How Much Do Operating Room Nurses Make?

Salary Range

The median annual salary for an operating room registered nurse is $68,870 as of February 2011, as determined by Salary.com. The middle 50 percent of these nurses on the earnings scale are making $62,780 to $75,100 per year. The top 10 percent make more than $80,770 per year, and only the bottom 10 percent have annual salaries below $57,240. In comparison, the median annual salary for a registered nurse working as a typical staff nurse is $65,460.

Salaries for operating room nurses vary by their geographic location. Operating room registered nurses in Boise, Idaho, and Orlando, Florida, for instance, have a median yearly salary of about $65,600, while those in Kansas City, Missouri; Nashville, Tennessee; and Galveston, Texas; make $67,000 to $68,000 per year as a median salary. Operating room nurses in Los Angeles, California, earn a median salary of $76,700 per year and those in New York City $81,400. The top 10 percent of operating room registered nurses in New York City earn more than $95,470 per year. Although nursing salaries in some large cities can be lucrative, the cost of living is also very high.

The job search website Indeed.com lists job openings for operating rooms throughout the country in February 2011. Posted pay rates have a wide range, from $25 to $48.20 per hour. One facility offers $7,500 for relocation assistance. Some employers provide shift differentials, bonuses and flexible schedules. Benefits packages typically include a 401(k) or other savings plan; medical, vision and dental insurance; life and disability insurance; and tuition reimbursement or free continuing education units.

With experience, a registered nurse can advance to become the operating room head nurse. This leadership position is responsible for directing nursing activities, delegating duties to staff nurses, supervising patient care and creating reports on operating room staff performance. The median annual salary for an operating room head nurse as of February 2011 is $92,530.