How Much Do Pediatric Nurses Make In U.S & Canada? 2024 Update

How Much Do Pediatric Nurses Make In U.S & Canada

Pediatric nurses play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing compassionate and specialized care to children of all ages. 

Their dedication and expertise are essential for ensuring the well-being of our most vulnerable population. As aspiring or current pediatric nurses, one of the key factors that comes into play is the compensation associated with this rewarding profession.

In this blog, we'll delve into the world of pediatric nursing salaries, examining the average salary for pediatric nurses across the United States and Canada. 

We'll explore factors that influence peds nurse salary ranges, such as location, experience level, and specialization. Additionally, we'll provide insights into potential career advancement opportunities and how these can impact earning potential.

Average pediatric nurse salary

According to Salary.com , pediatric nurses make an average of $77,600 a year. However, according to ZipRecruiter , pediatric nurses in the United States make an average pay of $134,328 per year, or $65 per hour.

Pediatric nurse salaries by state

Geographics influence nursing salary, with coast-based states paying pediatric nurses more than midwestern states. Factors like living costs and hospital needs in states with higher pediatric nurse demand can contribute to this disparity.

Alabama's average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $41,540

  • Registered nurses: $61,920

  • Nurse practitioners: $102,410

Alaska’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $63,650

  • Registered nurses: $97,230

  • Nurse practitioners: $113,820

Arizona’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $57,800

  • Registered nurses: $81,600

  • Nurse practitioners: $119,910

Arkansas’ average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $43,040

  • Registered nurses: $65,810

  • Nurse practitioners: $107,080

California’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $65,140

  • Registered nurses: $124,000

  • Nurse practitioners: $151,830

Colorado’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year) 

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $55,360

  • Registered nurses: $80,670

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,580

Connecticut’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year) 

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $59,440

  • Registered nurses: $88,530

  • Nurse practitioners: $120,450

Delaware’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $53,040

  • Registered nurses: $77,760

  • Nurse practitioners: $116,230

District of Columbia’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $57,250

  • Registered nurses: $98,540

  • Nurse practitioners: $125,290

Florida’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $47,860

  • Registered nurses: $72,000

  • Nurse practitioners: $104,830

Georgia’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $47,370

  • Registered nurses: $75,380

  • Nurse practitioners: $109,560

Hawaii’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $53,320

  • Registered nurses: $106,530

  • Nurse practitioners: $127,490

Idaho’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $49,440

  • Registered nurses: $73,640

  • Nurse practitioners: $105,290

Illinois’ average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $54,080

  • Registered nurses: $78,260

  • Nurse practitioners: $120,470

Indiana’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $51,500

  • Registered nurses: $68,890

  • Nurse practitioners: $113,490

Iowa’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $48,010

  • Registered nurses: $64,990

  • Nurse practitioners: $121,370

Kansas’ average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $46,550

  • Registered nurses: $66,560

  • Nurse practitioners: $108,710

Kentucky’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $47,140

  • Registered nurses: $67,260

  • Nurse practitioners: $106,080

Louisiana’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $43,900

  • Registered nurses: $70,380

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,650

Maine’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year) 

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $50,790

  • Registered nurses: $73,630

  • Nurse practitioners: $116,370

Maryland’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $56,380

  • Registered nurses: $82,660

  • Nurse practitioners: $115,700

Massachusetts’ average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $61,820

  • Registered nurses: $96,630

  • Nurse practitioners: $129,540

Michigan’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $54,090

  • Registered nurses: $75,930

  • Nurse practitioners: $108,770

Minnesota’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $51,160

  • Registered nurses: $84,030

  • Nurse practitioners: $127,010

Mississippi’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses:

  • Registered nurses

  • Nurse practitioners:

Missouri’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $46,010

  • Registered nurses: $67,790

  • Nurse practitioners: $103,490

Montana’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $48,300

  • Registered nurses: $73,610

  • Nurse practitioners: $115,710

Nebraska’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $48,040

  • Registered nurses: $69,850

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,670

Nevada’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $60,490

  • Registered nurses: $88,800

  • Nurse practitioners: $123,680

New Hampshire’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $59,140

  • Registered nurses: $78,270

  • Nurse practitioners: $120,730

New Jersey’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $58,590

  • Registered nurses: $89,690

  • Nurse practitioners: $137,010

New Mexico’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $56,040

  • Registered nurses: $77,590

  • Nurse practitioners: $118,480

New York’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $53,750

  • Registered nurses: $93,320

  • Nurse practitioners: $133,940

North Carolina’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $49,210

  • Registered nurses: $71,200

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,730

North Dakota’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $50,130

  • Registered nurses: $71,200

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,720

Ohio’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $48,030

  • Registered nurses: $71,640

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,490

Oklahoma’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $44,910

  • Registered nurses: $68,180

  • Nurse practitioners: $116,650

Oregon’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $60,090

  • Registered nurses: $98,630

  • Nurse practitioners: $128,190

Pennsylvania’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $51,090

  • Registered nurses: $76,000

  • Nurse practitioners: $117,260

Puerto Rico’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $23,590

  • Registered nurses: $35,690

  • Nurse practitioners: $21,610

Rhode Island’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $59,800

  • Registered nurses: $85,270

  • Nurse practitioners: $126,760

South Carolina’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $46,470

  • Registered nurses: $69,580

  • Nurse practitioners: $102,850

South Dakota’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $41,830

  • Registered nurses: $60,540

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,320

Tennessee’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $43,620

  • Registered nurses: $66,680

  • Nurse practitioners: $95,120

Texas’ average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $50,220

  • Registered nurses: $79,120

  • Nurse practitioners: $117,890

Utah’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $50,740

  • Registered nurses: $72,790

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,920

Vermont’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $54,180

  • Registered nurses: $75,160

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,540

Virginia’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $48,430

  • Registered nurses: $76,680

  • Nurse practitioners: $112,320

Washington’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $63,250

  • Registered nurses: $95,350

  • Nurse practitioners: $130,840

West Virginia’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $41,310

  • Registered nurses: $67,640

  • Nurse practitioners: $104,750

Wisconsin’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $49,850

  • Registered nurses: $76,850

  • Nurse practitioners: $116,990

Wyoming’s average pediatric nurse salary (Year)

  • Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses: $50,970

  • Registered nurses: $73,130

  • Nurse practitioners: $114,530

Pediatric nurse skills

Pediatric nurses require specialized nursing skills to provide quality care to children, requiring interpersonal and life skills, along with functional knowledge from their certification program, to excel in their career. These skills are essential for those considering a pediatric nursing career.

Technical skills:

Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills:

  • Empathy and compassion

  • Communication skills

  • Patience and flexibility

  • Play therapy skills

  • Active listening skills

  • Managing conflict

Additional skills:

  • Organizational skills: Juggling multiple patients, tasks, and documentation requires strong organizational skills and time management to prioritize effectively.

  • Problem-solving skills: Thinking critically and finding creative solutions to unexpected situations is vital in a dynamic healthcare environment.

  • Cultural competency: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs is essential for providing culturally sensitive care.

Specialization skills:

Pediatric nurses can further specialize in various areas, requiring additional skills and knowledge specific to that field, such as:

  • Neonatal intensive care: Expertise in caring for critically ill newborns.

  • Pediatric oncology: Understanding and managing the unique needs of children with cancer.

  • Pediatric mental health: Specializing in the mental and emotional well-being of children with various mental health conditions.

How to increase your salary as a pediatric nurse?

Pediatric nurses can increase their salary by pursuing various options, such as advancing their education, earning certifications, traveling, and working as a career nurse

Education plays a significant role in a pediatric nurse's earning potential, with many starting with an associate's or bachelor's degree and continuing their education while working in a hospital or other facility. 

Earning a Pediatric Nurse Certification can increase hourly wage for many employers, demonstrating expertise in pediatric care.

Travel is another option for pediatric nurses, offering a chance to live and explore different parts of the U.S. and potentially higher income. 

Career nurses are full or part-time nursing staff employed directly by the facility where they work, typically earning an hourly wage plus a benefits package including retirement benefits, paid time off, and other benefits. 

Per diem nurses work "by the day," making them more flexible but not having a benefits package. Contract nurses are full-time nurses who work at a hospital for a specified period of time, usually for four weeks to six months.

Overtime pay is available for nurses who work over 40 hours a week, with wages ranging from one and a half to three times the normal hourly wage. 

Shift differentials are extra pay for working weekends, holidays, evenings, or night shifts, which can increase a normal hourly wage by a few additional dollars. 

Most nurses do not receive bonuses, but sign-on bonuses can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand.

Hazard pay is extra compensation above the normal compensation for nurses working in physically harder or dangerous conditions, such as severely understaffed hospitals with COVID-19 patients. 

Employers are not required by law to pay hazard pay, but it is usually an incentive to bring on new nurses but rarely offered to career nurses who already work at the facility.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the salary outlook for pediatric nurses in both the United States and Canada is promising for 2024. With increasing demand for pediatric healthcare services and a focus on improving patient outcomes, pediatric nurses can expect to see competitive salaries and potential for growth in their careers. Factors such as experience, location, and level of education will continue to impact earning potential for pediatric nurses. 

FAQs

1- What is the highest-paying pediatric nurse?

Pediatric endocrinology nurses make the highest average annual salary among all pediatric nurses.

2- Is a pediatric nurse a hard job?

Pediatric nurses face numerous challenges, including standing on their feet, lifting and moving equipment and patients, and maintaining focus to ensure patient safety and health, despite the specific roles they perform.

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