Average ER Nurse Salary

Average ER Nurse Salary

Emergency department (ER) nurses play a crucial role in healthcare, catering to patients who require immediate medical intervention. These healthcare professionals handle a wide variety of medical situations and conditions during their shifts, often managing patients in severe conditions.

In the United States, registered nurses typically earn around $82,750 per year, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with ER nurses being among the top earners in this category. Insights from Nurse.org reveal that the average salary for emergency nurses is about $91,071 annually, translating to roughly $43.78 per hour.

This salary places ER nurses approximately 8% above the national median for registered nurses. However, this average does not account for the differences in nursing roles, experience, or other contributing factors.

The demand for nursing positions remains high nationwide, with predictions of at least a 6% growth rate from 2021 to 2031. This demand, along with a lack of qualified professionals, has positively influenced the salary prospects for ER nurses and indicates a strong career outlook for those entering this field.

ER nurse salaries vary due to differences in living costs across various states. For example, an ER nurse in Hawaii might earn more due to living expenses being roughly 12% higher than the national average, whereas nurses in Mississippi might earn less, with living costs about 12% lower than the national average.

The Top Five Cities for Nurse Salaries (Excluding Living Cost Adjustments)

1. California
   Salary: $124,000
   COL Adjusted Salary: $106,529
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2. Hawaii
   Salary: $106,530
   COL Adjusted Salary: $89,296
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3. Oregon
   Salary: $98,630
   COL Adjusted Salary: $96,131
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4. Alaska
   Salary: $97,230
   COL Adjusted Salary: $92,512
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5. Massachusetts
   Salary: $96,630
   COL Adjusted Salary: $87,527
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The States with the Highest Average Nurse Earnings, Adjusted for Living Expenses

1. California
   Salary: $124,000
   COL Adjusted Salary: $106,529
   Get Local Estimate
2. Oregon
   Salary: $98,630
   COL Adjusted Salary: $96,131
   Get Local Estimate
3. Alaska
   Salary: $97,230
   COL Adjusted Salary: $92,512
   Get Local Estimate
4. Nevada
   Salary: $97,230
   COL Adjusted Salary: $92,146
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5. Hawaii
   Salary: $106,530
   COL Adjusted Salary: $89,296
   Get Local Estimate

Common Questions About ER Nurses

1. What differentiates an ER nurse from an ICU nurse?
   Both ER and ICU nurses possess similar skills to care for critical patients. ER nurses are usually the first medical staff a patient meets upon entering for urgent care. If a patient is found to be in a critical state, they may be transferred to the ICU for more intensive care. ER nurses also handle less critical cases, aiming to either discharge or transfer patients to less intensive care areas such as medical-surgical floors.
2. What is the typical nurse-to-patient ratio for ER nurses?
   Ratios generally range from 1:3 to 1:4 but can differ depending on the hospital and staffing situation. Many hospitals, such as those in the HCA Healthcare network, are committed to maintaining safe nurse-patient ratios.
3. What certifications should ER nurses have?
   Most ERs require Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications, though requirements vary by facility. Some may also require Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), or Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) certifications. For example, California State University offers certification programs for aspiring emergency nurses.

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