Pediatric Nursing Salary Guide
How much does a pediatric nurse make? While data for this specialty is scarce, the average pediatric nurse salary is generally in line with that of other registered nurses (RNs). Education level, geographic location, and practice setting all influence salary, and there are many ways pediatric nurses can increase their earning potential.
Interested in becoming a pediatric nurse? Read on for more pediatric nursing career salary information.
Fast Facts About Pediatric Nurses
The average salary for pediatric nurses is $63,140.- Pediatric nurses may earn more in urban areas than rural areas.
- Certifications may lead to higher wages, and more than 50,000 RNs and APRNs hold a Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) certification.
Average Salary for Pediatric Nurses
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), RNs, and nurse practitioners (NPs) can all specialize in pediatrics, and pediatric nurses come from a variety of academic backgrounds. While figures for degree level and specialty are not available, the following looks at the average RN salary for each educational level, from an associate degree to a doctorate.
Source: MedScape, 2022
Pediatric Nurse Salaries by Gender
A significant wage gap exists between male and female pediatric nurses. The 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey reveals that, across the majority of nursing specialties, men earn higher median salaries than women. Within pediatrics alone, women on average make approximately 20% less than men in the same position.
What Kind of Salary Growth Can Pediatric Nurses Expect?
Many variables influence the average pediatric nurse salary, including educational background and credentials. Practitioners who earn an advanced degree, relocate to certain areas, and/or choose a specific practice setting may increase their average salary. As the following table shows, professional experience can affect earning potential.
Highest-Paying States for Pediatric Nurses
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not provide state-by-state salary information for pediatric nurses. However, their pay is consistent with RN salary rates, as pediatric nursing is a specialized RN role.
Most of the highest-paying states are located in the Western part of the United States, while the states offering the lowest average salaries are found in the country’s Southern and Northcentral regions. In general, coastal states offer some of the highest wages, while pediatric nurses tend to make less in Southern and Midwestern states.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $133,340 |
| Hawaii | $113,220 |
| Oregon | $106,610 |
| Massachusetts | $104,150 |
| Alaska | $103,310 |
How Do Pediatric Nurse Salaries Compare to Other Nurses?
Detailed below are some of the more popular nursing specialties, along with the average salary for each position. Pediatric nurses tend to outearn their colleagues in other nursing specialty areas.
4 Ways to Increase Pay as a Pediatric Nurse
While the top 10% of RNs earn a median annual wage of $129,400, the lowest 10% earn $61,250, making the median yearly salary $81,220. Certifications, education, experience, and practice setting all impact salary potential, making them important focus areas for pediatric nurses seeking higher salaries. Read on for ways pediatric nurses can increase their pay.
- 1
Consider Pursuing Certifications.
To become a certified pediatric nurse (CPN), candidates must complete at least 1,800 hours of pediatric clinical experience over two years or five years as a pediatric RN with 3,000 hours of experience. Nurses who meet these requirements are eligible to take the CPN exam. According to Medscape, many certified nurses earn around $11,000 more a year, on average. - 2
Increase Education Level.
Nurses who hold a doctorate take in $14,000 more per year than nurses with a bachelor’s degree. In general, advanced degrees lead to higher wages. Many nurses seeking better compensation pursue further education. - 3
Gain Experience in Management Roles.
Some pediatric nurses benefit financially and professionally from gaining managerial experience. Management roles like shift leader or charge nurse let RNs acquire new skills and strengthen previous competencies, helping them to become better practitioners. - 4
Switch Practice Settings.
Some practice settings yield better pay, and many nurses seek work in facilities or departments known for offering higher wages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Nurse Salaries
Pediatric nurses enjoy higher earning potential than many other nurses. Ultimately, pediatric nurses should focus on earning an advanced degree, passing the CPN exam, and working in a practice setting that maximizes their pay. For instance, the median salary for a certified pediatric nurse practitioner is $108,000.
