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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a PACU Nurse in New Jersey is $104,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
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 | $117,000 | $9,750 | $2,250 | $56 |
| Average | $104,900 | $8,742 | $2,017 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,800 | $7,983 | $1,842 | $46 |
University Hospital - Newark, NJ
USPI, INC. - Maywood, NJ
Ardent Health Services - Westwood, NJ
Compass Surgical Partners - Somers Point, NJ
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 | $101,932 |
| Intermediate Level PACU Nurse | $102,204 |
| Senior Level PACU Nurse | $105,827 |
| Specialist Level PACU Nurse | $110,901 |
| Expert Level PACU Nurse | $111,263 |
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 $111,270. While startup companies pay approximate $94,818.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $94,818 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $100,093 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $107,631 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $111,270 |
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 | $125,880 | $61.0 | 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 | $117,000 | $9,750 | $2,250 | $56 |
| Average | $104,900 | $8,742 | $2,017 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,800 | $7,983 | $1,842 | $46 |
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 | $175,600 | 67% |
| Director Intensive Care Unit Operations | $167,100 | 59% |
| Entry Registered Nurse - Staff | $79,800 | -24% |
| Organ Transplant Coordinator RN | $119,400 | 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.
ATC Healthcare
Englewood, NJ
ATC Healthcare | Englewood, NJ
RN PACU. Location: Englewood, NJ Unit: PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) Position: RN Type: Travel Assignment Start Date: 5/20/2025 End Date: 8/19/2025 Shif... more
5 Days Ago
Manalapan Surgery Center PA
Englishtown, NJ
Manalapan Surgery Center PA | Englishtown, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). Health insurance. Paid time off. Job Summary. We are seeking a. PreOp/PACU. Registered Nurse. to join o... more
2 Days Ago
University Center for Ambulatory Surgery, LLC
Somerset, NJ
University Center for Ambulatory Surgery, LLC | Somerset, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. About the Role. The PACU Nurse plays a critical role in the immediate postoperative care of patients recovering from anes... more
1 Day Ago
Sovereign Health System
Franklinville, NJ
Sovereign Health System | Franklinville, NJ
PACU Nurse. The PACU Nurse plays a critical role in the immediate postoperative care of patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical procedures. ... more
1 Day Ago
Atlanticare
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Atlanticare | Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Job Description. The Registered Nurse Preop/PACU role is integral to the surgical team, offering comprehensive care and support to patients and their famil... more
1 Day Ago
Atlanticare
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Atlanticare | Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Job Description. The Perioperative Nurse plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless surgical experience for patients and their families. You will be respons... more
2 Days Ago
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