A flight nurse, also known as a transport nurse, helps to transport patients from one place to another, typically via emergency helicopter. There are a variety of different factors involved in the average flight nurse salary, and those include not only certifications and other education, but also location, and experience.
The flight nurse works alongside other medical staff to monitor the patient’s vitals and help to reassure the patient and keep them calm during the flight. The nurse may also be put in charge of administering any necessary medications needed during the flight, treat any wounds, and administer CPR when needed.
This job is highly stressful and is a very competitive market to get into. The ideal candidate for this position is someone who not only is excellent under pressure, but can handle high-stress situations, has a strong knowledge of not only medical equipment, medications, and supplies, but can also think on their feet and have a people-oriented personality.
How Much Does a Flight Nurse Make Per Year?
In the United States, the average yearly flight nurse salary is around $69,100. Those numbers can and will change depending on a number of factors that will be discussed below.
Flight nurses are needed worldwide, so, below, we have listed the annual flight nurse salary (converted into US dollars) for flight nurses in select countries worldwide.
United States
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$29.82 | $69,136 |
Canada
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$29.03 | $59,677.91 |
United Kingdom
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$27.90 | $56,993.48 |
Australia
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$40.86 | $84,426.04 |
New Zealand
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$31.47 | $65,190.35 |
India
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$4.26 | $8,852.69 |
South Africa
HOURLY | ANNUAL |
|---|---|
$10.99 | $22,915.47 |
Factors that Influence the Average Flight Nurse Salary
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As mentioned above, there are a number of different factors that are involved in deciding an annual flight nurse salary, and a few of them are listed below.
Two of the biggest factors include the education the candidate has, including certificates, and the location in which they are looking to work in. This is closely followed by the overall experience the candidate has.
1. Education
In order to become a flight nurse, a candidate must be a registered nurse and earn their nursing degree either through a 2-year associate degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Some choose to get their master’s degree in nursing, and while it may not be required in many locations, it will help in making you an ideal candidate.
Along with a degree, most nurses are required to attain a number of additional certifications to allow them to become flight nurses.
One is the Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), which is open to any registered nurse with unrestricted licenses. Other certifications that most flight nurses are required to attain before employment include:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course (TPATC)
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) strongly preferred until CFRN certification is completed
Image via Freepik
2. Location
Another critical factor that can determine a flight nurse salary includes the place in which they choose to work. One of the biggest salary differences in this field is based on the overall geographic region, so we have taken a look at annual flight nurse salaries in a few different countries and listed them below.
Flight Nurse Salary in the US
On average, flight nurses in the United States make $69,136 (USD) annually, and around $29.82 (USD) hourly. The entry-level flight nurse salary begins at around $54,214 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $94,313 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, flight nurses earn $1,235 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Flight Nurse Salary in Canada
On average, flight nurses in Canada make $59,677.91 (USD) annually, and around $29.03 (USD) hourly. The entry-level flight nurse salary begins at around $42,437.28 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $73,852.20 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, flight nurses earn $966.43 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Flight Nurse Salary in the UK
On average, flight nurses in the UK make $56,993.48 (USD) annually and around $27.90 (USD) hourly. The entry-level flight nurse salary begins at around $40,528.34 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $70,506.02 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, flight nurses earn $923.51 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Flight Nurse Salary in Australia
On average, flight nurses in Australia make $84,426.04 (USD) annually and around $40.86 (USD) hourly. The entry-level flight nurse salary begins at around $60,133.74 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $104,610.30 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, flight nurses earn $1,367.86 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Flight Nurse Salary in New Zealand
On average, flight nurses in New Zealand make $65,190.35 (USD) annually and around $31.47 (USD) hourly. The entry-level flight nurse salary begins at around $42,437.28 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $80,711.47 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, flight nurses earn $1,056.27 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Flight Nurse Salary in India
On average, flight nurses in India make $8,852.69 (USD) annually and around $4.26 (USD) hourly. The entry-level flight nurse salary begins at around $6,392.32 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $11,120.28 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, flight nurses earn $143.42 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Flight Nurse Salary in South Africa
On average, flight nurses in South Africa make $59,677.91 (USD) annually and around $29.03 (USD) hourly. The entry-level flight nurse salary begins at around $42,437.28 (USD) though has the potential to grow to $73,852.20 (USD) annually with the proper education and experience. On average, flight nurses earn $966.43 (USD) annually in bonuses.
Image via Freepik
3. Experience
Overall experience in this field is one of the leading factors in deciding the overall flight nurse salary, no matter what the location. Because this field is so competitive, employers want nurses that not only have experience in the general medical field, but that also have experience in trauma, critical care, and emergency trauma.
For those who have 10-20 years of experience in the field, flight nurse salaries are up by 21%, whereas those in their late-career, meaning those with more than 20 years of experience, have annual salaries up by 25%.
Working Hours
A flight nurse is expected to work both weekday and weekend shifts with a minimum of seven (12-hour) on-call shifts each month. In most cases, flight nurses typically work full-time hours, which is generally defined as 36 to 40 hours per week, and overtime is often paid for hours worked in excess.
When on call, flight nurses are expected to be able to arrive at their designated airport or hospital within one hour. Because many air transports are an emergency-based situation, a quick arrival time is essential.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
As far as benefit packages go for flight nurses, they typically receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Benefits packages do generally include paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick time. They also include 401k/403B, disability, social security, and pension benefits.
As far as bonuses go, it really depends on where the nurse is working and what their facility offers. Many offer annual performance bonuses, and some even provide completion bonuses, signing/sign-on bonuses, and referral/recruitment bonuses.
Flight Nurse Salary: Conclusion
Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash
Flight nurses fall under the registered nurse occupation, and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15% from 2016 to 2026. The overall demand for healthcare services is expected to increase because of the ever-aging population.
Flight nurses will be an essential part of the nursing staff not only for hospitals, but they may soon become necessary for outpatient facilities as well.
This is because outpatient facilities are projected to see a rise in popularity as many hospitals are being put under pressure to treat and release patients as soon as possible. This means that long-term care facilities and outpatient care centers will begin to see higher numbers and will need to increase their staff.
While flight nurses earn a solid salary and the job includes strong benefits, it can be very stressful. So, while the earnings and benefits are inciting, prospects need to be able to deal with the constant go-pacing of the job and all the stress that goes along with it.
That being said, future employment prospects do remain stable in the registered nursing category, but for those looking to enter the field of flight nursing, it is important to remember that it is a competitive field and experience and education play a significant factor.
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