Intro
Discover the average Labor Delivery Nurse salary ranges in the US, along with factors influencing pay, such as location, experience, and certifications. Learn about the job duties, required skills, and growth opportunities in this rewarding nursing specialty. Get the inside scoop on Labor and Delivery Nurse salaries and take your career to the next level.
The role of a labor delivery nurse is a highly specialized and rewarding profession that requires a deep understanding of maternal and fetal health, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills. As a crucial member of the obstetric care team, labor delivery nurses play a vital role in ensuring the safe and successful delivery of newborns. If you're considering a career as a labor delivery nurse, one of the most important factors to consider is the salary potential.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the average salary ranges for labor delivery nurses in the United States, as well as the factors that can influence salary, such as location, experience, and education level.

Average Salary Ranges for Labor Delivery Nurses
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, salaries for labor delivery nurses can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, and education level.
Here are some average salary ranges for labor delivery nurses in the United States:
- Entry-level labor delivery nurses (0-2 years of experience): $65,000 - $80,000 per year
- Experienced labor delivery nurses (2-5 years of experience): $75,000 - $95,000 per year
- Senior labor delivery nurses (5-10 years of experience): $85,000 - $110,000 per year
- Lead or management-level labor delivery nurses (10+ years of experience): $100,000 - $125,000 per year
Salary by Location
Salaries for labor delivery nurses can also vary significantly depending on the location. Here are some average salary ranges for labor delivery nurses in different regions of the United States:
- Northeast: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
- West Coast: $85,000 - $120,000 per year
- South: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Midwest: $75,000 - $105,000 per year

Factors that Influence Salary
While location and experience level are two of the most significant factors that influence salary for labor delivery nurses, there are several other factors that can also impact earning potential. Here are some of the most significant factors:
- Education level: Labor delivery nurses with a Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) tend to earn higher salaries than those with an Associate's degree in nursing (ADN).
- Certifications: Labor delivery nurses who obtain specialized certifications, such as the RNC-OB (Registered Nurse Certified in Obstetrics) or the C-EFM (Certified in Electronic Fetal Monitoring), may earn higher salaries.
- Employer: Salaries for labor delivery nurses can vary significantly depending on the employer, with hospitals and health systems tend to pay more than birthing centers or private practices.
Benefits and Perks
In addition to salary, labor delivery nurses often receive a range of benefits and perks, including:
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities

Conclusion
Labor delivery nurses play a vital role in ensuring the safe and successful delivery of newborns, and their salaries reflect their importance in the healthcare system. While salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location and experience level, labor delivery nurses can earn competitive salaries and enjoy a range of benefits and perks.
If you're considering a career as a labor delivery nurse, we hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into the salary potential for this rewarding profession.
What is the average salary for a labor delivery nurse in the United States?
+The average salary for a labor delivery nurse in the United States is around $80,000 per year, although salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location and experience level.
What factors influence salary for labor delivery nurses?
+Factors that influence salary for labor delivery nurses include location, experience level, education level, certifications, and employer.
What benefits and perks do labor delivery nurses typically receive?
+Labor delivery nurses typically receive a range of benefits and perks, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities.