Discover the latest pediatric nurse salary trends and learn what impacts your earning potential. Find out average pay rates across different states and experience levels.
Did you know pediatric nurses in the U.S. can earn an average of $80,900 in 2025? This career is not just rewarding emotionally but also financially for those who care for children’s health let’s see pediatric nurse salary .
The salary for a pediatric registered nurse varies. It depends on experience, location, and specialty. Nurses can earn between $32 and $50 an hour, with monthly pay around $6,742.
To understand a pediatric nurse’s earnings, look at more than just their base salary. Location, work setting, and experience all play a role. For example, travel nursing jobs can pay up to $2,520 an hour.
Key Takeaways
- Average annual pediatric nurse salary in 2025: $80,900
- Hourly wage range: $32 to $50
- Entry-level nurses start around $77,937 annually
- Senior-level nurses can earn up to $86,512
- Geographic location significantly influences salary potential
Understanding Pediatric Nurse Compensation Overview
Pediatric nursing is a rewarding career with good pay. It’s important to know how pediatric nurses get paid. This includes looking at different parts of their earnings.
Base Salary Components
Pediatric nurses get paid in several ways. Their hourly salary is usually between $35 to $45. This makes their earnings strong. The main parts of their salary are:
- Base hourly wage
- Specialty certification bonuses
- Experience-based increments
- Shift differentials
Hourly vs Annual Earnings
Weekly earnings for pediatric nurses range from $1,400 to $1,800. This means they make between $73,400 to $92,700 a year.
“Certification can significantly boost earning potential for pediatric nurses.” – Nursing Compensation Insights
Total Compensation Package
Pediatric nurses get more than just a base salary. About 71.9% of their pay comes from base salary. They also get:
- Healthcare coverage
- Retirement plans
- Continuing education support
- Performance bonuses
The Society of Pediatric Nurses says certified nurses earn 9% more. This shows why getting certified is a smart career choice.
Current Average Pediatric Nurse Salary Trends
Knowing how much pediatric nurses earn is key for those in healthcare. In 2025, the salary for pediatric nurses in the USA shows interesting trends. These trends reflect the unique needs of pediatric care.
The salary for pediatric nurses varies widely. Weekly pay can range from $2,058 to $3,199. This range depends on several factors:
- Geographic location
- Professional experience
- Specialization credentials
- Healthcare facility type
Looking closer at salaries, nurse practitioners earn a median of $126,260 a year. Pediatric nurse practitioners make about $140,950 annually. These numbers highlight the important role pediatric nurses play in healthcare.
| Nurse Practitioner Specialty | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Pediatric Nurse Practitioners | $140,950 |
| Anesthesiology/Pain Medicine | $152,697 |
| Emergency Nurse Practitioners | $148,506 |
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioners | $147,680 |
“The pediatric nursing field continues to offer competitive compensation reflecting the critical role these professionals play in child healthcare.”
Your salary as a pediatric nurse will depend on your skills, location, and career growth. Staying updated and specializing can greatly increase your earnings.
Experience-Based Salary Progression
As a pediatric registered nurse, your salary will grow over time. It depends on your experience and skills.
Understanding how your salary changes with experience is important. Here’s a look at what you might earn at different stages:
Entry-Level Earnings: Starting Your Pediatric Nursing Journey
New pediatric registered nurses start with a salary that shows their basic skills. Key points include:
- Starting hourly rate of $32.50+
- Annual earnings around $77,937
- Potential sign-on bonus of $1,500 for 1-2 years of experience
Mid-Career Compensation: Growing Professional Capabilities
After 2-4 years, nurses see their earnings go up. The salary for pediatric nurses usually is:
- Average annual compensation of $81,273
- Eligibility for $3,000 sign-on bonus
- More chances for professional growth
Senior Level Salaries: Expertise and Recognition
Nurses with 5-8 years of experience earn more. They get:
- Average annual earnings of $86,512
- Chances for specialized roles
- More recognition in their field
“Your experience is your most valuable asset in pediatric nursing. Each year of practice brings increased expertise and compensation.”
Keep in mind, salaries can change based on where you work, your skills, and the healthcare setting. Always keep learning and growing to increase your earnings in pediatric nursing.
Geographic Salary Variations Across States
Exploring pediatric nurse salaries in the USA shows big differences based on where you are. Each state has its own pay rates, offering different chances for nurses. This means your salary can change a lot depending on where you work.
Some states pay pediatric nurses more than others. Here are the top ones:
- Montana leads with an impressive average of $145,756
- Wisconsin follows closely at $142,116
- Pediatric nurse salary California reaches $141,073
- Connecticut offers competitive rates at $140,400
- New Jersey provides attractive compensation around $139,464
“Location can significantly influence your earning potential as a pediatric nurse”
California is known for its high pediatric nurse salaries. The cost of living, healthcare needs, and demand for nurses all play a part in these differences.
On the other hand, some states pay less. Here are a few examples:
- South Carolina: Around $30,000
- North Dakota: Near $50,960
- Iowa: Approximately $52,701
Your location can greatly affect your earnings as a pediatric nurse. Thinking about moving or knowing the pay trends in different places can help you earn more.
Top-Paying Cities for Pediatric Nurses
Location is key when looking at pediatric nurse salaries. Across the U.S., nurses see big pay differences based on where they work.
In California, pediatric nurses earn more than in many other places. Several cities in the state offer great pay packages. Let’s look at the highest paying cities for these nurses.
San Jose: Leading the Salary Landscape
San Jose is the top city for pediatric nurses, with an annual salary of $101,500. It’s a great place for nurses to make good money.
San Francisco: A Close Competitor
San Francisco is close behind, with an annual salary of $101,100. The city’s strong healthcare market means good pay for pediatric nurses.
New York City: Metropolitan Opportunities
New York City is the third highest, with an annual salary of $94,500. It has a big healthcare market with lots of chances for pediatric nurses.
| City | Annual Salary | Unique Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $101,500 | Tech-driven healthcare ecosystem |
| San Francisco, CA | $101,100 | Cutting-edge medical facilities |
| New York City, NY | $94,500 | Diverse patient populations |
“Location can significantly impact a pediatric nurse’s earning potential, with top cities offering substantially higher salaries.” – Healthcare Compensation Research Institute
Future and current pediatric nurses should think about these top cities. Each place has special benefits like top-notch medical facilities and chances for career growth.
- Research local job markets thoroughly
- Consider cost of living alongside salary
- Evaluate additional compensation benefits
Pediatric Nurse Salary by Education Level
Your salary as a pediatric registered nurse depends on your education. The more you learn, the more you can earn in pediatric nursing.
How much you make as a pediatric nurse changes with your education. Nurses can move up through different levels of schooling. Each level offers different salary chances:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Entry-level qualification
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Better earning potential
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): More advanced practice chances
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The highest education level
Education shows its worth in salary growth:
| Education Level | Average Annual Salary | Career Potential |
|---|---|---|
| ADN | $82,000 | Staff Nurse |
| BSN | $93,000 | Specialized Pediatric Roles |
| MSN | $113,387 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner |
| DNP | $128,000 | Advanced Practice Specialist |
“Education is the passport to your future in pediatric nursing” – National Nursing Association
Getting certified as a Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) can also raise your salary. This shows you have special knowledge. It can help you earn more in tough healthcare markets.
Investing in your education can lead to better jobs and more money in pediatric nursing.
Benefits and Additional Compensation
When looking at how much a pediatric nurse makes, it’s important to see more than just the base salary. Pediatric nurses get a package that includes many benefits. These benefits add a lot to their overall earnings.
Pediatric nurses get more than just an hourly wage. Their benefits package is rich and supportive. It makes the job more appealing and financially rewarding.
Healthcare Coverage
Your healthcare benefits include:
- Full medical insurance coverage
- Comprehensive dental plans
- Vision care protection
- Average value of approximately $6,371 annually
Retirement Plans
Pediatric nurses have great retirement plans with strong contributions:
- 401(k) retirement savings programs
- 403(b) institutional investment plans
- Average annual contribution of $3,969
- Employer matching programs
Paid Time Off Policies
Pediatric nurse salary per hour also includes generous time-off:
- Approximately $10,281 in paid time off annually
- Typical schedules include 37-38 work hours per week
- Monday to Friday work pattern
- One Saturday morning per month
“The true value of a pediatric nurse’s compensation extends far beyond the base salary, encompassing comprehensive benefits that support both professional and personal well-being.”
These extra benefits can boost your total pay by up to 20%. This makes pediatric nursing a rewarding career, both financially and personally.
Career Growth and Salary Advancement
As a pediatric registered nurse, you have many chances to grow and earn more. The salary for pediatric nurses can increase a lot as you move up in your career.
Strategic career choices can lead to big salary boosts. The average nurse salary is $80,070. But, there are many ways to earn more than that.
- Advanced Practice Roles: Moving to specialized positions can greatly increase your salary
- Additional Certifications: Getting special certifications can make you more valuable and increase your pay
- Leadership Positions: Taking on a role as a Pediatric Nurse Manager can lead to higher pay
“Continuous learning is the key to career advancement in nursing.” – Healthcare Career Expert
To understand how much pediatric nurses earn, look at different career paths. The nursing field is expected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. This means lots of chances for those who want to advance.
| Career Path | Average Annual Salary | Career Growth Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $138,000 | High |
| Infectious Disease Nurse Practitioner | $133,000 | Moderate to High |
| Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) | $120,000+ | Excellent |
Making smart career choices can help you earn more. Think about getting advanced degrees, taking on leadership roles, and always improving your skills. This way, you can reach higher salary levels.
- Pursue graduate-level education
- Obtain specialized certifications
- Network with healthcare professionals
- Stay updated on industry trends
Your commitment to professional growth directly impacts your earning potential in the dynamic field of pediatric nursing.
Pediatric Nurse Salary Comparison by Workplace Setting
Exploring pediatric nurse salaries in the USA shows that workplace setting matters a lot. Different healthcare places offer different pay packages. This can greatly affect how much you earn as a pediatric nurse.
Your salary as a pediatric nurse changes a lot depending on where you work. Let’s look at the salary ranges in different places:
| Workplace Setting | Average Annual Salary | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | $94,480 | $87,430 – $132,680 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $102,640 | $95,000 – $115,000 |
| Specialty Pediatric Clinics | $88,250 | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Home Health Services | $87,430 | $75,000 – $95,000 |
Several factors can affect your salary as a pediatric nurse in each setting:
- Urban vs. Rural location
- Hospital size and specialization
- Patient population complexity
- Additional certifications
“Specialized pediatric hospitals often provide the most competitive compensation packages for dedicated nurses.” – Healthcare Recruitment Association
Working in specialized units like NICU can boost your salary. Nurses in critical care settings might earn up to $118,725. This shows the value of specialized skills.
Keep in mind that your education, experience, and certifications also play a big role. They can increase your salary in these various settings.
Industry Demand and Future Projections
The salary for pediatric nurses in the USA is expected to rise in the next few years. Your career is looking bright as healthcare grows and changes. There’s a big need for skilled pediatric nurses, thanks to many factors.
Experts predict a big increase in jobs for pediatric nurses:
- Expected 6-9% job growth in pediatric nursing through 2030
- More demand for specialized pediatric healthcare services
- More need for pediatric care in both cities and rural areas
To understand what pediatric nurses earn, we need to look at the bigger picture of healthcare. The U.S. healthcare industry is changing a lot. Nursing roles, especially specialized ones, are becoming more important.
“Pediatric nurses are critical to the future of healthcare, offering specialized care that goes beyond traditional nursing roles.” – Healthcare Workforce Trends Report
New specialties are opening up new paths for pediatric nurses. Here are some career options:
| Specialty Area | Projected Growth | Average Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Specialized Care | 8-10% | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Pediatric Intensive Care | 12-15% | $85,000 – $110,000 |
| Pediatric Oncology | 9-11% | $80,000 – $100,000 |
Professional development is crucial for your pediatric nursing career. Getting more education and training can boost your salary and career path.
- Pursue advanced degrees like MSN or DNP
- Get specialized pediatric certifications
- Keep up with new healthcare technologies
Conclusion
Starting your career in pediatric nursing is a great choice. It offers both financial and personal rewards. Pediatric nurses can earn between $70,000 and $100,000 a year, based on their experience and specialization.
The demand for pediatric nurses is growing. Employers look for nurses with 1-2 years of experience. Getting more education and certifications can boost your salary and career chances.
Working as a pediatric nurse is not just about the money. It’s about making a difference in children’s lives. Your dedication to patient care and career growth can lead to a fulfilling job.
Pediatric nurses are key in the healthcare world. They provide specialized care with compassion. By keeping up with salary trends and advancing your skills, you can thrive in this rewarding field.