As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for an Operating Room Nurse in the United States is $43, which translates to an annual salary of about $88,900.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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An Operating Room 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Operating Room Nurse'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 Operating Room Nurse | $86,372 |
| Intermediate Level Operating Room Nurse | $86,601 |
| Senior Level Operating Room Nurse | $89,669 |
| Specialist Level Operating Room Nurse | $93,973 |
| Expert Level Operating Room Nurse | $94,281 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Operating Room Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.85% |
| Nursing Practice | 2.7% |
| Life Support | 2.17% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Staff Development
|
$96,901 |
9%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$94,234 |
6%
|
|
Telecommunications
|
$93,345 |
5%
|
|
Family Education
|
$92,456 |
4%
|
|
Partnering
|
$92,456 |
4%
|
|
Critical Care
|
$91,567 |
3%
|
Operating Room Nurse salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $94,298. While startup companies pay approximate $80,355.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $80,355 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $84,826 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $91,215 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $94,298 |
For Operating Room Nurse roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Operating Room Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Operating Room Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $106,680 | $51.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Operating Room Nurses enter the field with a Associate'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 an Operating Room Nurse with a Associate's Degree is between $83,270 and $88,261).
Operating Room Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 1.1% |
| Associates | 40.1% |
| Bachelors | 53.0% |
| Masters | 5.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how an Operating Room 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Operating Room Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $209,336 in 2023 to around $203,607 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Operating Room Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $209,336 |
| 2024 | $211,584 |
| 2025 | $203,607 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Operating Room Nurse roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Operating Room Nurses in the US earn between $79,200 and $97,600 annually, with a median salary of $88,300. This reflects a competitive compensation range, highlighting the specialized skills required for this role.
Nurses often work three days a week on 12-hour shifts, allowing for four days off. This schedule not only helps them recharge but also provides more quality time with family and friends. With salaries ranging from $79,200 to $97,600, many find this work-life balance appealing while earning a competitive income.
The highest salary for an operating room nurse is $97,600 per year. The minimum salary is $79,200, while the mid-range salary is $88,300. These figures reflect the typical earnings for this role, highlighting the potential for growth as experience increases.
The highest paid Operating Room Nurses in the USA earn between $79,200 and $97,600 annually. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $38.00 to $46.88. While cities like New York and Brooklyn report high salaries for Registered Nurses, Operating Room Nurses typically command even higher compensation due to their specialized skills.
While Operating Room Nurses earn competitive salaries, typically ranging from $79,200 to $97,600, reaching a $200,000 salary is unlikely in this role. However, pursuing advanced certifications or moving to high-paying regions may enhance earning potential. Consider exploring opportunities in states with higher demand for nurses to maximize your income.
Being an operating room nurse can be challenging due to the unpredictable nature of surgical care and the need to respond to emergencies. Balancing demanding schedules with personal commitments can be tough. However, many find the variety and excitement of the role rewarding, especially considering a salary range from $79,200 to $97,600, which reflects the importance of their work.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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