OK, so you think you may have found your passion in life – becoming an emergency room nurse.

However, the million-dollar question is…

How much will I earn per year as an emergency room nurse?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs), as of May 2017, was $70,000. RNs with specializations and longer work experience earn higher salaries, so the median emergency room nurses’ salaries can be expected to be higher than the median RN salaries.

Moreover, according to a survey by PayScale.com, the correlation between years on the job and the median annual salaries of emergency room nurses is as follows:

  • 0-5 years – $57,000
  • 5-10 years – $64,000
  • 10-20 years – $73,000
  • 20+ years – $77,000

What is the job outlook for emergency room nurses?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical job growth in a sector is 7%. The job growth for registered nurses (RNs) is expected to be 15% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than average.

This growth is driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services especially because of the aging population. The bureau also predicts better job prospects for RNs with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) and/or with certifications in specialty areas. Since emergency room nurses generally fulfill both these criteria, the demand for their services is expected to be even higher than for RNs.

The bottom line: Becoming an emergency room nurse is not just a rewarding career; it is a growing and lucrative one, too.