Gastrointestinal Nurse Salary Guide

Gastroenterology nurses also called gastrointestinal or GI nurses assist GI physicians, primarily at hospitals in gastroenterology or endoscopy units. They may also work in specialized GI centers, the private practices of gastroenterologists, and outpatient endoscopy suites. RNs entering the gastroenterology specialty can expect competitive salaries compared to other nursing fields because it’s among the highest paying specialties. However, gastroenterology RN salaries can vary based on several factors.

Gastroenterology nurses are registered nurses who specialize in treating patients with disorders and illnesses that impact the gastrointestinal system. GI nurses primarily treat patients with stomach and bowel problems. They prepare patients for various GI-related diagnostic procedures, including colonoscopies and endoscopies, and monitor and care for them as they recover from these procedures.

At a minimum, pursuing a career as a gastroenterology nurse requires a two-year associate degree from a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). However, many employers prefer to hire RNs with a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing due to the specialized training required in gastroenterology practice. Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is required for RN licensure.

The base salary of a gastroenterology RN fluctuates based on many factors, such as years of clinical experience, employment location, educational attainment, relevant certifications, and additional skills acquired, among others.

Length of clinical experience has a huge impact on a gastroenterology nurse’s base salary. Entry-level GI nurses won’t earn as much as mid-career nurses who already have five to 10 years of experience under their belts. Experienced nurses with 10-plus years of experience earn more than mid-career nurses and seasoned GI nurses with 20 years or more of experience can expect to earn the highest base salary.

Clinical setting can impact base salaries but job location may have a bigger effect, which includes the state and city of employment. GI nurses in staff positions often earn significantly more in California compared to those in South Dakota. Medical facilities in big cities like Los Angeles or New York usually pay more compared to small Midwestern towns because of costs associated with living in large urban areas.

BSN-educated nurses for specialty roles like GI nursing can expect to earn more than those who only hold an associate degree. Likewise, nurses who attain even higher education enjoy larger base salaries. You can enter the nursing field quicker by earning a two-year associate degree, but more facilities are moving towards requiring BSNs. Base salaries will likely reflect this trend.

While formal certification isn’t usually required for GI nursing positions, some employers prefer hiring certified nurses. It also demonstrates expertise in the field and potentially boosts your base salary. The American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses (ABCGN) offers the only Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse certification program accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties.

Although time on the job automatically increases your gastroenterology RN salary, it’s not the quickest way. Advance your career and expand your earning potential quicker by earning additional education and professional certifications.

Furthering your education can lead to an advanced practice nursing role within the gastroenterology specialty. Master’s-trained nurses often earn a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist designation and receive more extensive training beyond a general GI focus, which translates to considerable salary increases. 

Certification may be optional for GI nurses, but for those wanting to increase their salary, it shouldn’t be. Earning your CGRN allows you to become an expert within the gastroenterology field and accelerate your career growth. Also, certified GI nurses typically demand a higher salary than their uncertified counterparts. CGRN certification is open to any RN with an unrestricted license, who’s currently engaged in GI/endoscopy with a minimum of two years of full-time or a part-time equivalent of experience in GI/endoscopy. Recertification is required every five years.

Earning your Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) often increases your salary potential as a gastroenterology nurse or makes you eligible for another position with greater responsibilities, which also might include a bump in wages.

Yes, having a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) or any relevant professional certification has the potential to boost your salary as a gastroenterology nurse.

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