Endoscopy Nurse Salary Guide

Endoscopy nurses, sometimes referred to as gastroenterology nurses, assist physicians and other healthcare professionals before, during, and after endoscopic procedures. They’re highly proficient at using all types of endoscopic equipment and are in-demand RN specialists in hospitals, outpatient facilities, specialized treatment centers, and private practices. Although they can expect competitive salaries, an endoscopy RN's salary can vary based on several factors.

Endoscopy nurses are registered nurses who specialize in endoscopic procedures, which are minimally invasive diagnostic procedures utilizing miniature cameras called endoscopes. They assist while endoscopes are inserted into a patient’s oral or anal cavity to assess respiratory or gastroenterological disorders. Endoscopy RNs possess specialized knowledge about various respiratory and gastroenterological diseases and disorders and are skilled at using and maintaining endoscopic equipment, administering medication, and managing emergencies and complications.

Prospective endoscopy nurses must complete the education requirements to become a registered nurse, which includes earning an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN and complete training and certifications in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support.

Healthcare facilities may base an endoscopy RN’s salary on numerous criteria. Years of experience are always a key factor. Entry-level nurses earn less than those who’ve been in the endoscopy field for several years. However, facilities also may factor other types of experience into salary considerations. For example, some institutions prefer nurses with critical care experience to work in endoscopy and base salaries may reflect this additional experience.

Endoscopy RNs with additional skills and education also may have higher base salaries. Specialty organizations like the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates offer endoscopy training that covers endoscopic equipment, specific endoscopy procedures, conscious sedation, and emergency management. Specialized training often yields valued skills and salary increases. Plus, endoscopy nurses with a BSN instead of an ADN may have a slightly higher base salary at healthcare facilities that prefer nurses with a four-year degree.

Base salary can also fluctuate based on location, which includes job location and facility location. Many endoscopy RNs work in hospitals, which often offer higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement than smaller medical clinics. Geography often plays a bigger role. Medical facilities in large metropolitan areas pay more compared to rural facilities in small towns because hospitals in urban areas are typically better funded. Additional funding allows these facilities to offer endoscopy RNs higher salaries and more competitive insurance and benefits that many rural facilities simply can’t afford to provide.

Nationwide, California traditionally pays nurses in every specialty more than other states. However, this state also has one of the highest costs of living nationwide. Cost of living should always be considered when balancing location and salary. Other West Coast states and some New England and East Coast states also tend to have higher base salaries. However, endoscopy nurse salaries were higher in Minnesota, Nevada, and South Dakota in November 2021.

Although there isn’t a graduate program specifically for endoscopy nursing, RNs can still obtain higher education to propel their career and boost their salary. Nurses who earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree may parlay this into an adult, family, or acute care nurse practitioner program, then work in endoscopy after graduating. Advanced practice nursing roles, such as a nurse practitioner, demand higher salaries.

Professional certifications are an excellent way to increase your endoscopy RN salary. Although it’s not usually a job requirement for endoscopy nurses, certification demonstrates competency in the field. Plus, certified nurses often earn significantly more than their uncertified colleagues.

Endoscopy RNs can pursue a Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse designation from the American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses to advance their careers, improve their patient skills, and increase their salary. CGRN certification is open to RNs currently working in GI/endoscopy. To qualify, candidates only need to have been employed in GI/endoscopy in an institutional or private practice setting for at least two years full-time or 4,000 hours part-time within the past five years. They must submit contact information for two practitioners in the specialty who can verify their work experience.

Take a look at Vivian's Endoscopy Nurse Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.