ER Nurse Salary: How Much Do Emergency Room Nurses Make per Year & Hour in Each State?

Working as an Emergency Room (ER) Nurse is one of the most demanding paths for an RN. Each day brings unpredictable challenges—trauma, accidents, and critical conditions—that test your skills, training, and endurance. To succeed, ER Nurses need a strong knowledge base and advanced education. Earning a BSN is one of the most effective ways to grow professionally and boost your salary potential. And, the more you advance your education, the better your prospects, with ER nurses who hold an MSN increasing their earnings considerably.

If the stressful working environment does not scare you off, and your mind and heart are set on working in the ER, you must consider only one more issue – the projected ER Nurse salary in the state where you will work. You can discover all you need to know about your earning potential as an Emergency Room Nurse in the US. Discover the answers to all essential questions: How much does this career pay? Is it worth it to become an ER Nurse, and even more so, is it worth pursuing a BSN for a job in the Emergency Room? 

ER Nurse Salary in the US

Since the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not publish any specific data on the ER Nurse salary, we estimated the earning potential of Emergency Room Nurses based on their occupation code (RNs or NPs) and the industry they work in (General Medical and Surgical Hospitals) while also adjusting for shift differentials (5%–15%) arising from the higher earning potential enabled by night shifts, weekend pay, and critical care premiums.

According to this approach and based on recent data from the BLS, ER Nurses in the US earn on average $53.45 per hour or $111,166 per year. Depending on the effect of shift differentials, the estimated salary may range from $106,113 per year ($51.02 per hour) to $116,219 per year ($55.88 per hour). 

Other sources, such as DirectShifts, indicate similar estimates but show a broader range of salary variations (from $80,000 to $110,000 annually). Job aggregator Indeed.com provides higher estimates, with an average ER Nurse salary of $114,537 per year or $73.51 per hour. Conversely, sources like ZipRecruiter place the earning potential of ER Nurses much lower, at an annual salary of $86,737 ($42 per hour).

While it is clear that salary estimates for ER Nurses can vary heavily based on shift differentials and other such factors, there is also a more noteworthy state-based difference.

ER Nurse Salary with an MSN

The potential of professionals who earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is considerably higher, with the estimated ER Nurse Practitioner salary being $152,174 per year ($73.16 per hour), and ranging from $145,257 per year ($69.84 per hour) to $159,091 per year ($76.49 per hour).

Although a BSN is the standard entry point for most ER nursing roles, earning an MSN can provide opportunities to work in advanced clinical roles (Emergency Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist), leadership and management positions in emergency departments, and education and training roles for ER nurses. Aside from increasing your earning potential as an ER Nurse, MSN is especially beneficial if you intend to move beyond bedside care or specialize in emergency or acute care.

Learn more about MSN salaries and the highest-paying jobs for nurses with degrees.

You can also explore the academic programs at Nightingale College and choose one of the three paths designed for various career options:

• MSN Ed – ideal for advancing your education and accessing education and training roles.
• MSN FNP – recommended if you want to work with patients, families, and communities in clinical contexts and beyond.
• MSN PMHNP – recommended for learners who want to work in mental health and psychiatric environments.

States with the Highest ER Nurse Salary in 2025

Regarding the highest salaries, the states in the lead are California, Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Washington. In California, the mean salary for ER RNs is $170,940 per year, in Hawaii, it is $149,215 per year, and in Oregon, it is $135,311 per year. Here is the list of the 10 best-paying states for ER Nurses and the respective annual salaries:

1. California – $155,400 ($59,774 more than the average)
2. Hawaii – $135,650 ($38,049 more than the average)
3. Oregon – $123,010 ($24,002 more than the average)
4. Massachusetts – $122,880 ($20,724 more than the average)
5. Washington – $119,900 ($15,048 more than the average)
6. Alaska – $114,740 ($14,696 more than the average)
7. New York – $114,420 ($11,616 more than the average)
8. New Jersey – $111,620 ($6,875 more than the average)
9. Connecticut – $107,310 ($5,214 more than the average)
10. District of Columbia – $105,800 ($4,466 more than the average)

On the other hand, the states where Emergency Room Nurses earn the least are South Dakota, Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, and Mississippi. Additionally, the ER nurse's salary in Puerto Rico ranks lower than in all US states. Here are the 10 lowest-paying states and territories:

1. Puerto Rico – $41,085  ($70,081 less than the average)
2. South Dakota – $77,462 ($33,704 less than the average)
3. Alabama – $84,326 ($26,840 less than the average)
4. Arkansas – $85,503 ($25,663 less than the average)
5. Iowa – $85,932 ($25,234 less than the average)
6. Mississippi – $86,086 ($25,080 less than the average)
7. North Dakota – $86,361 ($24,805 less than the average)
8. Kansas – $88,110 ($23,056 less than the average)
9. West Virginia – $89,001 ($22,165 less than the average)
10. Missouri – $90,849 ($20,317 less than the average)

ER Nurse Salary by State in 2025

Below, you will find a list of all US states* and the average salary for ER Nurses and ER Nurse Practitioners in each of them:

*The Bureau of Labor Statistics has not published any salary data for Colorado. Once a more comprehensive set of information is available, the published data will be updated.

In our extended analysis, you can read more about nurse salaries by state across the US.

How to Become an ER Nurse?

There’s not one single way to become an Emergency Room Nurse. To start working in the ER, the aspiring nurse must enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Upon completion of the degree, the aspiring nurse must pass the NCLEX-RN, which leads to them receiving the Registered Nurse (RN) designation. One of the prerequisites for working in the ER environment is becoming an RN first. 

Some hospitals will hire ADN-trained nurses in this position, but, admittedly, most healthcare institutions prefer registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees. 

That is because BSN RNs are typically linked with better patient outcomes. Their extended length of study leads to better-trained, more knowledgeable nurses who are an invaluable asset in any Emergency Room. 

Learn more about the patient outcome differences based on education.

Pursuing a BSN is one of the best ways to start paving the way for a career in the ER. Find out why you should get a BSN and how to earn the degree.

Want to become the best-trained ER Nurse you can be? Enroll in the hybrid BSN program of Nightingale College that prepares you for the role through concept-based learning and supervised practice in accessible SOFE venues. You can complete this flexible program in less than 3 years.

Enroll today and achieve your desired education and career goals!

ER Nurse vs ICU Nurse

ER and ICU Nurses are both specialties of Registered Nurses, yet the differences between these career tracks are considerable. ER Nurses work with patients who come directly to the Emergency Department of a healthcare institution. On the other hand, ICU Nurses are responsible for treating patients who require acute care in the Intensive Care Unit – a far more structured and controlled environment. 

The ER and ICU are very different beasts. In the Emergency Unit, there’s often chaos, lots of running around, and a lack of organization. You never know what kind of injury or trauma will walk through the ER doors next. In the ICU, tasks are a lot more meticulously planned. There’s organization, planning, and tremendous attention to detail. 

Both professions are meaningful and rewarding, and which is a better fit for you is mainly related to your personality type. Indeed, both of them are relatively well compensated. Find out more about ICU Nurses’ salaries in the US. 

Scope of Practice: What Do Emergency Room Nurses Do?

Emergency Room Nurses mainly work in the emergency department in hospitals or clinics, attending to patients in need of urgent care. Urgent need for medical attention can encompass everything – food poisoning, severe allergic reactions, shootings, car crashes, etc. – there’s no knowing what underlying problem the person coming through the ER doors has. Being an ER nurse is not everybody’s cup of tea. The job requires long hours of staying on your feet, lots of stress, a varying schedule, and demanding physical and emotional strength. 

An ER Nurse’s job description is, for sure, complex and demanding. Some of the duties include:

• An essential responsibility with which ER RNs are entrusted is triaging. This means ER Nurses assign the degree of urgency for each patient’s condition. This way, the more critical patients go first. 
• They take vital signs and record the patients’ symptoms. 
• ER Nurses can also administer medication.
• They assist doctors with medical procedures.
• They often serve as the link between the patient, the doctors, and the patient’s family. 

ER Nurses must be well-trained to complete all the aforementioned tasks and many others that may arise during any shift. However, advanced education, while a big plus, is not enough. 

Registered Nurses working in the emergency department must think on their feet. They must remain calm under pressure and act quickly and efficiently in tense situations. Communication skills are essential – ER Nurses have to brief doctors and other medical team members on a patient’s condition; at the same time, they are often the ones keeping the family informed. Empathy and compassion are two other pillars of success in this profession.

ER Nurses' Job Growth Opportunities

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t specifically offer job outlook projections for emergency nursing, it shares official data regarding Registered Nurses’ expected employment levels. And since ER nurses are, by definition, Registered Nurses, the same statistics apply. Hence, by 2030, the number of employed RNs is projected to increase by 6% faster than other occupations. Emergency Room nurses with a BSN degree will likely have excellent job prospects during this decade. 

You can enroll in Nightingale College's RN-to-BSN program if you want to seize the excellent job and salary prospects. This fully online learning path allows you to advance your education and achieve a BSN in as few as 12 months. 

Enroll in the RN-to-BSN program and prepare for your future ER Nurse career!

How to Increase Your Salary as an ER Nurse?

If you want to increase your salary once you become an ER Nurse, you should focus on advancing your education, gaining experience, and taking on specialized or high-demand roles. Higher degrees, certifications, and strategic job choices can significantly increase your earning potential.

Here are a few strategies to earning more in ER roles:

• Advance your education and earn an MSN – The first decisive factor for your earning potential is the level of nursing education you have. Earning a higher degree will also open up opportunities that come with better benefits.
• Receive your certification – Getting your Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification shows your expertise to employers, leading to pay raises. Other helpful certifications are Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), PALS, CPEN
• Gain experience – The more years you have in the Emergency Room, the higher your pay will be.
• Access shift differentials – As you have seen, ER Nurses often work during the night shift, weekends, holidays, or do overtime. Although they can come with added stress, these come with shift differentials, the primary source of ER Nurses’ earning potential.
• Take on leadership roles – Once you achieve the appropriate levels of education, experience, and certification, you can access specific leadership positions, such as Charge Nurse or Perceptorship roles.
• Relocate to higher-paying states or cities – ER Nurses' salaries differ significantly from one state to another. One way to increase your earnings is to relocate to a better-paying state. Additionally, you can also look for employment in metropolitan areas, as opposed to non-metropolitan or rural areas.
• Consider becoming a Travel ER Nurse – Travel Nursing offers the chance to explore different locations while earning significantly more than staff roles. In high-demand areas, travel ER Nurses can make over $3,000 per week, especially if they hold advanced certifications and are willing to work variable shifts. This can translate to $100,000 – $150,000 per year, depending on the demand and your availability.
• Climb the career ladder – Climbing the nursing career ladder in your work setting, and advancing into roles like Clinical Nurse Specialist, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Manager requires more education and experience, but it also leads to higher salaries and greater job stability.
• Join a unit or hospital-based committee – Participating in professional committees helps you stand out as a leader, gives you a voice in departmental decisions, and may boost your eligibility for promotions or raises.

Become an ER Nurse: Increase Your Earning Potential While Increasing the Quality of Urgent Care 

Now is a great time to advance your education and pursue a career in Emergency Nursing. The demand for RNs is already high and will only continue to grow. Salaries are competitive; moreover, the work you do literally may save someone’s life – what can be more rewarding than that? At the same time, all aspects of an ER career should be considered. It is a stressful and challenging work environment. You may be subject to burnout, and stable schedules can be uncommon. Ultimately, deciding if the benefits outweigh the hardships is up to you. 

We can only guarantee one thing: the more you advance your education and experience in the field, the higher your chances of securing a well-paid position with better benefits tailored more accurately to your needs and wants. 

Become a BSN-trained ER Nurse. The future looks bright for you and the healthcare industry. 

Do you see yourself working in Emergency Units? Does the unpredictability and dynamism of the job entice you? To start working in Emergency Units and reap the benefits, you must begin or advance your education. You can enroll in the BSN Program at Nightingale College, a hybrid and flexible concept-based learning option that allows you to graduate in under 3 years. If you currently hold an ADN (or similar) degree and want to advance your career, the 12-month fully online RN-to-BSN Track is just what you need. 

Explore the academic programs at Nightingale College and achieve your desired educational goals!

ER Nurse Salary FAQs

How Much Do ER Nurses Make a Year?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Emergency Room Nurses earn, on average, $111,166 per year nationally, with salaries ranging from $106,113 to $116,219 per year, depending on the added benefits of shift differentials. Remember that ER Nurse salary estimates differ heavily based on the state where you work.

How Much Do ER Nurses Make an Hour?

The average hourly wage of ER Nurses is $53.45, ranging from $51.02 to $55.88 per hour, depending on shift differentials. 

Where Do ER Nurses Earn the Best Salary?

California has the highest estimated ER Nurse salary ($155,400 annually or $59,774 more than the national average), followed by Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Washington.

How Much Do ER Travel Nurses Make?

Travel ER Nurses generally earn $2,000–$3,000 weekly, depending on their location, experience, and the given demand. This translates to $100,000 – $150,000 or more annually. 

According to Vivian.com, Travel ER Nurses earn around $2,126 per week, with salaries at top agencies and for more experienced professionals reaching $4,000. Comparatively, NursingProcess places the average salary of Travel ER Nurses at $2,387 per week, with values ranging from $1,593 to $3,468 per week.