If you have a passion for working with children and want to pursue a career in healthcare, becoming a pediatric nurse may be the perfect fit for you. Pediatric nurses provide specialized care to infants, children, and adolescents, and play a vital role in ensuring their overall health and well-being. Along with the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of young patients, one important factor to consider when choosing a career is the salary potential. In this blog post, we will explore the average salary range for pediatric nurses, factors that influence salary variations, additional compensation and benefits, top paying industries, and how to increase pay after becoming a pediatric nurse.

What is a Pediatric Nurse?

Before we dive into the details, let's take a moment to understand what a pediatric nurse is. Pediatric nurses are highly skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in working with young patients. They provide a range of services, including:

• Conducting physical examinations and assessing the overall health of children
• Administering vaccinations and medications
• Assisting doctors during procedures and surgeries
• Educating parents and caregivers on proper child care and preventive measures
• Monitoring and managing the health of children with chronic illnesses or conditions
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans
• Providing emotional support to children and their families

Average and starting salary range for Pediatric Nurse

The salary of a pediatric nurse can vary depending on several factors, including experience, education, location, and the type of healthcare facility they work in. The median annual wage for registered nurses, including those working in pediatric settings, was $81,220 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,250, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $129,400.

Starting salaries for pediatric nurses typically range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year. As nurses gain experience and specialize in pediatric care, their earning potential increases. Nurses with several years of experience and additional certifications can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.

Factors influencing salary variations

Several factors can influence the salary variations among pediatric nurses. These factors include:

• Experience: As with any profession, the more experience a pediatric nurse has, the higher their earning potential. Nurses with years of experience and a proven track record may be eligible for higher-paying positions or leadership roles within their healthcare organization.

• Education and certifications: Nurses who pursue advanced degrees or specialized certifications in pediatric nursing can increase their marketability and earning potential. Certifications such as the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) can demonstrate a nurse's expertise and dedication to providing quality care to children. Find Pediatric Advanced Life Support classes nearby that suit your needs.

• Location: The geographic location can have a significant impact on a pediatric nurse's salary. Salaries tend to be higher in metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living. Additionally, some states may offer higher wages or better benefits for nurses to attract and retain qualified healthcare professionals.

• Type of healthcare facility: The type of healthcare facility a pediatric nurse works in can also affect their salary. Nurses employed by large hospitals or prestigious medical centers may earn higher salaries compared to those working in smaller clinics or outpatient facilities.

Additional compensation and benefits

In addition to their base salary, pediatric nurses may be eligible for additional compensation and benefits. These can include:

• Shift differentials: Nurses who work night shifts, weekends, or holidays may receive additional pay, commonly known as shift differentials. These incentives are designed to compensate nurses for working non-traditional hours.

• Overtime pay: If a pediatric nurse works more than their scheduled hours, they may be eligible for overtime pay. This can be a significant source of additional income for nurses who are willing to work extra hours.

• Paid time off: Most healthcare organizations offer paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays. This allows nurses to take time off work while still receiving their regular pay.

• Health insurance and retirement plans: Healthcare facilities typically offer comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans to their employees. These benefits can help pediatric nurses save money on medical expenses and plan for their future.

Top-paying industries for Pediatric Nurse

While pediatric nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings, certain industries tend to offer higher salaries than others. Some of the top-paying industries for pediatric nurses include:

• Government hospitals: Government hospitals, such as Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, often offer competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract and retain qualified nursing staff.

• Specialty hospitals: Specialty hospitals that focus on pediatric care, such as children's hospitals or pediatric oncology centers, may offer higher salaries due to the specialized nature of their services.

• Home healthcare: Pediatric nurses who work in home healthcare settings may have the opportunity to earn higher salaries. Home healthcare agencies often provide specialized care to children with complex medical needs, and nurses are compensated accordingly.

How to increase pay after becoming a Pediatric Nurse

If you're already working as a pediatric nurse and want to increase your earning potential, there are several steps you can take:

• Pursue advanced education: Consider pursuing an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Advanced degrees can open doors to higher-paying positions, such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator roles.

• Specialize in a subspecialty: Pediatric nurses who specialize in a specific subspecialty, such as pediatric cardiology or pediatric oncology, may earn higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and skills.

• Obtain aditional certifications: Look for opportunities to obtain additional certifications related to pediatric nursing. Certifications such as Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP) or Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PMHS) can increase your marketability and earning potential.

• Gain leadership experience: Seek out leadership opportunities within your healthcare organization. Nurses in leadership roles, such as nurse managers or clinical coordinators, often earn higher salaries due to their increased responsibilities and expertise.

• Consider relocating: If you're open to relocating, consider exploring job opportunities in areas with higher salaries or better benefits for pediatric nurses. Research the cost of living and average salaries in different locations to find the best fit for you.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a pediatric nurse can be a rewarding career choice, both personally and financially. While salary is an important consideration, it's essential to remember that there are many factors that can influence your earning potential. Factors such as experience, education, location, and the type of healthcare facility you work in can all impact your salary as a pediatric nurse.

If you're considering a career as a pediatric nurse or are already working in the field and want to increase your earning potential, it's important to stay informed about the current trends and opportunities in pediatric nursing. Dreambound can help you find classes or training programs that can enhance your skills and qualifications. It is the largest platform for students to find vocational training programs, such as allied health or industrial trades. It's mission is to provide all the information students need to find the perfect class.

Curious about Dreambound's efficacy in achieving your goals? Let's hear from students who have experienced firsthand success with their support.

• "Dreambound is an empowering platform that turns aspirations into accomplishments. Personalized progress tracking and vibrant community support keep you inspired every step of the way." — Adam Ishkuntana
• "Dreambound provides speedy assistance and has very friendly student support representatives." — David Jones
• "Dreambound was amazing and very informative. I would have never found this shortcut to taking classes otherwise. Thanks so much!" — Crystal Chopin

Remember, as you progress in your career and gain experience, your earning potential as a pediatric nurse will continue to grow. By staying dedicated to your profession, pursuing advanced education and certifications, and seeking out opportunities for professional growth, you can increase your pay and create a fulfilling and financially rewarding career in pediatric nursing.

Check out Dreambound's extensive guides focusing on the unique challenges and requirements for each state in the US. For more detailed information, see some of our other guides below.

• How to Become a Pediatric Nurse in Alaska
• How to Become a Pediatric Nurse in Louisiana
• How to Become a Pediatric Nurse in Minnesota
• How to Become a Pediatric Nurse in New York
• How to Become a Pediatric Nurse in Wisconsin

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