Quick Ans: An OR nurse, also called an operating room nurse, earns an average of about $88,800 per year or $43 per hour in the United States as of September 2026. However, actual pay varies based on experience, location, education, employer, and other factors.
If you’re searching for OR nurse salary, you may want to know how much operating room nurses earn, what affects their pay, and how their income can change with experience. OR nurses play an important role in surgical care. They prepare patients, support surgical teams, monitor safety, and help maintain a sterile operating environment.
Because this is a specialized nursing role, salary can vary considerably from one position to another. For example, location, experience, education, employer, and job responsibilities can all affect compensation.
As of September 2026, Salary.com reports an average U.S. operating room nurse salary of approximately $88,800 per year, or about $43 per hour.
However, that figure represents a current salary estimate rather than a guaranteed income. Therefore, anyone considering this career should look at the wider salary range and the factors that influence pay.
Quick Answer and Key Takeaway
| OR Nurse Pay | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Average annual salary | $88,800 |
| Average hourly pay | $43 |
| 25th percentile | $81,200 |
| 75th percentile | $99,100 |
| 90th percentile | $108,478 |
Salary.com reported these figures for U.S. operating room nurses on September 1, 2026.
Key takeaway: OR nurse salary varies by experience, location, employer, education, and other compensation factors.
What Is an OR Nurse?
An OR nurse is a registered nurse who works in an operating room and supports patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
Depending on their role, OR nurses may prepare equipment, help position patients, maintain sterile practices, assist the surgical team, and monitor patient needs.
The role requires nursing education and an active nursing license. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that registered nurses generally enter the profession through a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or approved nursing diploma program and must hold a nursing license.
OR Nurse Salary by Pay Level
Salary estimates show a fairly broad range for operating room nurses.
| Salary Level | Annual Pay | Approximate Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,281 | $36 |
| 25th percentile | $81,200 | $39 |
| Average | $88,800 | $43 |
| 75th percentile | $99,100 | $48 |
| 90th percentile | $108,478 | $52 |
These figures come from Salary.com’s September 2026 U.S. estimates.
Therefore, an entry level OR nurse may earn considerably less than an experienced nurse in a higher paying position.
Factors That Affect OR Nurse Salary
Several factors can influence how much an operating room nurse earns.
Experience
Generally, experience can affect compensation. Salary.com estimates an average salary of about $86,294 for OR registered nurses with less than one year of experience and about $94,171 for those with more than eight years.
Location
Where you work can make a significant difference. Hospitals and healthcare employers in different states and cities may offer different compensation based on local wages, demand, and living costs.
Education
Education can also influence career opportunities. Registered nurses can enter the profession through several approved educational pathways, although individual employers may have different requirements.
Employer
The type and size of employer can affect pay as well. Salary.com reports different average compensation levels across employer sizes for operating room nurses.
OR Nurse vs General RN Salary
It helps to compare OR nurse salary with overall registered nurse pay.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $97,550 for registered nurses in May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,940, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $137,470.
However, these figures cover registered nurses across many specialties and work settings. Therefore, they should not be treated as a direct salary comparison for operating room nurses.
Is Being an OR Nurse a Good Career?
Whether this career fits you depends on your interests, qualifications, work preferences, and career goals.
OR nursing can suit people who enjoy structured clinical environments, teamwork, surgical care, and detailed patient safety procedures. At the same time, the work can involve long shifts, high responsibility, and demanding clinical situations.
The broader registered nursing profession also has a strong employment outlook. The BLS projects 6 percent employment growth for registered nurses from 2025 to 2035, with about 180,800 openings expected each year on average.
How to Increase Your OR Nurse Earning Potential
If you’re already working toward an OR nursing career, several factors may affect your future compensation.
- Gain experience in perioperative nursing.
- Develop specialized clinical skills.
- Consider additional nursing education.
- Research salaries in different locations.
- Compare compensation packages, not only base salary.
- Look for opportunities with greater responsibility.
However, salary should not be the only factor when comparing nursing positions. Benefits, scheduling, workload, professional development, and workplace conditions can also matter.
FAQs
What is the average OR nurse salary in 2026?
As of September 2026, Salary.com reports an average U.S. operating room nurse salary of approximately $88,800 per year, or about $43 per hour.
How much does an OR nurse make per hour?
The estimated average is about $43 per hour. Salary.com reports a range of approximately $39 to $48 per hour between the 25th and 75th percentiles.
How much does an entry level OR nurse make?
Salary.com estimates that the 10th percentile for operating room nurses is approximately $74,281 per year, although actual entry level pay can vary by location and employer.
Do OR nurses make more with experience?
Experience can affect salary. Salary.com estimates higher average pay for OR registered nurses with several years of experience compared with those entering the field.
What degree do you need to become an OR nurse?
Registered nurses can enter the profession through a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or approved nursing diploma program. They must also obtain nursing licensure.
What affects an OR nurse’s salary?
Location, experience, education, employer, responsibilities, and other compensation factors can affect salary. Therefore, two OR nurses can earn different amounts even when they have similar job titles.
Is an OR nurse the same as a registered nurse?
An OR nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in operating room or perioperative care. Therefore, OR nursing is a specialty within the broader registered nursing profession.
Conclusion
OR nurse salary can vary considerably depending on experience, location, education, employer, and other factors. As of September 2026, Salary.com estimates an average U.S. operating room nurse salary of about $88,800 per year, or approximately $43 per hour.
However, salary figures change over time and can differ between employers and locations. For that reason, use current local job postings and employer information when evaluating a specific opportunity.
The broader nursing profession also offers multiple educational and career pathways. According to the BLS, registered nurses had a median annual wage of $97,550 in May 2025.
Practical tip: If you’re researching OR nursing as a career, compare salary, benefits, location, schedule, education requirements, and advancement opportunities before making a decision.
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