39.2% |
| Masters | 19.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a Nurse Manager - OR'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $119,200 | $9,933 | $2,292 | $57 |
| Average | $109,000 | $9,083 | $2,096 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,200 | $8,267 | $1,908 | $48 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Nurse Manager - OR, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| CCU Nurse Leader | $109,000 | 0% |
| Nurse Senior Manager - ER | $114,600 | 5% |
| Nursing Services Senior Manager | $165,000 | 51% |
| Nurse Senior Manager - Obstetrics | $123,200 | 13% |
Salaries for a Nurse Manager - OR can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $104,860 in 2023 to around $104,323 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Nurse Manager - OR salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $104,860 |
| 2024 | $104,884 |
| 2025 | $104,323 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Nurse Manager - OR roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
The role of a nurse manager can be stressful, as it involves balancing leadership responsibilities with patient care. While some thrive on the complexity and find fulfillment in guiding their teams, others may experience negative physical and psychological effects due to the demands of the job. With salaries ranging from $106,200 to $143,000, the compensation reflects the challenges and responsibilities of the position.
The lowest paid positions in a hospital typically include roles like admitting clerks, activity aides, dietary aides, pharmacy technicians, and nursing aides. In contrast, a Nurse Manager in the Operating Room earns a minimum salary of $106,200, a mid-salary of $121,600, and a maximum salary of $143,000, reflecting the higher responsibility and expertise required for this role.
Yes, nurse managers do hire nurses. They are responsible for recruiting and selecting qualified candidates to join their teams. Additionally, they manage staffing needs, which includes finding replacement nurses—whether temporary or permanent—for their understaffed units. Nurse managers typically earn between $106,200 and $143,000, with a median salary of $121,600.
Nurse managers can receive bonuses based on their performance and the achievement of specific targets. Given their salary range, with a minimum of $106,200, a mid-range of $121,600, and a maximum of $143,000, incentive plans can be structured to reward successful outcomes, enhancing both motivation and team performance.
California leads the U.S. in nurse salaries, offering an average of $137,690 annually. Following are Hawaii at $119,710, Oregon at $113,440, and Washington at $111,030. For Nurse Managers in the OR, salaries range from $106,200 to $143,000, with a midpoint of $121,600, reflecting the competitive pay in the healthcare sector.
Nurse Managers are typically advanced practice registered nurses who have earned at least a master's degree. They manage and oversee the nursing staff in a healthcare facility, also known as nurse administrators. In this role, they can expect a salary ranging from $106,200 to $143,000, with a median salary of $121,600.
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