As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Emergency Room Nurse in the United States is $84,603 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, an Emergency Room Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Emergency 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 Emergency 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 Emergency Room Nurse | $81,499 |
| Intermediate Level Emergency Room Nurse | $81,717 |
| Senior Level Emergency Room Nurse | $84,603 |
| Specialist Level Emergency Room Nurse | $88,585 |
| Expert Level Emergency Room Nurse | $88,870 |
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 Emergency Room Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.48% |
| Basic Life Support | 3.67% |
| Triage | 1.96% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Risk Management
|
$90,525 |
7%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$89,679 |
6%
|
|
Telecommunications
|
$89,679 |
6%
|
|
Data Collection
|
$87,987 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$87,987 |
4%
|
|
Infection Control
|
$87,141 |
3%
|
For Emergency Room 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, Emergency Room Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Emergency Room Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $101,523 | $49.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Emergency 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 Emergency Room Nurse with a Associate's Degree is between $73,461 and $78,054).
Emergency Room Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 2.1% |
| Associates | 43.8% |
| Bachelors | 48.2% |
| Masters | 5.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how an Emergency 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Emergency Room Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $207,912 in 2023 to around $202,222 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Emergency Room Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $207,912 |
| 2024 | $210,145 |
| 2025 | $202,222 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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