How Much Do PACU Nurses Make?

If you want to assist patients at a crucial stage in their recovery, consider a career as a post anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse. These critical care registered nurses (RNs) work with patients just out of surgery who are recovering from the effects of anesthesia.

PACU nurses experience expanding career and salary opportunities as the volume of surgeries increases across the U.S., including the growing number of hospital-based procedures among the aging population.

PACU nurses typically earn higher salaries than generalist RNs. According to Payscale data from July 2022, RNs with recovery/post anesthesia care unit skills earn over $7,000 more each year than generalist RNs. RNs make an average yearly salary of $68,590, compared to $75,720 for PACU nurses.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for all RNs, including PACU nurses, to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030. While the demand for these specialized RNs remains high, PACU nurse pay varies considerably by location, educational level, credentials, and experience. PACU nurses with nine or more years of experience report annual base salaries between $84,000 and $109,000.

The BLS does not gather employment data specific to PACU nurses. However, it publishes state-by-state salary information for all RNs, providing a strong indicator of what PACU nurses can expect to earn across the United States.

California offers the highest RN salaries in the country, averaging above $124,000 annually. California also hosts the top ten highest-paying urban centers for RNs in the country. The metropolitan areas around San Jose and San Francisco pay RNs the most, with yearly compensation levels above $150,000.

Hawaii, Oregon, the District of Columbia, and Alaska rank just behind California as the nation’s top-paying states for RNs, offering annual mean salaries from $97,230 up to $106,530.

Differences in regional compensation reflect several factors, such as nursing shortages, labor union strength, and cost of living. The top five highest-paying states for RNs all rank among the states with the highest cost-of-living indicesin the country.

Even if you work in a state that does not pay top dollar, you can still boost your PACU nurse salary in other ways. Earning an advanced degree and specialized credentials can lead to greater job opportunities and larger paychecks.

The more clinical experience you acquire, the higher the compensation. If you are willing to take temporary assignments in medically underserved areas, travel nursing offers above average compensation.

RNs with recovery/postanesthesia care unit skills make an average base hourly wage of $34.13, compared to $31.26 for generalist RNs. Earning an advanced degree and perianesthesia certifications can significantly improve earning potential.

Operating room nurses take care of patients before, during, and after surgical procedures, typically working as circulating nurses or scrub nurses in the operating room. PACU nurses care for post-surgery patients regaining consciousness from anesthesia. They give updates to the treatment team and provide information to patients and their families about how the procedure went and what to expect throughout recovery.

PACU nursing requires specialized knowledge in critical care and anesthesia. These nurses must have the experience and temperament necessary to work in fast-paced, time-sensitive environments. In most states, PACU nurses must train for at least two years before applying for certification or moving into recovery units.

Opportunities for PACU nurses have risen in regions of the country with large elderly populations who typically require more surgical procedures and postanesthesia care. Demand is also higher in underserved rural and urban areas. As hospitals and clinics reduce the backlog of surgeries delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for PACU nurses will continue to grow in the years ahead.