As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Pediatric Nurse in the United States is $41, which translates to an annual salary of about $85,500.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Pediatric Nurse's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Pediatric Nurse's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Pediatric Nurse | $83,070 |
| Intermediate Level Pediatric Nurse | $83,622 |
| Senior Level Pediatric Nurse | $86,239 |
| Specialist Level Pediatric Nurse | $90,376 |
| Expert Level Pediatric Nurse | $90,672 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Pediatric Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Coordination | 4.03% |
| Pediatric Care | 3.84% |
| Staff Development | 1.9% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Acute Care
|
$93,195 |
9%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$92,340 |
8%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$91,485 |
7%
|
|
Staff Development
|
$91,485 |
7%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$91,485 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$88,920 |
4%
|
Pediatric Nurse salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $90,692. While startup companies pay approximate $77,282.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $77,282 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $81,582 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $87,726 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $90,692 |
For Pediatric Nurse roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Pediatric Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Pediatric Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $94,050 | $45.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Pediatric Nurse'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Pediatric Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $209,336 in 2023 to around $203,607 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Pediatric Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $209,336 |
| 2024 | $211,584 |
| 2025 | $203,607 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Pediatric Nurse roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
The salary for Pediatric Nurses typically ranges from $73,400 to $92,700 annually, with a median salary of $80,900. While some nursing positions can pay significantly more, Pediatric Nurses play a crucial role in child healthcare, and their compensation reflects their specialized skills and responsibilities within the nursing field.
The average salary for pediatric nurses in the U.S. is approximately $80,900 annually. Salaries typically range from a minimum of $73,400 to a maximum of $92,700, reflecting variations based on experience, location, and other factors.
The salary data for pediatric nurses indicates a minimum salary of $73,400, a mid-range salary of $80,900, and a maximum salary of $92,700. Among the states, Washington offers competitive pay, with salaries reaching up to $1,647 per week, while Vermont follows closely at $1,640 per week, making them some of the highest-paying states for pediatric nurses.
Being a PICU nurse is certainly worth it. With a salary range from $73,400 to $92,700, the financial rewards are significant. Beyond the pay, PICU nurses play a crucial role in calming nerves, earning trust, and explaining complex information to families. Despite the emotional challenges, the opportunity to care for critically ill children is profoundly rewarding.
Working hours for pediatric nurses vary by location. In most hospitals, they typically work 12-hour shifts, though this can change based on patient demand. Some facilities use a three-shift model, leading to 10-hour shifts. Pediatric nurses earn between $73,400 and $92,700 annually, with a median salary of $80,900.
Pediatric Nurses are increasingly in demand due to the growing focus on children's health. They provide specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents, often working in hospitals or clinics. Salaries for Pediatric Nurses range from $73,400 to $92,700, with a median salary of $80,900, reflecting their essential role in healthcare.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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