Hyperbaric nurses earn approximately $95,000–$102,000 annually on aggregator estimates, with CHRN-certified nurses at the top of that range and experienced program coordinators or ACHRN holders pushing well above it. That band sits close to the national RN median of $97,550 (BLS OEWS, May 2025) rather than clearly above it – the specialty’s earnings advantage shows up at the credentialed and leadership end of the ladder, not at entry.
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, June 2026) | ~$48.90/hr |
| National RN median (BLS SOC 29-1141, May 2025) | $97,550 |
| National RN mean (BLS SOC 29-1141, May 2025) | $101,420 |
| 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 June 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. Note that ZipRecruiter returns the same modeled figure for the “wound care nurse” title, which is a sign the platform is pooling closely related postings rather than measuring hyperbaric nursing separately.
The national BLS median for all registered nurses is $97,550, with a mean of $101,420 (OEWS, May 2025 – the most recent release). Set against that, the aggregator average for hyperbaric nursing is close to the all-RN median rather than far above it. The premium that does exist is concentrated in the credentialed tiers: CHRN holders in hospital and academic programs, and ACHRN holders in program coordination, where salaries run above the RN median by a clear margin. Non-certified RNs entering a hyperbaric unit should expect pay near their regional RN median, not a specialty uplift.
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 logged hours of direct hyperbaric patient care after an NBDHMT-approved 40-hour entry course, one year of active hyperbaric experience within the last two years, and two years of clinical experience or one year of critical care). ACHRN holders sit at the top of the range, and the ladder to that credential is longer than it first appears: an applicant may only request advanced certification after three years of holding basic CHRN status, on top of a minimum three years’ experience in hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 480 hours per year plus documented leadership contributions. NBDHMT also awards a third tier, the CHRNC (Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse Clinician), which requires a master’s degree plus five years in the specialty and is the credential attached to the most senior clinical and academic roles.
| 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 |
| CHRNC (Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse Clinician) | $110,000–$135,000+ | Requires a master's degree and five years in the specialty; senior clinical, academic, and program-management roles |
| 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 (OEWS May 2025 estimates, the current release), 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. These are medians, not means – the two are not interchangeable, and state wage tables on specialty salary pages frequently print one under the other’s heading.
| State | BLS RN median (SOC 29-1141) | Est. hyperbaric RN range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $140,270 | $145,000–$155,000 |
| Hawaii | $136,320 | $141,000–$151,000 |
| Oregon | $129,010 | $134,000–$144,000 |
| Washington | $124,200 | $129,000–$139,000 |
| Alaska | $109,480 | $114,000–$124,000 |
| New York | $109,440 | $114,000–$124,000 |
| New Jersey | $106,500 | $112,000–$122,000 |
| Massachusetts | $104,550 | $110,000–$120,000 |
| Nevada | $103,670 | $109,000–$119,000 |
| Connecticut | $102,740 | $108,000–$118,000 |
| Minnesota | $101,510 | $107,000–$117,000 |
| Colorado | $100,260 | $105,000–$115,000 |
| Maryland | $99,790 | $105,000–$115,000 |
| Arizona | $99,500 | $104,000–$114,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,430 | $101,000–$111,000 |
| Illinois | $95,990 | $101,000–$111,000 |
| Texas | $95,970 | $101,000–$111,000 |
| Michigan | $94,300 | $99,000–$109,000 |
| Virginia | $93,600 | $99,000–$109,000 |
| Georgia | $93,550 | $99,000–$109,000 |
| North Carolina | $84,350 | $89,000–$99,000 |
| Indiana | $83,500 | $88,000–$98,000 |
| Ohio | $82,510 | $88,000–$98,000 |
| Missouri | $81,780 | $87,000–$97,000 |
| Tennessee | $81,500 | $86,000–$96,000 |
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 recoups the exam cost in the first year – NBDHMT charges $250 for Baromedical Nurses Association members, $300 for UHMS or ACHM members, and $400 for non-members. 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 three 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. ACHRN also requires 60 CEUs over the four-year cycle, at least 30 of them Category A, plus documented evidence of at least two leadership contributions such as teaching, unit administration, or coordinating HBOT nursing care.
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). For scale, Vivian Health’s national average for travel wound care contracts – the closest tracked specialty – was $2,439 per week as of July 2026, against an all-nursing travel average of $2,176. A straight 52-week multiplication gives $114,400–$166,400, but almost no traveler works 52 contracted weeks in a row: allowing for the gaps between 13-week assignments, licensing waits, and unpaid time between placements, $95,000–$140,000 is the realistic annual range. That still sits above permanent position equivalents in the same market, though by less than the headline weekly rate suggests.
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 an RN median of $140,270 (BLS OEWS, May 2025) and hyperbaric specialty nurses likely earning $145,000 and above in hospital and academic settings. Hawaii ($136,320), Oregon ($129,010), Washington ($124,200), and Alaska ($109,480) round out the top five by state RN median. Treat that fifth slot as a tie rather than a ranking: New York’s median is $109,440, forty dollars behind Alaska, so the two are indistinguishable in practice and either could lead in the next OEWS release. These states have both high base RN wages and strong academic medical center density that supports specialty wound care programs, though Alaska is the exception on that second count and its high median reflects cost-of-living and recruitment pressure rather than specialty program depth.
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). Multiplied across a full 52 weeks that would be $114,400–$166,400, but travelers rarely string contracts back to back – accounting for gaps between 13-week assignments and licensing waits, $95,000–$140,000 is the realistic annual range. 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?
Only once you are certified. Aggregator averages for hyperbaric nursing ($95,000–$102,000) sit close to the national RN median of $97,550 (BLS OEWS, May 2025), so a non-certified RN moving into a hyperbaric unit should not expect a specialty uplift on its own. CHRN holders in hospital and academic programs typically run $5,000–$10,000 above a non-certified peer in the same setting, and ACHRN-credentialed coordinators clear the median by a wide margin. The premium is smaller than in specialties with 24-hour coverage demands (ICU, ER, flight nursing), and 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.
References
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Registered Nurses,” Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), SOC 29-1141, May 2025. National median annual wage $97,550; mean $101,420.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Registered Nurses,” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Projected 6% employment growth 2025–2035 (3,465,400 RNs in 2025 rising to a projected 3,660,100 in 2035), about 180,800 openings per year.
- O*NET OnLine, “Wages – Registered Nurses (29-1141.00),” state wage detail drawn from the BLS OEWS May 2025 release. Source for every state median in the table above.
- National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT), “Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse Exam Registration Form.” Eligibility: current RN license; two years clinical experience in a hospital or hospital-based clinic, or one year critical care; NBDHMT-approved entry-level hyperbaric course within five years (or 30 Category A CEUs); one year active hyperbaric experience within the last two years including 480 preceptor-signed hours. Exam fee $250 BNA member, $300 UHMS or ACHM member, $400 non-member.
- National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT), “Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse Recertification Form.” Recertification required every four years: 40 CEUs total with a minimum of 20 Category A, plus one year and 480 hyperbaric hours in the last 12 months. Fees $150 BNA member, $200 UHMS or ACHM member, $250 non-member; $100 reinstatement fee on a lapsed credential. ACHRN requires a minimum of three years in the specialty and 60 CEUs (30 Category A); CHRNC requires a master’s degree, five years in the specialty, and 60 CEUs (30 Category A).
- Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), “Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation Program Standards,” 2024.
- Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), “Certification Overview: CWCN and Related Credentials,” 2025.
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, “VA Nurse Pay: Title 38 Locality Pay System,” 2025.
- Vivian Health, “Average Travel Wound Care Nurse Salary by State and Nationally.” National average $2,439 per week as of July 2026, against an all-nursing travel average of $2,176. Marketplace snapshots reflect open contracts in a rolling seven-day window and reshuffle quickly.