As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nursing Professional Development Specialist in the United States is $125,368 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.
However, a Nursing Professional Development Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Nursing Professional Development Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $135,035 | $11,253 | $2,597 | $65 |
| Average | $125,368 | $10,447 | $2,411 | $60 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,153 | $9,513 | $2,195 | $55 |
A Nursing Professional Development Specialist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.96% |
| Nursing Process | 4.04% |
| Quality Improvement | 2.09% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Nursing Professional Development Specialist's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Service Excellence | $135,397 | |
| Quality Improvement | $130,383 | |
| Telemetry | $130,383 |
Nursing Professional Development Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $133,064. While startup companies pay approximate $113,316.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $113,316 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $119,648 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $128,684 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $133,064 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Nursing Professional Development Specialists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Nursing Professional Development Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $120,375 and $127,233).
| Typical Education for Nursing Professional Development Specialist | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 2.4% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 10.1% |
| Bachelors | 17.3% |
| Masters | 67.0% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how a Nursing Professional Development Specialist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $135,035 | $11,253 | $2,597 | $65 |
| Average | $125,368 | $10,447 | $2,411 | $60 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,153 | $9,513 | $2,195 | $55 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Nursing Professional Development Specialist, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Education Programs Director | $130,600 | 4% |
| Nursing Curriculum Director | $141,993 | 13% |
Salaries for a Nursing Professional Development Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,033 in 2023 to around $100,231 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Nursing Professional Development Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $101,033 |
| 2024 | $100,735 |
| 2025 | $100,231 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Nursing Professional Development Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
A PD Specialist is essential for the CDA as they conduct the CDA Verification Visit®, reviewing the candidate's documentation, observing their interactions with children, and engaging in reflective dialogue. This role ensures that candidates meet the necessary standards, with salaries ranging from $114,946 to $140,517, reflecting the expertise required for this important position.
L&D specialists in the US earn an average salary ranging from $114,946 to $140,517, with a mid-salary of $126,948. This reflects a competitive compensation structure for professionals in this field, highlighting the value of their expertise in nursing professional development.
What Score Do I Need to Pass the CDA Exams? Each of the CDA exams is scored on a scale of zero to 100. You'll need to earn a 70 or higher to pass a CDA test. Scores are reported quickly, with most candidates becoming credentialed within one to three days after passing their test. Nursing Professional Development Specialists earn between $114,946 and $140,517 annually, with a mid-salary of $126,948.
The highest paying labor job in the U.S. includes roles like Air Traffic Controller and Construction Manager. However, a Nursing Professional Development Specialist also commands a competitive salary, with a minimum of $114,946, a mid-range of $126,948, and a maximum of $140,517, reflecting the importance of healthcare education and training.
The highest paid Nursing Professional Development Specialists earn a maximum salary of $140,517 annually, with a minimum salary of $114,946 and a mid-range salary of $126,948. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, particularly in high-demand areas.
A Nursing Professional Development Specialist typically earns between $114,946 and $140,517 annually, with a median salary of $126,948. Salaries can vary significantly based on location and experience, but this range provides a solid benchmark for potential earnings in this role.
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