Some health issues creep in over time while others are sudden and need immediate attention. One such is getting hurt in an accident. When wounded, you not only need to be treated by a specialist doctor but also taken care of as you recover from it. Wound care nurses play this role (and more as we discuss later). While their life-saving knowledge, skill, and patience cannot be quantified, a part reflection of their value in the healthcare ecosystem is wound care nurse salary range viz. $53,225 to $182,890 annually on average[1]. To put in perspective, on average it’s almost twice the average annual salary across the US (viz. $59,384, per U.S. Bureau of Labor report in Q4 of 2023[2]). Further, about 70%[1] of wound care nurses report being satisfied given the cost of living of the region they work in.
| Description | Salary |
|---|---|
| Average Wound Care Nurse Salary in US | $98,662 per year[1] |
| Wound Care Nurse Salary per Hour | $42.04 per hour[1] |
| Wound Care Nurse Salary per Month | $6,985 per month[1] |
While the above stats on wound care nurse salaries give an overview, the devil (or the truth) is in the detail. Because one must remember that they don’t get paid the same in every location – the living cost, local market demand, and employer policies decide that. Similarly, their career stage, skills, and education also factor into a wound care nurse’s wage. These fluctuations also hint that there is no one true source of data on their salaries. However, researching the reported salaries across reliable job boards, healthcare communities, and market research domians – can give us a fair and educated figure. And this is what you’ll find in this 2024 Wound Care Nurse Salary Guide. Additionally, we will delve into the comparison of a wound care nurse salary with that of other popular nursing specialities, the impact of various factors on their salaries, and how the salary of a wound care nurse is projected over the coming years. We believe these should help you make an informed decision on pursuing wound care nurse job and negotiating your salary as well.
Let’s start by discussing the pay range for wound care nurses in those US states where they are most in demand.
Wound Care Nurse Salaries in In-demand US States
Wound care nurse salaries vary significantly across different states in the US even where they are highly in demand. In the list below, for instance, nurses in New York enjoy an average annual salary of $122,687 – the highest. Whereas their counterparts in Texas earn the lowest – an average of $81,845 per year. The salary range also shows considerable fluctuations: Nurses in New York can expect a salary anywhere between $68,641 and $219,288 per year, while those in Illinois might see salaries ranging from $56,965 to $135,575.
| State with High Demand for Wound Care Nurses | Lower End of Annual Salary | Average Wound Care Nurse Annual Salary | Upper End of Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wound Care Nurse Salary in Michigan | $48,853 per year | $92,863 per year | $176,522 per year |
| Wound Care Nurse Salary in Texas | $39,752 per year | $81,845 per year | $168,511 per year |
| Wound Care Nurse Salary in Florida | $46,867 per year | $90,683 per year | $175,463 per year |
| Wound Care Nurse Salary in Georgia | $53,456 per year | $85,246 per year | $135,942 per year |
| Wound Care Nurse Salary in New York | $68,641 per year | $122,687 per year | $219,288 per year |
| Wound Care Nurse Salary in California | $73,990 per year | $120,749 per year | $197,058 per year |
| Wound Care Nurse Salary in Las Vegas | $47,873 per year | $94,592 per year | $186,905 per year |
| Wound Care Nurse Salary in Illinois | $56,965 per year | $87,881 per year | $135,575 per year |
*source: indeed[1]
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What Does a Wound Care Nurse Do
As the name suggests, a wound care nurse specializes in treating patients with acute and chronic wounds – anything from skin tears, and severe burns to surgical incisions, and diabetic sores. They typically work with doctors to assess wounds, develop care plans, and implement treatment wound care techniques. Given the sensitive nature of the role, they are also required to have people skills to manage and educate an emotionally charged patient and their family members.
To get started as a wound care nurse, it is a must to be a registered nurse (RN) and then obtain specialized certification in wound care; often through courses and exams provided by organizations like the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB).
A wound care nurse starting salary can be around $30.62 per hour[3] and can progress incrementally with experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills.
Suggested Reading: Career as a Nurse in US in 2024
How Much Do Wound Care Nurses Make in a Year, Month, and Hour in the US in 2024
In 2024, wound care nurse salaries range significantly. At the lower end, they earn $22.68 per hour, $3,769 per month, and $53,239 annually. Average salaries are $42.04 per hour, $6,985 per month, and $98,662 annually. High earners make $77.90 per hour, $12,945 per month, and $182,838 annually.
| Wound Care Nurse Salary | Per Hour | Per Week | Per Month | Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower end salary | $22.68 | $974 | $3,769 | $53,239 |
| Average base salary | $42.04 | $1,805 | $6,985 | $98,662 |
| Higher end salary | $77.90 | $3,345 | $12,945 | $182,838 |
*source: indeed[1]
Suggested Reading: 2024 Salary Guide for US Nurse Practitioners
Median Wound Care Nurse Salary
Half of all wound care nurses in the US earn an annual salary of around $108,405 (median). However, there’s a significant range, with the bottom 10% making as little as $78,270 and the top 10% exceeding $146,985. This highlights the impact of factors like experience and location on a wound care nurse’s earning potential.
| Percentile | Wound Care Nurse Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $78,270 per year |
| 25% | $92,631 per year |
| 50% | $108,405 per year |
| 75% | $128,599 per year |
| 90% | $146,985 per year |
*source: Salary[4]
Wound Care Nurse Salary and Benefits Breakdown
Median Wound Care Nurse Compensation Breakdown
While the median wound care nurse earns a base salary of $108,405, total compensation reaches $148,428 due to benefits. These benefits make up a significant 27% of the total package, with healthcare and time off being the most valuable components.
| Annual Core Compensation of Wound Care Nurse | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $108,405 | 73.0% |
| Bonus | $0 | 0% |
| Annual Value of Benefits for Wound Care Nurses | ||
| Median | % of Total | |
| Social Security | $8,293 | 5.6% |
| 401K/403B | $5,312 | 3.6% |
| Disability | $1,734 | 1.2% |
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 4.3% |
| Pension | $4,553 | 3.1% |
| Time Off | $13,759 | 9.3% |
| Total Compensation | $148,428 | 100% |
*source: Salary[4]
Common Benefits for Wound Care Nurses
Per PayScale[5], the majority of wound care nurses (70%) receive medical insurance as part of their benefits package. Dental and vision plans are also common, offered to 63% and 56% of nurses respectively. However, nearly a third (29%) of nurses don’t receive any benefits.
| 401(k) | Employee discount | Opportunities for advancement |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k) matching | Flexible schedule | Paid time off |
| Continuing education credits | Flexible spending account | Referral program |
| Dental insurance | Health insurance | Tuition reimbursement |
| Disability insurance | Life insurance | Vision insurance |
| Employee assistance program | Mileage reimbursement |
*source: indeed[1]
Wound Care Nurse Salary by State
Below we explore the core of wound care nurse salaries – state by state wound care nurse salary. And the table shows clearly that the salaries vary dramatically across the country. While some states, like the District of Columbia, offer a very high average annual salary of $180,184, others, like North Dakota, pay significantly less at $58,260. This vast difference highlights the crucial role of location in a wound care nurse’s compensation. Even within neighboring states, pay can differ by tens of thousands of dollars with neighboring states like Oregon boasting $165,591 compared to Idaho’s $121,194 per year.
| State | Avg. Wound Care Nurse Salary Annual | Avg. Wound Care Nurse Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $105,534 per year | $44.96 per hour |
| Alaska | $129,698 per year | $55.26 per hour |
| Arizona | $93,257 per year | $39.73 per hour |
| Arkansas | $114,158 per year | $48.64 per hour |
| California | $120,703 per year | $51.43 per hour |
| Colorado | $93,546 per year | $39.86 per hour |
| Connecticut | $113,366 per year | $48.30 per hour |
| Delaware | $136,369 per year | $58.10 per hour |
| District of Columbia | $180,184 per year | $76.77 per hour |
| Florida | $90,683 per year | $38.64 per hour |
| Georgia | $85,246 per year | $36.32 per hour |
| Hawaii | $132,304 per year | $56.37 per hour |
| Idaho | $121,194 per year | $51.64 per hour |
| Illinois | $87,881 per year | $37.44 per hour |
| Indiana | $114,263 per year | $48.68 per hour |
| Iowa | $84,837 per year | $36.15 per hour |
| Kansas | $84,028 per year | $35.80 per hour |
| Kentucky | $79,922 per year | $34.05 per hour |
| Louisiana | $70,149 per year | $29.89 per hour |
| Maine | $110,431 per year | $47.05 per hour |
| Maryland | $95,783 per year | $40.81 per hour |
| Massachusetts | $144,683 per year | $61.64 per hour |
| Michigan | $92,863 per year | $39.57 per hour |
| Minnesota | $90,595 per year | $38.60 per hour |
| Mississippi | $79,931 per year | $34.06 per hour |
| Missouri | $90,216 per year | $38.44 per hour |
| Montana | $90,746 per year | $38.66 per hour |
| Nebraska | $88,049 per year | $35.56 per hour |
| Nevada | $83,464 per year | $37.51 per hour |
| New Hampshire | $116,788 per year | $49.76 per hour |
| New Jersey | $111,926 per year | $47.69 per hour |
| New Mexico | $75,826 per year | $32.31 per hour |
| New York | $116,556 per year | $49.66 per hour |
| North Carolina | $88,366 per year | $37.65 per hour |
| North Dakota | $58,260 per year | $24.82 per hour |
| Ohio | $85,733 per year | $36.53 per hour |
| Oklahoma | $89,609 per year | $38.18 per hour |
| Oregon | $165,591 per year | $50.85 per hour |
| Pennsylvania | $99,662 per year | $42.46 per hour |
| Rhode Island | $99,244 per year | $42.28 per hour |
| South Carolina | $73,672 per year | $31.39 per hour |
| South Dakota | $155,633 per year | $66.31 per hour |
| Tennessee | $89,440 per year | $38.11 per hour |
| Texas | $81,836 per year | $34.87 per hour |
| Utah | $121,109 per year | $51.60 per hour |
| Vermont | $113,876 per year | $48.52 per hour |
| Virginia | $96,126 per year | $40.96 per hour |
| Washington | $95,512 per year | $40.69 per hour |
| West Virginia | $77,797 per year | $33.15 per hour |
| Wisconsin | $83,087 per year | $35.40 per hour |
| Wyoming | $95,776 per year | $40.81 per hour |
*source: Indeed[1]
To help you make sense of the large data set, so we’ve compiled a list of the top ten highest and lowest-paying states for wound care nurses in the sections below.
However, it’s important to note that states with the highest incomes aren’t necessarily the best places to work as a wound care nurse. Consider factors such as living expenses, job opportunities, and lifestyle preferences to determine the best fit for you.
Suggested Watch: Top 10 Highest-paid Nursing Jobs
Top 10 Highest-paying US States for Wound Care Nurses
The highest-paying states for wound care nurses offer a surprising spread across the US. District of Columbia leads the pack with a whopping $180,184 annual average, followed by Oregon at $165,591. Even neighboring states like Idaho ($121,194) and Oregon show a notable difference of $44,397.
| State | Avg. Wound Care Nurse Salary Annually | Avg. Wound Care Nurse Salary Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $180,184 per year | $76.77 per hour |
| Oregon | $165,591 per year | $50.85 per hour |
| South Dakota | $155,633 per year | $66.31 per hour |
| Massachusetts | $144,683 per year | $61.64 per hour |
| Delaware | $136,369 per year | $58.10 per hour |
| Hawaii | $132,304 per year | $56.37 per hour |
| Alaska | $129,698 per year | $55.26 per hour |
| Idaho | $121,194 per year | $51.64 per hour |
| Utah | $121,109 per year | $51.60 per hour |
| California | $120,703 per year | $51.43 per hour |
*source: Indeed[1]
10 Lowest-paying US States for Wound Care Nurses
Among the ten lowest-paying states for wound care nurses show significant variations. North Dakota has the lowest average salary at $58,260 annually or $24.82 hourly; while Nevada pays $83,464 per year ($37.51 hourly) – the highest in this list. Salaries fluctuate widely, with notable differences between states like Louisiana ($70,149) and Texas ($81,836).
| State | Avg. Wound Care Nurse Salary Annually | Avg. Wound Care Nurse Salary Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $58,260 per year | $24.82 per hour |
| Louisiana | $70,149 per year | $29.89 per hour |
| South Carolina | $73,672 per year | $31.39 per hour |
| New Mexico | $75,826 per year | $32.31 per hour |
| West Virginia | $77,797 per year | $33.15 per hour |
| Kentucky | $79,922 per year | $34.05 per hour |
| Mississippi | $79,931 per year | $34.06 per hour |
| Texas | $81,836 per year | $34.87 per hour |
| Wisconsin | $83,087 per year | $35.40 per hour |
| Nevada | $83,464 per year | $37.51 per hour |
*source: Indeed[1]
Highest-paying US Cities for Wound Care Nurses
While California boasts some of the highest-paying cities for wound care nurses, with San Diego offering $57.84 per hour, the data reveals a surprising spread. Major metro areas like San Antonio and Dallas, TX, fall significantly behind at $45.79 and $44.85 per hour respectively. Still, there are notable fluctuations, for example, El Paso, TX, pays significantly less at $24.97 per hour.
| Cities | Avg. Wound Care Nurse Salary Hourly |
|---|---|
| San Diego, CA | $57.84 per hour |
| Rancho Cucamonga, CA | $52.74 per hour |
| New Smyrna Beach, FL | $47.83 per hour |
| San Antonio, TX | $45.79 per hour |
| Dallas, TX | $44.85 per hour |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $35.07 per hour |
| Westmont, IL | $32.05 per hour |
| Pasadena, TX | $29.68 per hour |
| El Paso, TX | $24.97 per hour |
*source: Indeed[1]
Popular Employers for Wound Care Nurses and Their Offered Salaries
Finding the perfect fit goes beyond just a paycheck. The finest companies not only pay wound care nurses well but also prioritize work-life balance through flexible scheduling, cutting-edge tools, and additional benefits. Hence, researching employer ratings alongside salaries can help you find the ideal position.
| Wound Care Nurse Employer | Average Hourly Wound Care Nurse Salary Offered | Employer Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Nomad Health | $62.21 per hour | 3.3 |
| West Coast Wound & Skin Care | $61.84 per hour | 2.3 |
| Renew Wound Care | $59.55 per hour | 3.3 |
| ProMedica | $51.95 per hour | 3.2 |
| Kindred Hospitals | $44.39 per hour | 3.3 |
| RestorixHealth AMT | $34.76 per hour | 3.0 |
| Auburn Oaks Care Center | $33.86 per hour | 3.3 |
| i4 Search Group | $32.66 per hour | 4.9 |
| Empire Care Centers | $32.62 per hour | 2.9 |
| Montecito Post Acute Care | $32.50 per hour | 3.7 |
*source: Indeed[1]
Suggested Watch: Navigating Work and Life as a Nurse
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Travel Wound Care Nurse Salary
A travel wound care nurse, similar to their regular counterparts, assists in caring for complex wound patients within healthcare facilities. However, instead of committing to a single institution long-term, they rotate among several facilities on a temporary basis, often for a few weeks to a month.
Generally, it’s early graduates who prefer to become a travel wound care nurse as it allows them to explore different career paths before settling at the location.
Average Travel Wound Care Nurse Salary
| Salary Range | Travel Wound Care Nurse Salary |
|---|---|
| Minimum | $1,327 per week |
| Average | $2,512 per week |
| Maximum | $3,663 per week |
*source: Vivian[6]
Highest Paying States for Travel Wound Care Nurse
| State | Average Travel Wound Care Nurse Weekly Salary | Max Travel Wound Care Nurse Weekly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $2,785 per week | $3,107 per week |
| California | $2,693 per week | $3,643 per week |
| Georgia | $2,403 per week | $3,108 per week |
| Vermont | $2,275 per week | $2,442 per week |
| Maryland | $2,198 per week | $2,512 per week |
| Oklahoma | $1,946 per week | $2,139 per week |
| Missouri | $1,879 per week | $2,317 per week |
*source: Vivian[6]
Highest Paying Cities for Travel Wound Care Nurse
| City | Average Travel Wound Care Nurse Weekly Salary | Max Travel Wound Care Nurse Weekly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland, California | $3,382 per week | $3,609 per week |
| San Francisco, California | $3,109 per week | $3,503 per week |
| Los Angeles, California | $2,923 per week | $3,159 per week |
| Pittsfield, Massachusetts | $2,773 per week | $3,154 per week |
| Palo Alto, California | $2,752 per week | $2,910 per week |
| Decatur, Georgia | $2,513 per week | $2,729 per week |
| Stockbridge, Georgia | $2,450 per week | $2,450 per week |
| Mountain View, California | $2,447 per week | $2,659 per week |
| Santa Rosa, California | $2,410 per week | $2,610 per week |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $2,388 per week | $3,108 per week |
*source: Vivian[6]
Highest Paying Employers for Travel Wound Care Nurse
| Employer | Travel Wound Care Nurse Average Weekly Salary | Travel Wound Care Nurse Max Weekly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| FlexStaff | $3,663 per week | $3,663 per week |
| Corratel Healthcare | $3,609 per week | $3,609 per week |
| Cure Healthcare Staffing | $3,159 per week | $3,159 per week |
| LanceSoft | $3,058 per week | $3,643 per week |
| Refined Medical Staffing | $3,025 per week | $3,025 per week |
| SojouRN | $3,009 per week | $3,009 per week |
| ISC Healthcare | $3,001 per week | $3,001 per week |
| Galaxy Healthcare | $3,001 per week | $3,001 per week |
| Medninjas | $2,970 per week | $2,980 per week |
| PHP | $2,970 per week | $3,515 per week |
*source: Vivian[6]
Wound Care Nurse Salary v/s Most Popular Nursing Jobs
When compared with the 5 most popular nursing specialties, wound care nurses earning $98,662 yearly, places it in between the list; coming under cardiac & NICU nurse salaries but ranking higher than home health RNs, public health nurses, and school nurses. In other terms, we see they earn 52% less than cardiac nurses (the highest on the list), but earn 51% more than school nurses on average (the lowest on the list).
| Popular Nursing Jobs | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Cardiac Nurse | $137,936 per year |
| NICU Nurse | $125,589 per year |
| Wound Care Nurse | $98,662 per year |
| Home Health RN | $94,190 per year |
| Public Health Nurse | $71,076 per year |
| School Nurse | $64,903 per year |
*source: indeed[1]
Suggested Reading: Navigating Career Paths in Healthcare: How to Choose Your Specialization
Factors Influencing Wound Care Nurse Salaries
Location-based Influence on the Wound Care Nurse Pay
We have seen multiple times in this guide that location plausibly plays the most crucial role in wound care nurse pay. Revisiting the statewise wound care nurse salaries, it vary significantly across US states. Coastal states like California, Alaska, and Hawaii offer higher salaries, while southern states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina tend to have lower averages. The District of Columbia boasts the highest salaries, likely due to its high cost of living and concentration of healthcare facilities. Rural states like North Dakota and Wyoming generally offer lower wages compared to more urbanized areas.
Experience-based Influence on the Wound Care Nurse Pay
Wound care nurse pay shows slight fluctuations based on experience. Nurses with 5-9 years of experience earn the highest hourly rate at $34.70, while those with 1-4 years earn slightly less at $31.18. Interestingly, nurses with over 20 years of experience see a slight dip in pay to $33.58 per hour.
| Years of Experience | Wound Care Nurse Hourly Salary |
|---|---|
| < 1 year | $30.62 per hour |
| 1 – 4 years | $31.18 per hour |
| 5 – 9 years | $34.70 per hour |
| 10 – 19 years | $33.87 per hour |
| 20+ years | $33.58 per hour |
*source: PayScale[3]
Skill-based Influence on the Wound Care Nurse Pay
Wound care nurse salaries are significantly influenced by skill proficiency. Those skilled in writing procedures and documentation see the highest increase in average annual salary at 27%, followed by training expertise at 13%. Worth mentioning that acute care, clinical assessment, and case management skills also contribute to notable salary boosts.
| Degree | Wound Care Nurse Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Writing Procedures & Documentation | ▲27% |
| Training | ▲13% |
| Acute Care | ▲9% |
| Clinical Assessment | ▲7% |
| Case Management | ▲7% |
| Leadership | ▲6% |
| People Management | ▲4% |
*source: PayScale[3]
Suggested Tool: Nurse Resume Builder
What is the Salary Outlook for a Wound Care Nurse?
The salary outlook for wound care nurses is generally positive. Looking at the fact that there is an increasing prevalence of chronic wounds, which affect nearly 2.5% of the U.S[7]. population it impose a significant requirement of wound care nurses in the healthcare market. Moreover, NLM (National Library of Medical) reports that the overall nursing shortage plaguing the country which predicts their employment to grow by 9% from 2016 to 2026[8]. But on the bright side, the wound care market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.11%[9] in the decade of 2023 – 2033. And, as widely reported by the U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, the projected growth in employment of RNs is 6% from 2022 to 2032[10]. Hence, a rising trend in the salaries of wound care nurses is predicted.
However, one must remember that unforeseen economic circumstances or wide-scale health calamities could potentially impact these positive trends, creating challenges in the job market.
Suggested Read: Nurse Practitioner’s Salary Trajectory
Endnote
Pursuing a career as a wound care nurse in the U.S. offers significant personal and professional rewards. Salaries in this field can reach impressive heights, averaging up to $182,890 annually[1]. In fact, the notable gap of over three times between the lower and upper ends of the wound care nurse salary range indicates room for vast advancement through advanced education, skill development, and additional shifts. Additionally, location plays a significant role in salary, still 70%[1] of nurses report being satisfied on salary received basis of geographic factor. Last but not least, this job has received a job satisfaction rating of 3.76 out of 5[3] – which is also a good sign on the work-life balance front.
That said, whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned professional, honing your negotiation skills is essential for career progression and increasing salary as a wound care nurse in the US. We highly recommend networking with colleagues and staying informed about industry trends as a key strategy for success in the dynamic landscape of wound care nursing.
FAQ
Where do wound care nurses make the most money?
In the US, on the state level District of Columbia pays the most to wound care nurses at $180,184 per year or $44.96 per hour on average. Additionally, the city of San Diego, CA is also known as highest paying location for wound care nurses at $57.84 per hour.
How is a Wound Care Nurse salary calculated?
A wound care nurse’s salary is calculated based on factors such as geographic location, education, experience, certifications, and additional skills or responsibilities within the healthcare facility.
How do I know if I’m being paid fairly as a wound care nurse?
To get a good read on your own compensation as a wound care nurse, it’s crucial to connect with fellow wound care professionals in your region. Talking openly about salaries with colleagues can be a powerful tool to ensure you’re being valued fairly.
References
[1] https://www.indeed.com/career/wound-care-nurse/salaries
[2] https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/business/hr-payroll/average-salary-us/
[3] https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Wound_Care_Nurse/Hourly_Rate
[4] https://www.salary.com/tools/salary-calculator/staff-nurse-rn-wound-care-home-care?type=bonus
[5] https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Wound_Care_Nurse/Hourly_Rate
[6] https://www.vivian.com/nursing/wound-care-nurse/travel/salary
[7] https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/wound.2021.0026
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493175/
[9] https://www.novaoneadvisor.com/report/us-wound-care-centers-market
[10] https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
