ER Nurse Salary Guide
Real salary ranges for ER Nurses in the US market — what you should expect, and what you can negotiate.
Salary Ranges
25TH PERCENTILE
$62,000
Entry-level or lower cost-of-living markets
50TH PERCENTILE
$78,000
Median — most roles fall here
75TH PERCENTILE
$98,000
Experienced, larger market or company
90TH PERCENTILE
$125,000
Top earners, premium markets
ER nurse compensation is heavily influenced by shift differentials (night/weekend premiums of 10-25%) and trauma center designation, with travel ER nurses commanding 20-40% premiums over staff positions. High-cost urban markets and magnet-status hospitals offer the strongest compensation packages.
Top-Paying Cities
San Francisco, CA$115,000
New York, NY$108,000
Boston, MA$105,000
Washington, DC$102,000
Los Angeles, CA$100,000
Top-Paying Industries
Trauma Centers (Level 1)$105,000
Travel/Contract Healthcare$95,000
Magnet Hospitals$92,000
Community Hospitals$78,000
Rural Healthcare$68,000
Negotiation Tip for ER Nurses
Quantify your trauma certifications (TNCC, CCRN) and willingness to work high-acuity/night shifts when negotiating—these can add $8,000-15,000 annually through differentials and premium pay beyond base salary.
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