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Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salary in the United States

How much does a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist in the United States is $55,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $65,233
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,390 to $60,590
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,015

Key Factors That Influence Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salaries

A Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $54,281
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $54,644
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $55,871
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $57,012
  • Expert (over 8 years): $57,165
Levels Salary
Entry Level Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist$54,281
Intermediate Level Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist$54,644
Senior Level Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist$55,871
Specialist Level Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist$57,012
Expert Level Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist$57,165

Top Paying Cities for Pediatric Program and Activity Specialists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $69,990
  • San Francisco: $69,190
  • Oakland: $67,790

What Skills Can Increase a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Written Communication (Mentioned in 5.28% Job Postings): Communicating information through written media to educate, inform and influence the target audience.
  • CPR (Mentioned in 6.47% Job Postings): Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) and chest compressions to temporarily pump enough blood to the brain until specialized treatment is available.
  • Case Management (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Connecting patients with suitable healthcare providers, resources, and services to ensure they receive optimal, cost-effective care.
Skills Demand Percentage
Written Communication 5.28%
CPR 6.47%
Case Management 3.33%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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 Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist's salary.

  • Facilitation: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Flexibility: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Facilitation $57,710
4%
Flexibility $57,155
3%
Coordination $57,155
3%

Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $58,897. While startup companies pay approximate $50,156.

Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,156
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,958
Established 501~5000 $56,958
Enterprise 5000+ $58,897

Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$72,137$35.030%

How Education impacts a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Pediatric Program and Activity Specialists enter the field with a Associate'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 Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist with a Associate's Degree is between $56,474 and $60,199).

Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 2.7%
High School 2.7%
Associates 3.6%
Bachelors 60.5%
Masters 31.7%
Doctorate 1.5%

Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Pediatric Program and Activity 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$47,390
Average $55,490/year
$60,590
$3,949
Average $4,624/month
$5,049
$911
Average $1,067/week
$1,165
$23
Average $27/hour
$29
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $60,590 $5,049 $1,165 $29
Average $55,490 $4,624 $1,067 $27
25th Percentile $47,390 $3,949 $911 $23

Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Pediatric Program and Activity 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.

Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Director of Child Life Programs $106,900 93%
ASL Interpreter $72,400 30%

Most common benefits for Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist

Here are companies hiring for Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. How much does a Paediatric consultant earn in USA?

A Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist in the USA earns between $54,590 and $68,290 annually, with a median salary of $60,890. This is significantly lower than a Pediatric Consultant, whose average salary is around $86,430, with top earners making up to $151,500.

3. What is the highest paying pediatrician job?

The highest paying pediatrician jobs include Neonatologists and Pediatric Surgeons, with salaries ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 per year. In contrast, a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist has a salary range of $54,590 to $68,290, with a mid-salary of $60,890, making it a less lucrative option compared to specialized pediatric roles.

4. Is pediatrics a good career in USA?

Pediatrics can be a rewarding career in the USA, with Pediatric Program and Activity Specialists earning between $54,590 and $68,290 annually, depending on experience and location. This field not only offers competitive salaries but also the opportunity to make a significant impact on children's health and well-being, making it a fulfilling choice.

5. How much does a pediatrician earn in the USA?

The salary for a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist ranges from $54,590 to $68,290, with a mid-salary of $60,890. This reflects the compensation for specialists in pediatric programs, which differs significantly from pediatricians, who typically earn higher salaries.

6. How much do nurses earn in the USA?

The estimated salary for a Pediatric Program and Activity Specialist ranges from $54,590 to $68,290 per year, with a midpoint average of $60,890. These figures reflect the typical earnings for this role in the United States, providing a clear overview of potential compensation in the field.

7. Why do pediatric specialties get paid less?

Pediatric specialties often receive lower salaries due to economic factors such as high student debt and varying Medicaid reimbursements, which can be less than Medicare rates. For instance, Pediatric Program and Activity Specialists earn between $54,590 and $68,290, with a median salary of $60,890, reflecting the financial challenges in this field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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