Trauma nurses work with physicians, trauma surgeons and other healthcare professionals to provide emergency treatment to patients. In the US, trauma nurses earn about $105,000 per year compared to AU$156,000 ($118,046 USD) in Australia. Annual salaries in US dollar currency are similar in New Zealand and Canada at NZ$131,000 ($90,231 USD) and C$107,000 ($83,569 USD), respectively, followed by £59,000 ($69,927 USD) in the UK. On the lower end of the pay scale are South Africa at R418,000 ($30,640 USD) and India at Rs813,000 ($12,617 USD). Earning potential varies for trauma nurses based on geographic region as well as their years of professional experience and work setting. Salary information and career insights are provided in this guide.
How Much Does Trauma Nurse Make per Year?
The chart below displays annual and hourly wages trauma nurses in select countries worldwide.
| Trauma Nurse Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $50 | C$52 | £28 | AU$75 | NZ$63 | Rs391 | R201 |
| Annual Wage | $104,824 | C$107,403 ($83,569 USD) |
£58,973 ($69,927 USD) |
AU$155,868 ($118,046 USD) |
NZ$130,867 ($90,231 USD) |
Rs812,576 ($12,617 USD) |
R418,279 ($30,640 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Trauma Nurse Salary
Earnings for trauma nurses vary worldwide by geographic region as well as professional experience and work setting. Information on salaries and career work as a trauma nurse are provided in this guide.
1. Geographic Area
Trauma Nurse Salary in US
In the US, trauma nurses earn about $105,000 in annual base salary and another $2,000 or more in bonus income pay. Hourly wage earners receive an average of $50 per hour. On average, entry level pay tops $73,000 annually compared to more than $130,000 per year for senior level positions.
Trauma Nurse Salary in Canada
Trauma nurses in Canada earn an average annual salary of more than C$107,000 while hourly wages are about C$52 per hour. When employers offer bonus income, the average payment exceeds C$2,200. Those beginning their careers see an average entry level salary of about C$75,000 while senior level professionals earn well of C$133,000 per year.
Trauma Nurse Salary in UK
Trauma nurses in the UK earn roughly £59,000 per year, or £28 per hour, with another £1,200 or more available in bonus pay. During the early years of a trauma nurse’s career, the average entry level salary is more than £41,000 per year, increasing to more than £73,000 annually for senior level positions.
Trauma Nurse Salary in Australia
Trauma nurses in Australia see annual pay reaching AU$156,000 with another AU$3,200 in bonus income potential. Those paid an hourly wage receive AU$75 per hour. The average annual salary for entry level positions is more than AU$109,000 while senior level positions garner an average annual salary that can reach AU$194,000.
Trauma Nurse Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average annual salary is about NZ$131,000 per year, or NZ$63 per hour, with another NZ$2,700 in bonus income. Early career trauma nurses earn about NZ$92,000 annually with earnings increasing throughout their career to nearly NZ$163,000 per year, on average.
Trauma Nurse Salary in India
Trauma nurses in India see annual earnings that can reach Rs813,000 per year plus another Rs17,000 in bonus income pay. The average hourly wage is Rs391 per hour. Entry level pay is just under Rs577,000 annually while senior level positions garner an average salary of about Rs1,025,000 per year.
Trauma Nurse Salary in South Africa
As a trauma nurse in South Africa, annual earnings exceed R418,000 in base salary and an additional R8,600 in bonus pay. Hourly wage earners see about R201 per hour. While entry level trauma nurses earn R295,000 annually, their senior level colleagues earn about R524,000 per year.
2. Experience
Data on salaries shows a worldwide increase of roughly 77% to 80% in earning potential that is commensurate with additional experience. For example, in Australia and the US where salaries are already at the highest level, senior level professionals earn AU$95,000 more and $57,000 more, respectively, per year compared their entry level counterparts. This increase percentage is similar in India where the difference between senior level and entry level pay is about 80%, or Rs448,000 per year.
3. Industry
Trauma nurses work in emergency situations where acute care is provided. These settings include emergency rooms, operating rooms, and rescue efforts. Due to the nature of their work and acute care settings, there is little variance in work setting for trauma nurses; however, nonprofit and public sector employment may offer fewer opportunities for bonus income compared to for-profit and private sector organizations.
Working Hours
While most trauma nurses work full-time, defined as 36 to 40 hours per week, there are opportunities for part-time employment. While trauma nurses may have consistent scheduled work hours, because they work in emergency situations, they may be called upon at any time or day, meaning on-call hours are often required.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Benefits packages that include medical, dental, and vision coverage are typically provided to trauma nurses, as well as paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. Some employers also offer bonus income and hiring bonuses are sometimes offered in areas with a nursing shortage. Other perks for trauma nurses may include retirement plans, paid training or conference attendance, and allowances for meals or commuting expenses. Those who work part-time may receive a smaller benefits package or may be ineligible for benefits or bonus pay.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 15% growth rate for registered nurses, including trauma nurses, between 2016 and 2026. The need for trauma nurses is expected as the world experiences advancements in medicine and treatments. A career as a trauma nurse requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing and successful completion of a licensing exam. Those who hold a master’s degree may see higher incomes or be more competitive for some positions.
Conclusion
Trauma nurses earn solid salaries with a full range of benefits and bonus packages. While most work full-time, there also are part-time employment opportunities. The future of trauma nursing is expected to see increased demand and growth, which should support salary levels and provide employment opportunities for newly trained professionals.
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