Hyperbaric nurses earn meaningfully more than the national RN median — a premium driven by specialized certification, a narrow talent pool, and the technical complexity of managing patients in pressurized oxygen environments. The national average for hyperbaric nurses runs approximately $95,000–$102,000 annually, with CHRN-certified nurses at the top of that range and experienced program coordinators or ACHRN holders pushing well above it.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a separate occupational code for hyperbaric nursing — all registered nurses are captured under SOC 29-1141. The figures in this guide are drawn from ZipRecruiter aggregated job postings, PayScale and Glassdoor compensation reports, and the BLS SOC 29-1141 state median data (the most reliable public benchmark for geographic variation), cross-referenced against hyperbaric specialty premium data from industry sources.
At a glance:
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| National average annual salary | ~$95,000–$102,000 |
| Typical range | $80,000–$130,000+ |
| Entry-level hyperbaric RN (2–5 yrs experience, no CHRN) | $78,000–$88,000 |
| CHRN-certified nurse (mid-career) | $90,000–$110,000 |
| ACHRN / program coordinator | $105,000–$130,000+ |
| Hourly average (ZipRecruiter, April 2026) | ~$48.90/hr |
| National RN median (BLS SOC 29-1141, May 2024) | $93,600 |
| Travel contract hyperbaric RN (weekly gross) | $2,200–$3,200/week |
Note on data methodology: Hyperbaric nursing is a small specialty with limited dedicated compensation survey data. The salary figures in this guide use the BLS national RN median and state RN medians as the baseline (the most statistically reliable public data source), with hyperbaric specialty premiums applied based on ZipRecruiter aggregated posting data, PayScale submissions, and industry reporting. State salary tables represent directional benchmarks — the actual hyperbaric premium in your state will vary by facility type, local supply/demand, and your certification level.
Average hyperbaric nurse salary
As of April 2026, ZipRecruiter reports the average annual salary for a hyperbaric nurse at approximately $101,711, with most positions falling between $71,500 (25th percentile) and $130,000 (75th percentile). Top earners in the 90th percentile reach $156,500 annually.
The national BLS median for all registered nurses was $93,600 in May 2024 (the most recent BLS release). Hyperbaric nurses typically earn 5–15% above the RN median in the same geographic market, reflecting the CHRN certification requirement, the specialized training overhead, and the relatively small number of CHRN-credentialed nurses available to fill positions.
The specialty is not as premium as flight nursing or CRNA, where the pay gap over staff nursing is substantial. Hyperbaric nursing pay is better understood as a moderate specialty premium — meaningful but not transformative — combined with working conditions that many nurses prefer: regular daytime hours, lower patient-to-nurse ratios than floor nursing, and minimal night/weekend rotation at most outpatient programs.
For context on how hyperbaric nursing pay compares to other specialty nursing tracks, see the ICU nurse salary guide and travel nurse salary guide.
Salary by certification level
CHRN certification is the clearest lever for increasing hyperbaric nursing salary. Non-certified RNs in hyperbaric units typically earn close to the regional RN median or modestly above it. CHRN-certified nurses command a premium that reflects both the credential’s market signal and the practical experience required to earn it (480 supervised hours, approved coursework, two-plus years of relevant clinical background). ACHRN holders, who hold the advanced credential requiring four-plus years of hyperbaric experience and demonstrated leadership, sit at the top of the range.
| Certification level | Typical annual salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RN (no hyperbaric certification) | $78,000–$90,000 | Near regional RN median; limited to facilities that hire pre-certification |
| CHRN (Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse) | $90,000–$110,000 | Standard credential; required or preferred for most positions |
| ACHRN (Advanced Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse) | $105,000–$130,000+ | Leadership and complex clinical roles; program director track |
| CHRN + wound care specialty certification | $100,000–$120,000 | Dual certification commands premium at programs combining wound and HBOT |
The CHRN premium over a non-certified RN in the same setting typically runs $5,000–$10,000 per year in base salary, with higher differentials at academic medical centers and federal facilities where certification steps are explicitly built into compensation frameworks. The ACHRN typically adds a further $10,000–$20,000 over CHRN in roles where it is relevant — primarily program coordination and leadership.
For full details on the CHRN certification path, see the how to become a hyperbaric nurse guide.
Salary by work setting
Where you work shapes hyperbaric nurse salary at least as much as certification. Outpatient hospital programs tend to pay above freestanding clinics. Military and VA positions add federal benefits and pension eligibility. Academic medical centers often carry the highest base salaries but are competitive to enter.
| Work setting | Typical annual salary | Key differentials |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital-based outpatient wound center | $88,000–$108,000 | Hospital HR frameworks; benefits typically strong; shift differentials less relevant (mostly daytime) |
| Freestanding outpatient hyperbaric clinic | $82,000–$98,000 | Often pays below hospital equivalents; smaller program; less support infrastructure |
| Academic medical center | $95,000–$118,000 | Highest base salaries; competitive hiring; teaching environment; strong benefits |
| Military / naval facility | $90,000–$115,000 (DoD civilian) | Federal pay scale (GS or equivalent); diving medicine subspecialty; CONUS and OCONUS positions |
| VA hospital | $88,000–$120,000 | Title 38 pay structure; pension eligible; PSLF eligible for loan forgiveness |
Hospital-based programs and academic medical centers account for the largest share of hyperbaric nursing positions. VA hospitals offer a distinct value proposition: lower base salaries than top-end private programs, but federal pension eligibility, comprehensive benefits, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility that can be worth tens of thousands of dollars over a career for nurses carrying student loan balances.
Salary by state
Geography is one of the strongest predictors of registered nurse salary — and by extension, hyperbaric nurse salary. The table below uses BLS SOC 29-1141 median annual wages for registered nurses by state (2024 data, published May 2026 via OEWS), with the understanding that hyperbaric specialty typically commands a premium of approximately $5,000–$15,000 above the state RN median depending on setting and certification level.
| State | BLS RN median (SOC 29-1141) | Est. hyperbaric RN range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $148,330 | $158,000–$175,000+ |
| Hawaii | $123,720 | $132,000–$148,000 |
| Oregon | $120,470 | $128,000–$144,000 |
| Washington | $115,740 | $123,000–$138,000 |
| Massachusetts | $112,610 | $120,000–$135,000 |
| Alaska | $112,040 | $119,000–$134,000 |
| New York | $110,490 | $118,000–$133,000 |
| New Jersey | $106,990 | $114,000–$129,000 |
| Connecticut | $103,670 | $111,000–$124,000 |
| Nevada | $102,280 | $109,000–$123,000 |
| Minnesota | $99,460 | $106,000–$118,000 |
| Maryland | $96,650 | $103,000–$116,000 |
| Colorado | $95,470 | $102,000–$114,000 |
| Arizona | $95,230 | $101,000–$114,000 |
| Texas | $91,690 | $98,000–$110,000 |
| Georgia | $91,960 | $98,000–$110,000 |
| Illinois | $91,130 | $97,000–$109,000 |
| Virginia | $90,930 | $97,000–$109,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $90,830 | $97,000–$109,000 |
| Michigan | $90,580 | $96,000–$108,000 |
| North Carolina | $86,270 | $92,000–$103,000 |
| Ohio | $86,110 | $92,000–$103,000 |
| Indiana | $85,850 | $91,000–$103,000 |
| Tennessee | $82,010 | $87,000–$98,000 |
| Missouri | $81,950 | $87,000–$98,000 |
Important caveat: The “estimated hyperbaric RN range” column adds an illustrative $5,000–$15,000 specialty premium to the state BLS RN median. This is a directional benchmark — actual hyperbaric nurse salaries vary by specific employer, certification level, and local supply. In states with very few hyperbaric programs, the limited supply of CHRN-certified nurses can push wages above this estimate. In states with many programs competing for the same talent pool, the premium may compress.
California stands out sharply. The combination of California’s unique nurse-to-patient ratio laws (which drive up RN compensation across all specialties), the density of academic medical centers and wound care programs, and the high cost of living creates a hyperbaric nurse salary ceiling significantly above any other state.
Salary by experience level
Hyperbaric nursing has a compressed early career — you cannot enter the specialty as a new graduate — which means the experience curve starts at a different baseline than floor nursing.
| Experience level | Description | Typical annual salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry hyperbaric (2–5 yrs total RN; newly CHRN-certified) | First hyperbaric position; CHRN obtained within last year or in progress | $80,000–$92,000 |
| Mid-career (5–10 yrs total RN; 3–5 yrs hyperbaric) | CHRN in good standing; established in a program; may be acting as preceptor | $92,000–$108,000 |
| Senior (10+ yrs total RN; 6+ yrs hyperbaric) | Senior staff or charge role; ACHRN eligible or certified | $105,000–$120,000 |
| Program coordinator / director | ACHRN; managing clinical operations, staffing, UHMS accreditation compliance | $115,000–$135,000+ |
The entry-level hyperbaric salary reflects the fact that most nurses entering the specialty are bringing two to five years of wound care, ICU, or emergency experience — they are not starting from zero. The salary step-up from non-hyperbaric nursing to a first hyperbaric position is typically modest; the larger gains come with CHRN certification and subsequent years in the specialty.
How to increase your hyperbaric nurse salary
Obtain CHRN certification. This is the single highest-return action for most hyperbaric nurses currently working without credentials. The $5,000–$10,000 annual premium recoup the exam cost (maximum $400 for non-members) in the first year. If your employer does not offer a certification bonus, the salary leverage at your next position negotiation more than compensates.
Pursue ACHRN. For nurses with four or more years of hyperbaric experience, ACHRN certification opens program coordination and director roles that carry $15,000–$30,000 annual salary increases over staff RN positions.
Add wound care certification. The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB) and the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) offer wound care certifications (CWCN, CWS) that are directly complementary to hyperbaric nursing. Dual certification in hyperbaric and wound care is valued at combined-service programs and can command a higher salary than either credential alone.
Choose your setting strategically. If salary maximization is a priority, academic medical centers and military or VA facilities typically pay above freestanding outpatient clinics. California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii consistently pay the highest RN wages and extend those premiums to hyperbaric nurses.
Pursue travel and contract work. CHRN-credentialed nurses are in demand for travel contracts at facilities launching programs or covering temporary vacancies. Contract rates carry a meaningful premium over permanent equivalent positions.
Negotiate at hire. The specialty nurse pool is small. Facilities filling hyperbaric positions are not choosing from a large applicant list. CHRN certification and relevant wound care or ICU experience give you genuine negotiating leverage — particularly if you are relocating to fill a need or can demonstrate ACHRN eligibility.
Travel and contract hyperbaric nursing
The CHRN credential has strong value in the travel nursing market specifically because the supply of CHRN-certified nurses is small relative to demand, and facilities with open hyperbaric positions cannot afford extended vacancies.
Travel hyperbaric nursing assignments typically run 13 weeks and are concentrated at hospital wound care programs that are starting up, expanding, or covering staffing gaps. Weekly gross pay for travel hyperbaric nurses ranges from approximately $2,200 to $3,200 per week (blended base plus tax-free stipends for housing and meals), translating to roughly $115,000–$166,000 annualized — substantially above permanent position equivalents in the same market.
The trade-offs are real: travel assignments come with relocation every 13 weeks, variable benefit packages (health insurance and retirement matching may be weaker than a permanent employer’s), and the need to rapidly orient to new chamber systems and wound care protocols with each placement. For nurses who are mobile and prioritize income maximization, travel hyperbaric nursing is among the more financially rewarding specialty contract niches in nursing.
Most travel nursing staffing agencies that place specialty RNs — including Aya Healthcare, AMN Nursing, and Travel Nurse Across America — maintain hyperbaric and wound care specialty desks, though volume is lower than the more common ICU and ED travel assignments.
For context on how travel hyperbaric pay compares to general travel nursing rates, see the travel nurse salary guide.
Career advancement and earnings ceiling
The earnings ceiling in hyperbaric nursing is shaped by how far into program leadership you move.
Staff hyperbaric nurse (CHRN, senior level): $105,000–$120,000. The ceiling for remaining in direct patient care with CHRN credentials in a high-cost-of-living market. California staff positions and VA senior grades can push to $125,000.
Wound care program coordinator: Oversees clinical operations for combined wound care and HBOT programs, with responsibility for scheduling, quality metrics, and multidisciplinary coordination. Typically requires CHRN with 5+ years of experience. Salary range: $110,000–$130,000.
Hyperbaric program director: Full program management — staffing, budget, UHMS accreditation compliance, physician relations, quality assurance. Requires ACHRN or equivalent advanced certification, management experience, and in some settings a graduate degree in nursing administration or healthcare management. Salary range: $120,000–$145,000+.
Clinical educator and course developer: Nurses who develop NBDHMT-accredited training courses, provide consulting services to facilities launching hyperbaric programs, or work with equipment vendors in a clinical specialist capacity can command $100,000–$130,000, with consulting income supplement.
The practical ceiling for hyperbaric nursing income — without moving into administrative or NP-level roles — is lower than specialties with 24/7 coverage and on-call premiums (flight nursing, CRNA, ER leadership). The trade-off is the working conditions: regular daytime hours, predictable patient volumes, and a focused scope that many experienced nurses find more sustainable over a long career.
FAQ
What is the average hyperbaric nurse salary?
The national average for hyperbaric nurses is approximately $95,000–$102,000 annually as of 2026, based on ZipRecruiter aggregated posting data. The range runs from around $78,000 for RNs newly entering the specialty without CHRN certification to $130,000+ for ACHRN-certified program directors in high-cost-of-living states.
Does CHRN certification increase your salary?
Yes. CHRN certification typically adds $5,000–$10,000 per year over non-certified RNs in the same hyperbaric setting. The premium is more pronounced at academic medical centers and federal facilities where certification is explicitly built into compensation tiers. Travel contracts also pay a premium specifically for CHRN-credentialed nurses.
Which states pay hyperbaric nurses the most?
California pays the highest, with RN medians around $148,330 (BLS 2024) and hyperbaric specialty nurses likely earning $158,000 and above in hospital and academic settings. Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts round out the top five. These states have both high base RN wages and strong academic medical center density that supports specialty wound care programs.
How much do travel hyperbaric nurses make?
Travel hyperbaric nursing contracts typically pay $2,200–$3,200 per week in gross compensation (base pay plus tax-free housing and meal stipends), translating to approximately $115,000–$166,000 annualized. Actual rates depend on location, facility urgency, and your certification level. CHRN certification is usually required for hyperbaric travel assignments.
Do hyperbaric nurses get paid more than floor nurses?
Yes, hyperbaric nurses earn modestly more than the typical staff floor nurse — roughly 5–15% above the regional RN median in comparable settings, reflecting specialty certification requirements and technical training. The premium is not as large as specialties with 24-hour coverage demands (ICU, ER, flight nursing), but it comes with more favorable working conditions: predominantly daytime hours, lower patient volume per nurse, and minimal weekend or night rotation at most outpatient programs.
What is the salary for a hyperbaric nurse at a VA hospital?
VA nurses are paid under Title 38 rather than the General Schedule pay scale. Entry-level VA Registered Nurses (Nurse I) start around $60,000 in lower-cost-of-living areas; Nurse III positions in high-cost markets (DC metro, Los Angeles, San Francisco) can reach $130,000–$148,000. The Title 38 structure means pay depends on grade assignment, locality adjustment, and any specialty differentials. VA positions also include federal pension eligibility and PSLF eligibility for student loan forgiveness.
How does hyperbaric nurse pay compare to wound care nurse pay?
The comparison is closely matched because significant overlap exists between the roles. Wound care nurses without HBOT training typically earn $80,000–$100,000; CHRN-certified nurses working in combined wound and hyperbaric roles earn $90,000–$110,000. The hyperbaric credential adds the premium — not the wound care experience alone.
What benefits do hyperbaric nurses typically receive?
Most hospital-based and academic hyperbaric programs include a full benefits package: health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement contributions (403(b) or pension for hospital systems, pension for VA and federal); paid time off; continuing education allowance for CHRN recertification costs; and in some systems, clinical ladder bonuses tied to certification. Travel contracts replace these with stipends and a per-contract agency health plan — compare carefully before accepting a travel position based on gross weekly pay alone.