Thinking about jumping into the cardiac OR nursing field? Or maybe you’re already in it and wondering how your paycheck compares? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. The cardiac OR nurse salary is nothing to ignore—it’s one of the top-paying specialties in the nursing world, and with good reason. You’re not just assisting in any old surgery; you’re in the room for life-or-death heart procedures.
Here at Junxion Med Staffing, we work with hospitals across the country that need experienced, fast-thinking nurses in the cardiovascular OR. And whether you’re staff or travel, we want you getting paid what you’re worth. Let’s walk through what you can expect—and how to boost those numbers even more.
Before we go too deep, if you’re exploring your options in healthcare travel, check out our regularly updated Healthcare Traveler Blogs for tips, pay breakdowns, and packing guides.
What’s the Average Cardiac OR Nurse Salary?
Let’s talk numbers. The cardiac OR nurse salary varies based on where you work, how much experience you bring to the table, and whether you’re full-time staff or a traveler.
Right now, the national average sits around $94,000 to $137,000 annually. That’s about $45 to $65 per hour, with travelers and high-need areas like California or Washington sometimes pushing that number to $75+ per hour.
That’s already a huge step above the average RN salary, which sits around $81,000 according to AACN Nursing Workforce Data. In some roles, cardiac OR nurses are earning 15–25% more than general OR nurses.
Not too shabby for a gig that’s in such high demand.
Where Do Cardiac OR Nurses Make the Most?
The highest salaries often go hand in hand with the highest demand. Here’s where pay tends to spike:
- California – Think San Francisco, San Jose, and LA. Salaries over $150K aren’t uncommon.
- Massachusetts and New York – Teaching hospitals and heart centers often pay well over $120K.
- Texas and Florida – Competitive pay plus lots of travel assignments. Great for year-round work.
But don’t sleep on mid-sized cities. They often offer sign-on bonuses, housing stipends, and perks that boost your real take-home pay.
Travel Nurses vs Staff Nurses: Who Comes Out Ahead?
This is where things get interesting. Travelers might not get traditional benefits, but they often walk away with a higher weekly paycheck.
Let’s say a staff cardiac OR nurse earns $48/hour at a hospital in Chicago. That’s solid. But a travel nurse on contract at the same facility could earn $4,000+ a week with stipends included.
Travel nursing isn’t for everyone—but if you’ve got the flexibility, the boost in salary can be game-changing. We’re constantly posting new gigs like this on our travel allied health careers page.
How Experience and Credentials Affect Your Pay
Years of experience matter, but your certifications can seriously move the needle too.
If you’ve been a general OR nurse for a while and you’re transitioning to CVOR, expect to start around the $40–$45/hour range. But after 3–5 years of solid cardiac OR experience? You’re looking at $55/hour and up.
And don’t forget certs:
- CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room) – This cert alone can help you negotiate better pay.
- ACLS + BLS – Must-haves for the cardiac world.
- BSN or MSN – Some facilities require it for top-tier pay.
Got an ADN? No worries. You can still earn a great living, especially as a traveler. But bridging to a BSN can give you access to leadership roles and salary bumps.
If you’re curious what that looks like on the road, here’s a full breakdown of pay and perks in our CVOR travel nurse guide.
Comparing Careers: Who Earns More?
Let’s throw in a few comparisons. If you’re weighing different career paths—or just curious where your role stands—this one’s for you.
Are Respiratory Therapists Nurses?
Nope. Respiratory therapists aren’t considered nurses—they’re their own specialized role. That said, both fields overlap when it comes to patient care, especially in critical care and surgical units.
Who Makes More: Radiology Tech or Respiratory Therapist?
Ah, the old “who makes more: radiology tech or respiratory therapist” debate. Right now, radiology techs generally earn a bit more, especially if they’re in interventional radiology or MRI specialties. But respiratory therapists with advanced certifications or ICU experience can match or beat that, especially in hospitals with ventilator-heavy units.
Rad Tech vs Respiratory Therapist: Salary Breakdown
According to national averages, rad techs earn about $65,000–$80,000 annually, depending on their specialty. Respiratory therapists usually land in the $60,000–$75,000 range. The respiratory therapist vs radiology tech salary gap narrows in urban hospitals and widens in outpatient settings.
Annual Salary for Radiology Technician
Looking at current trends, the annual salary for radiology technician roles across the U.S. hovers around $74,000, with high-demand specialties like CT and MRI pushing that number up to $85,000 or more.
Radiology vs Respiratory Therapist Salary: Which Wins?
Generally, radiology edges ahead—especially in private clinics or specialty imaging centers. But in ICU-heavy hospitals or travel gigs, respiratory therapists can pull in similar or even higher earnings. So when you’re thinking radiology vs respiratory therapist salary, it really depends on where you work and what certifications you’ve earned.
Tips To Boost Your Cardiac OR Nurse Salary
Feeling inspired to earn more? Here are some actionable moves:
1. Add Certifications
Get that CNOR under your belt. It’s respected, recognized, and often required for leadership positions.
2. Travel with Purpose
Look for contracts in high-need states or hospitals. Need help packing for your first gig? We’ve got you covered with our what to pack for your first assignment guide.
3. Specialize Further
Some cardiac OR nurses transition into CVICU or even hybrid OR roles. These positions require deep knowledge and pay higher, especially if you have critical care experience.
4. Explore Per Diem and PRN Work
If you’re not tied to a staff role, picking up PRN shifts at local hospitals can boost your income big time—sometimes over $80/hour for short-term help.
Real-World Cardiac OR Nurse Salary Examples
Here’s a quick snapshot of actual pay ranges from recent Junxion Med contracts:
- Boston, MA (Travel) – $4,400/week gross + housing
- Houston, TX (Staff) – $49/hour base + OT at 1.5x
- Portland, OR (Travel) – $3,800/week + relocation bonus
- San Diego, CA (Staff) – $62/hour with full benefits
- Charlotte, NC (Per Diem) – $75/hour no benefits, flexible schedule
Pay always fluctuates, but these numbers give you a solid benchmark.
FAQs About Junxion Med Staffing
What does Junxion Med Staffing specialize in?
We’re a medical staffing agency focused on high-need specialties like CVOR, Cath Lab, ICU, and allied health travel positions across 20+ states.
Do you place both staff and travel nurses?
Absolutely. Whether you’re looking for 13-week contracts or a long-term home, we’ve got you covered.
How do I start a travel assignment with Junxion?
Easy. Head to our Travel Allied Health Careers page, check out open positions, and apply. A recruiter will walk you through everything.
Do you offer support during assignments?
100%. You’ll never feel like just a number here. From onboarding to your final paycheck, our Traveler Success Team is with you every step of the way.
Is Junxion hiring right now?
Yes! Especially in CVOR, Cath Lab, L&D, and Respiratory Therapy. New listings are updated weekly.
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