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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse in California is $98,292 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $108,860 | $9,072 | $2,093 | $52 |
| Average | $98,292 | $8,191 | $1,890 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,106 | $7,426 | $1,714 | $43 |
AMN Healthcare - Loma Linda, CA
AMN Healthcare - Lodi, CA
AMN Healthcare - Marysville, CA
AMN Healthcare - San Jose, CA
A Neonatal Intensive Care 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 Neonatal Intensive Care 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 Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse | $96,123 |
| Intermediate Level Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse | $96,378 |
| Senior Level Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse | $99,785 |
| Specialist Level Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse | $104,579 |
| Expert Level Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse | $104,922 |
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 Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $117,950 | $57.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Neonatal Intensive Care 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $108,860 | $9,072 | $2,093 | $52 |
| Average | $98,292 | $8,191 | $1,890 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,106 | $7,426 | $1,714 | $43 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
AMN Healthcare
Vallejo, CA
AMN Healthcare | Vallejo, CA
Registered Nurse Neonatal Intensive Care. Short Term Acute Care Hospital. 975 Sereno Drive, Vallejo, California 94589 Weekly Pay * $3,076 - $3,234. 12 N. O... more
5 Days Ago
AMN Healthcare
Harbor City, CA
AMN Healthcare | Harbor City, CA
Job Opportunity At South La County FacilityThis South LA county facility which has been named among the nation's top hospitals in safety and patient care. ... more
6 Days Ago
AMN Healthcare
Van Nuys, CA
AMN Healthcare | Van Nuys, CA
Nicu Rn Job Responsibilities. NICU RNs are responsible for total care of infants who may be diagnosed with congenital defects, delivery complications, or m... more
2 Days Ago
AMN Healthcare
Woodland Hills, CA
AMN Healthcare | Woodland Hills, CA
NICU RN's. NICU RN's are responsible for total care of infants who may be diagnosed with congenital defects, delivery complications, or most often, prematu... more
3 Days Ago
AMN Healthcare
Baldwin Park, CA
AMN Healthcare | Baldwin Park, CA
NICU RN's. NICU RN's are responsible for total care of infants who may be diagnosed with congenital defects, delivery complications, or most often, prematu... more
4 Days Ago
AMN Healthcare
Palo Alto, CA
AMN Healthcare | Palo Alto, CA
Travel RN-NICU Level II Special Care. Travel RN-NICU Level II Special Care jobs in Palo Alto, CA let you work in a city known for its vibrant culture and b... more
4 Days Ago
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