Pediatric Nurse Salary: How Much Do They Make

Pediatric nurses play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing specialized care to infants, children, and adolescents. As a rewarding and challenging profession, pediatric nursing requires a unique blend of medical knowledge, technical skills, and emotional intelligence. If you're considering a career in pediatric nursing, one of the most important factors to consider is the pediatric nurse salary. In this article, we'll delve into the world of pediatric nursing, exploring the average salary range, factors that influence salary, and the benefits of pursuing a career in this field.

The demand for pediatric nurses is on the rise, driven by an increased focus on preventive care, advances in medical technology, and a growing awareness of the importance of early childhood development. As a result, pediatric nurses are in high demand, and their salaries reflect this trend.

Average Pediatric Nurse Salary

The average pediatric nurse salary varies depending on factors such as location, level of experience, education, and type of employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses (RNs) in the United States was $76,840 in May 2020. However, pediatric nurses tend to earn higher salaries, with median annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to over $110,000.

Here are some average salary ranges for pediatric nurses in the United States:

• Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP): $90,000 - $120,000 per year
• Pediatric registered nurse (RN): $70,000 - $100,000 per year
• Neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP): $100,000 - $140,000 per year
• Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurse: $80,000 - $120,000 per year

Factors That Influence Pediatric Nurse Salary

Several factors can influence a pediatric nurse's salary, including:

• Location: Pediatric nurses working in urban areas or major cities tend to earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas.
• Experience: More experienced pediatric nurses can command higher salaries, with some earning over $150,000 per year.
• Education: Pediatric nurses with advanced degrees, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree, tend to earn higher salaries than those with Associate's or Bachelor's degrees.
• Employer: Pediatric nurses working in hospitals, clinics, or private practices may earn different salaries than those working in schools, community health organizations, or non-profit organizations.

Benefits of Pursuing a Career in Pediatric Nursing

While salary is an important consideration, it's not the only factor to consider when pursuing a career in pediatric nursing. Here are some benefits of working in this field:

• Personal fulfillment: Pediatric nurses have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families, which can be incredibly rewarding.
• Variety: Pediatric nursing involves working with patients of different ages, from infancy to adolescence, and with a range of medical conditions, from common colds to complex chronic illnesses.
• Opportunities for advancement: With experience and additional education, pediatric nurses can move into leadership roles, specialize in a particular area of pediatric nursing, or pursue advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator.
• Job security: Pediatric nurses are in high demand, and the job market is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Steps to Become a Pediatric Nurse

If you're interested in pursuing a career in pediatric nursing, here are the steps to follow:

1. Earn an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program.
2. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed RN.
3. Gain experience working in pediatric nursing, either through volunteering, internships, or entry-level positions.
4. Consider pursuing additional education, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree, to specialize in pediatric nursing or advance your career.
5. Obtain certification in pediatric nursing, such as the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) certification.

Conclusion

Pediatric nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that offers a range of benefits, from personal fulfillment to opportunities for advancement. While salary is an important consideration, it's not the only factor to consider when pursuing a career in pediatric nursing. By understanding the average pediatric nurse salary, factors that influence salary, and benefits of working in this field, you can make an informed decision about whether a career in pediatric nursing is right for you.

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on pediatric nursing salaries, benefits, and challenges in the comments below.

What is the average salary for a pediatric nurse practitioner?

+

The average salary for a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) is between $90,000 and $120,000 per year.

What factors influence pediatric nurse salary?

+

Factors that influence pediatric nurse salary include location, experience, education, and employer.

What are the benefits of pursuing a career in pediatric nursing?

+

Benefits of pursuing a career in pediatric nursing include personal fulfillment, variety, opportunities for advancement, and job security.