Up To Date Pediatric Nurse Salary In the United States
- How Much Does a Pediatric Nurse Make?
- Pediatric Nurse Salary by Experience
- States With The Highest Pediatric Nurse Salary
- States With The Lowest Pediatric Nurse Salary
- Cities With The Highest Pediatric Nurse Salary
- Cities With The Lowest Pediatric Nurse Salary
- Pediatric Travel Nurse Salary
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared to Nurse Practitioner Salary
- Factors Affecting Pediatric Nurse Salaries
- What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?
- How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
- Where Do Pediatric Nurses Work?
- Resources
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Much Does a Pediatric Nurse Make?
Pediatric nursing is a vital and rewarding profession that focuses on the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
One important aspect to consider when pursuing a career in pediatric nursing is the potential salary and earning opportunities.
In the United States, pediatric nurse salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and specific employer.
Pediatric nurses in the United States have the potential to earn a good income, with the average pediatric nurse salary of $87,720 annually or $42.17 per hour according to the most recent data in 2024 [1].
The average pediatric nurse salary varies with experience, with those having 10-19 years of experience earning around $47.90 per hour.
California offers the highest pediatric nurse salary at an average of $131,410 annually or an average hourly salary of $63.18.
The job outlook for pediatric nursing is projected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034, indicating high demand for this specialty.
Pediatric nurses appear to earn less as compared to certified registered nurse anesthetists in the US.
Pediatric Nurse Salary by Experience
Pediatric nurse salary increases with experience:
- Less than 1 year of experience: $29.02 per hour
- 1-4 years of experience: $31.59 per hour
- 5-9 years of experience: $38.48 per hour
- 10-19 years of experience: $47.90 per hour
- 20 years and higher years of experience: $61.31 per hour
States With The Highest Pediatric Nurse Salary
Pediatric nurses in certain states like California, Hawaii, and Oregon have the opportunity to earn higher salaries compared to others.
Here are the top 10 states with the highest pediatric nurse salary in the United States.
| Rank | State | Average Hourly Salary | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $63.18 | $10,950 | $131,410 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $53.64 | $9,300 | $111,580 |
| 3 | Oregon | $50.51 | $8,760 | $105,060 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $49.35 | $8,550 | $102,640 |
| 5 | Alaska | $48.95 | $8,480 | $101,810 |
| 6 | Washington | $48.17 | $8,350 | $100,200 |
| 7 | New York | $47.44 | $8,220 | $98,680 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $45.80 | $7,940 | $95,270 |
| 9 | Nevada | $45.63 | $7,910 | $94,910 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $44.66 | $7,740 | $92,890 |
States With The Lowest Pediatric Nurse Salary
While some states offer higher salaries for pediatric nurses, there are also states where the average salaries may be lower.
Here are the states with the lowest pediatric nurse salary in the United States.
| Rank | State | Average Hourly Salary | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | $30.56 | $5,300 | $63,570 |
| 2 | Arkansas | $31.52 | $5,460 | $65,570 |
| 3 | Alabama | $31.70 | $5,500 | $65,940 |
| 4 | Mississippi | $32.10 | $5,580 | $66,950 |
| 5 | Iowa | $32.87 | $5,700 | $68,360 |
| 6 | Missouri | $34.05 | $5,900 | $70,820 |
| 7 | Kansas | $34.11 | $5,910 | $70,950 |
| 8 | West Virginia | $34.22 | $5,930 | $71,180 |
| 9 | Tennessee | $34.34 | $5,950 | $71,430 |
| 10 | Nebraska | $34.83 | $6,040 | $72,440 |
Cities With The Highest Pediatric Nurse Salary
In addition to states, certain cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose within California offer a higher pediatric nurse salary.
Here are the top 10 cities with the highest pediatric nurse salary in the United States.
| Rank | City | Average Hourly Salary | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco, CA | $78.06 | $13,530 | $162,370 |
| 2 | Oakland, CA | $78.06 | $13,530 | $162,370 |
| 3 | San Jose, CA | $75.82 | $13,140 | $157,700 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $68.81 | $11,930 | $143,130 |
| 5 | Modesto, CA | $65.63 | $11,380 | $136,500 |
| 6 | Stockton, CA | $61.77 | $10,710 | $128,480 |
| 7 | Anaheim, CA | $59.39 | $10,290 | $123,530 |
| 8 | Los Angeles, CA | $59.39 | $10,290 | $123,530 |
| 9 | Long Beach, CA | $59.39 | $10,290 | $123,530 |
| 10 | Fresno, CA | $58.45 | $10,130 | $121,580 |
Cities With The Lowest Pediatric Nurse Salary
Here are the cities with the lowest pediatric nurse salary in the United States.
| Rank | City | Average Hourly Salary | Average Monthly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huntsville, AL | $31.53 | $5,470 | $65,580 |
| 2 | Wichita, KS | $32.60 | $5,650 | $67,800 |
| 3 | Des Moines, IA | $33.67 | $5,840 | $70,030 |
| 4 | Little Rock, AR | $33.98 | $5,890 | $70,680 |
| 5 | Columbus, GA | $34.07 | $5,910 | $70,860 |
| 6 | Fort Wayne, IN | $34.70 | $6,020 | $72,180 |
| 7 | Lincoln, NE | $35.00 | $6,070 | $72,810 |
| 8 | Baton Rouge, LA | $35.19 | $6,100 | $73,190 |
| 9 | Memphis, TN | $35.27 | $6,110 | $73,370 |
| 10 | St. Louis, MO | $35.62 | $6,170 | $74,080 |
Pediatric Travel Nurse Salary
The average pediatric travel nurse salary is $2,279 per week, which is 7% higher than the nursing US average of $2,129 [2].
Additionally, the average pediatric travel nurse salary is $118,708 per annum or $57.09 per hour.
Travel pediatric nurses in various states earn different average weekly salaries.
Here are the states with the highest average weekly salaries for pediatric travel nurse salary:
| State | Average Weekly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | $3,321 | $172,692 |
| Hawaii | $2,726 | $141,752 |
| New York | $2,717 | $141,484 |
| Oklahoma | $2,593 | $134,936 |
| Massachusetts | $2,584 | $134,368 |
| Arizona | $2,338 | $121,576 |
The top cities paying the highest pediatric travel nurse salary are:
| City | Average Weekly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn, NY | $3,658 | $190,016 |
| San Francisco, CA | $3,203 | $166,556 |
| Torrance, CA | $3,095 | $160,540 |
| Fort Defiance, AZ | $2,672 | $138,944 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $2,644 | $137,488 |
| Oakland, CA | $2,489 | $129,428 |
Employers or agencies with the highest pediatric travel nurse salary are:
| Employer/Agency | Average Weekly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| RKA Recruiting | $4,080 | $4,080 |
| Formation, Inc. | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| Corratel Healthcare | $3,980 | $4,071 |
| Cure Healthcare Staffing | $3,911 | $3,911 |
| MediPro | $3,871 | $3,871 |
| Excite Health Partners | $3,871 | $3,871 |
| TheraEX Staffing Services | $3,868 | $3,868 |
| Magnet Medical | $3,831 | $3,831 |
| Secure Nursing Service LLC | $3,771 | $3,771 |
| Prime Time Healthcare Nursing | $3,420 | $3,420 |
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared to Nurse Practitioner Salary
PNPs specialize in providing advanced nursing care to infants, children, and adolescents while NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are trained to provide comprehensive healthcare across the lifespan.
The average pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) salary per hour in 2024 is $54.51 for PNP-PCs and $49.59 for PNP-ACs.
The starting pediatric nurse practitioner salary in 2024 was $82,150 annually for PNP-PCs and $74,730 annually for PNP-ACs while the average salary of a nurse practitioner is $121,610 annually.
It’s worth noting that the average salary for pediatric nurse practitioners is dependent on whether they specialize in primary care or acute care, with PNP-PCs earning more on average than PNP-ACs.
Nurse practitioners make more on average than pediatric nurse practitioners across the board.
However, PNP-ACs make approximately 5% less than the average salary for all nurse practitioners, while PNP-PCs make approximately 4% more.
Factors Affecting Pediatric Nurse Salaries
Several factors influence the salaries of pediatric nurses.
Understanding these factors can help aspiring and current pediatric nurses assess their earning potential and make informed decisions about their career paths.
Here are some key factors that affect a pediatric nurse salary:
1. Education and Experience
The level of education and experience of a pediatric nurse can significantly impact their salary. Advanced degrees, certifications, and additional training may lead to higher earning potential.
2. Geographic Location
Salaries can vary based on the geographic location of employment. Factors such as cost of living, demand for pediatric nurses, and local economic conditions can influence salary ranges.
Urban areas and states with higher costs of living may offer higher salaries to attract and retain pediatric nurses.
3. Type of Healthcare Facility
The type of healthcare facility where a pediatric nurse works can affect their salary. Hospitals, private practices, pediatric clinics, and outpatient facilities may offer different salary structures and benefits.
4. Specialization and Skills
Pediatric nurses with specialized skills and certifications may command higher salaries.
Areas of specialization can include pediatric oncology, critical care, neonatology, and pediatric cardiology, among others.
5. Shift Differentials
Pediatric nurses who work during evenings, weekends, or holidays may receive additional compensation in the form of shift differentials, which can increase their overall earnings.
What Does a Pediatric Nurse Do?
Pediatric nurses specialize in providing healthcare to infants, children, and adolescents.
Their role involves a wide range of responsibilities and requires specialized knowledge and skills to effectively care for pediatric patients.
Here are some key responsibilities and tasks that pediatric nurses typically perform:
1. Direct Patient Care
- Conduct pediatric assessments to evaluate a child’s physical and mental health, growth, and development.
- Administer medications, vaccinations, and other treatments tailored to children’s specific needs.
- Monitor vital signs and observe for any changes in a child’s condition.
- Provide comfort and emotional support to pediatric patients and their families during medical procedures and hospital stays.
2. Patient and Family Education
- Educate parents and caregivers about child development, nutrition, safety, and illness prevention.
- Explain treatment plans and medication regimens in an age-appropriate manner for both children and their families.
- Offer guidance and support to families on managing chronic conditions and promoting overall wellness for their children.
3. Collaboration and Communication
- Collaborate with pediatricians, healthcare teams, and specialists to develop and implement individualized care plans for pediatric patients.
- Communicate effectively with children to gain their trust and cooperation during medical procedures and assessments.
4. Advocacy
- Advocate for the unique needs of pediatric patients within the healthcare system, ensuring they receive age-appropriate care and support.
5. Provide Specialized Care
- Provide care for children with complex medical needs, chronic illnesses, and developmental disorders.
- Support pediatric patients undergoing surgery, recovery from illness, or treatment for acute and chronic conditions.
How to Become a Pediatric Nurse
Becoming a pediatric nurse involves several steps, including obtaining the necessary education, acquiring clinical experience, and obtaining licensure.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to become a pediatric nurse:
1. Obtain a High School Diploma
Complete your high school education or obtain a GED (General Educational Development) certificate.
2. Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
To get more jobs and earn a higher pediatric nursing salary, earn a BSN degree from an accredited nursing program.
This typically takes four years to complete and provides a solid foundation in nursing theory and practice, as well as clinical experience.
3. Obtain Licensure
After completing the BSN program, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). The NCLEX-RN is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States.
4. Gain Clinical Experience
Seek out opportunities to gain clinical experience in pediatric nursing through internships, externships, or entry-level nursing positions in pediatric settings.
5. Consider Obtaining Certification
Obtaining certification in pediatric nursing, such as the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential, can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
Where Do Pediatric Nurses Work?
Pediatric nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings where they provide specialized care to infants, children, and adolescents.
Some of the common work settings for pediatric nurses include:
1. Hospitals
Pediatric nurses can work in pediatric wards or pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) within hospitals, providing care to children with acute and chronic illnesses, as well as those recovering from surgery or injury.
2. Pediatric Clinics
Many pediatric nurses work in outpatient clinics that specialize in pediatric care. These clinics provide a wide range of services including well-child check-ups, vaccinations, and treatment for common childhood illnesses.
3. Pediatrician’s Offices
Pediatric nurses can also work alongside pediatricians in their private practices, assisting with patient care, administering vaccinations, and providing patient education.
4. Pediatric Home Health Care
Some pediatric nurses provide home health care services, delivering specialized care to children with complex medical needs in the comfort of their own homes.
5. Schools
Pediatric nurses may work in school settings, providing health services to students, managing chronic illnesses, and promoting health education.
6. Pediatric Rehabilitation Centers
These centers cater to children with physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities, and pediatric nurses in this setting focus on rehabilitation and long-term care.
7. Urgent Care Centers
Pediatric nurses can work in urgent care facilities that cater specifically to children, providing immediate care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries.
8. Community Health Organizations
Some pediatric nurses work in community health organizations, providing outreach, education, and preventive care to children and families in underserved communities.
9. Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care
Pediatric nurses in this setting provide compassionate care to children with life-limiting illnesses and support to their families.
10. Telehealth Services
With the advancement of technology, pediatric nurses may also provide virtual care through Telehealth services, offering advice, support, and guidance to parents and caregivers.
Resources
Conclusion
In summary, the average pediatric nurse salary can vary based on factors such as location, experience, certifications, and the specific healthcare setting.
While the average pediatric nurse salary in the United States is reported to be around $87,720, several variables can influence this figure.
The average travel pediatric nurse salary is higher at $118,708 annually or $2,279 per week.
Additionally, gaining specialized certifications such as the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential, pursuing advanced degrees, and accumulating experience in management roles can potentially lead to higher earning potential for pediatric nurses.
It’s also important to consider the regional differences in pediatric nursing salary, with coastal states generally offering higher wages.
Ultimately, the pediatric nurse salary is reflective of the specialized care and expertise required to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients and their families.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to become a pediatric nurse?
To work as a pediatric nurse, you must first become a licensed RN by completing an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining a state RN license.
What is the starting pediatric nurse salary?
The starting pediatric nurse salary for individuals with less than one year of experience is an average hourly salary of $29.02 or $60,185.60 per annum.
What is the average pediatric nurse salary in California?
The average pediatric nurse salary in California is $131,410 per annum or $63.18 per hour.
What is the average pediatric nurse salary in Texas?
The average pediatric nurse salary in Texas is $83,100 per annum or $39.95 per hour.
What is the average pediatric nurse salary per hour?
The average pediatric nurse salary per hour is $42.17 in the United States.
