[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interested in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/pediatric-nurse/how-to-become/”]becoming a pediatric nurse[/hen-ui-link]? Read on for more [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/pediatric-nurse/”]pediatric nursing career[/hen-ui-link] salary information.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Fast Facts About Pediatric Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average salary for pediatric nurses is $63,140.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric nurses may earn more in urban areas than rural areas.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certifications may lead to higher wages, and more than 50,000 RNs and APRNs hold a Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) certification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Pediatric_Nurse/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]PayScale[/hen-ui-link], 2023; [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pncb.org/sites/default/files/resources/PNCB_2022_Pediatric_Nursing_Workforce_Demographic_Report.pdf” target=”_blank”]PNCB[/hen-ui-link], 2022[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Average Salary for Pediatric Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), RNs, and [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] (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 [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-salary//”]RN salary[/hen-ui-link] for each educational level, from an associate degree to a doctorate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”4″ gap=”md”]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”]$82,000[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences//”]RN Diploma[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”]$85,000[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]Bachelor of Science in Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”]$96,000[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]Master of Science in Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”]$99,000[hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]Doctor of Nursing Practice[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-text]
[/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ style=”font-size: small; text-align: center;”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2022-rn-lpn-compensation-report-6015784#3″ target=”_blank”]MedScape, 2022[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Pediatric Nurse Salaries by Gender[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A significant [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//the-gender-pay-gap-in-nursing/”]wage gap[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Salary Growth Can Pediatric Nurses Expect?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”#increase-pay”]increase their average salary[/hen-ui-link]. As the following table shows, professional experience can affect earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Highest-Paying States for Pediatric Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top-Paying States for RNs[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]California[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]$133,340[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hawaii[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]$113,220[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Oregon[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]$106,610[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]$104,150[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Alaska[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]$103,310[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Pediatric Nurse Salaries Compare to Other Nurses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Detailed below are some of the more [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/best-nursing-specialities-for-the-future//”]popular nursing specialties[/hen-ui-link], along with the average salary for each position. Pediatric nurses tend to outearn their colleagues in other nursing specialty areas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”increase-pay”]4 Ways to Increase Pay as a Pediatric Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Consider Pursuing Certifications.[/hen-ui-heading]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. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2022-rn-lpn-compensation-report-6015784#3″ target=”_blank”]According to Medscape[/hen-ui-link], many certified nurses earn around $11,000 more a year, on average.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Increase Education Level.[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2020-rn-lpn-compensation-report-6013278″ target=”_blank”]Nurses who hold a doctorate[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Gain Experience in Management Roles.[/hen-ui-heading]Some pediatric nurses benefit financially and professionally from gaining managerial experience. Management roles like shift leader or [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/what-does-it-take-to-become-an-effective-charge-nurse/”]charge nurse[/hen-ui-link] let RNs acquire new skills and strengthen previous competencies, helping them to become better practitioners.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Switch Practice Settings.[/hen-ui-heading]Some practice settings yield better pay, and many nurses seek work in facilities or departments known for offering higher wages.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Nurse Salaries[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do pediatric nurses make good money?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Certified_Pediatric_Nurse_Practitioner_(CPNP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$98,000[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is a pediatric nurse’s average wage?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A pediatric nurse’s salary depends on multiple factors, including education and location. For example, doctoral holders make [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2022-rn-lpn-compensation-report-6015784#3″ target=”_blank”]$15,000 more[/hen-ui-link], on average, than nurses with an associate degree, while nurses in Alabama earn around $60,000 less than those in California.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the highest-paid nursing role?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to BLS data, the highest-paid nursing position belongs to nurse anesthetists, who enjoy a median annual wage of $203,090. Nurse anesthetists can earn even more working in outpatient care centers, specialty hospitals, and surgical hospitals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What benefits do pediatric nurses receive?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric nurses enjoy many professional and financial benefits. Outearning other specializations, pediatric nurses’ average salaries range from $60,000-$100,000. Thanks to high demand, pediatric nurses can practice in any state, in a variety of settings, as BLS projects the job growth rate for RNs to be 6% between 2022 and 2032.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn More About Pediatric Nurses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”68096,67948″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-article-layout category=”articles-and-news” limit=”3″ title=”Popular Resources”][/hen-ui-article-layout]