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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a PACU Nurse in North Carolina is $91,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a PACU Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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PACU Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $102,600 | $8,550 | $1,973 | $49 |
| Average | $91,900 | $7,658 | $1,767 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,000 | $7,000 | $1,615 | $40 |
Novant Health - Charlotte, NC
HCA Healthcare - Asheville, NC
Advantis Medical Staffing - Winston Salem, NC
MedPro Healthcare Staffing - Lumberton, NC
A PACU 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a PACU 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 PACU Nurse | $89,368 |
| Intermediate Level PACU Nurse | $89,606 |
| Senior Level PACU Nurse | $92,783 |
| Specialist Level PACU Nurse | $97,231 |
| Expert Level PACU Nurse | $97,549 |
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 PACU Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
PACU Nurse salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $97,480. While startup companies pay approximate $83,067.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $83,067 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $87,688 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $94,293 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $97,480 |
For PACU Nurse roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, PACU Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view PACU Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $110,280 | $53.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a PACU 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $102,600 | $8,550 | $1,973 | $49 |
| Average | $91,900 | $7,658 | $1,767 | $44 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,000 | $7,000 | $1,615 | $40 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a PACU 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Director Mother and Baby Unit | $154,000 | 68% |
| Director Intensive Care Unit Operations | $146,500 | 59% |
| Entry Registered Nurse - Staff | $70,000 | -24% |
| Organ Transplant Coordinator RN | $104,700 | 14% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current PACU Nurse job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Novant Health
Matthews, NC
Novant Health | Matthews, NC
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Rn. As a Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) RN at Novant Health's Matthew Medical Center, you'll be trusted to deliver exper... more
6 Days Ago
Professional Performance Development Group, Inc
Fulcher Landing, NC
Professional Performance Development Group, Inc | Fulcher Landing, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Registered Nurse - Post Anesthesia Care Unit. Job Description. Registered Nurse PACU. Location. Naval Medical Center Camp... more
7 Days Ago
Anders Group, LLC
Wilmington, NC
Anders Group, LLC | Wilmington, NC
Travel Pacu Registered Nurse (Rn). Join Anders Group for a travel nursing assignment in Wilmington, NC for a 13 week assignment. This opportunity allows ex... more
5 Days Ago
GetMed Staffing, Inc.
Asheville, NC
GetMed Staffing, Inc. | Asheville, NC
GetMed Staffing, Inc. is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Asheville, North Carolina. Job Description & Req... more
7 Days Ago
Uniti Med
Wilmington, NC
Uniti Med | Wilmington, NC
Uniti Med is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Wilmington, North Carolina. Job Description & Requirements S... more
7 Days Ago
Premier Medical Staffing Services
Greensboro, NC
Premier Medical Staffing Services | Greensboro, NC
Premier Medical Staffing Services is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Greensboro, North Carolina. Job Desc... more
7 Days Ago
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