Operating Room Nurse Salary in the United States

How much does an Operating Room Nurse make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Operating Room Nurse in the United States is $88,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.

However, an Operating Room Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $108,478
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $81,200 to $99,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $74,281

Key Factors That Influence Operating Room Nurse Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Operating Room Nurse Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $86,304
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $86,531
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $89,569
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $93,873
  • Expert (over 8 years): $94,181
Levels Salary
Entry Level Operating Room Nurse$86,304
Intermediate Level Operating Room Nurse$86,531
Senior Level Operating Room Nurse$89,569
Specialist Level Operating Room Nurse$93,873
Expert Level Operating Room Nurse$94,181

Top Paying Cities for Operating Room Nurses

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $112,000
  • San Francisco: $110,800
  • Oakland: $108,500

What Skills Can Increase an Operating Room Nurse's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 5.85% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Nursing Practice (Mentioned in 2.7% Job Postings): Nursing practice may be work experience that is direct and/or indirect patient care in clinical practice, nursing administration, education, research, or consultation in the specialty represented by the credential.
  • Life Support (Mentioned in 2.17% Job Postings): Life support refers to the treatments and techniques performed in an emergency in order to support life after the failure of one or more vital organs. Healthcare providers and emergency medical technicians are generally certified to perform basic and advanced life support procedures; however, basic life support is sometimes provided at the scene of an emergency by family members or bystanders before emergency services arrive. In the case of cardiac injuries, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is initiated by bystanders or family members 25% of the time. Basic life support techniques, such as performing CPR on a victim of cardiac arrest, can double or even triple that patient's chance of survival. Other types of basic life support include relief from choking (which can be done by using the Heimlich maneuver), staunching of bleeding by direct compression and elevation above the heart (and if necessary, pressure on arterial pressure points and the use of a manufactured or improvised tourniquet), first aid, and the use of an automated external defibrillator.
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 5.85%
Nursing Practice 2.7%
Life Support 2.17%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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 an Operating Room Nurse's salary.

  • Staff Development: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Risk Management: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • Telecommunications: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Staff Development $96,792
9%
Risk Management $94,128
6%
Telecommunications $93,240
5%

Operating Room Nurse Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $94,251. While startup companies pay approximate $80,264.

Operating Room Nurse Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $80,264
Growth Stage 51~500 $84,748
Established 501~5000 $91,148
Enterprise 5000+ $94,251

Operating Room Nurse Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industry for an Operating Room Nurse

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$106,560$51.020%

How Education impacts an Operating Room Nurse's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Operating Room Nurse
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%

Operating Room Nurse Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$81,200
Average $88,800/year
$99,100
$6,767
Average $7,400/month
$8,258
$1,562
Average $1,708/week
$1,906
$39
Average $43/hour
$48
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $99,100 $8,258 $1,906 $48
Average $88,800 $7,400 $1,708 $43
25th Percentile $81,200 $6,767 $1,562 $39

Operating Room Nurse Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Operating Room Nurse, 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.

Operating Room Nurse Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Director Mother and Baby Unit $162,000 82%
Director Intensive Care Unit Operations $154,200 74%
Entry Registered Nurse - Staff $73,600 -17%
Organ Transplant Coordinator RN $110,200 24%

Most common benefits for Operating Room Nurse

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Operating Room Nurse

Here are companies hiring for Operating Room Nurse and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Operating Room Nurse

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Operating Room Nurse?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Operating Room Nurse roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much do operating room nurses make in the US?

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.

3. Why do nurses only work 3 days a week?

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.

4. What is the highest salary for an operating room nurse?

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.

5. What is the highest paid nurse in USA per hour?

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.

6. Can a nurse make 200k?

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.

7. Is it hard to be an operating room nurse?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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