If you’re curious about the pediatric nurse salary landscape in the United States, you’ve come to the right article. Pediatric nurses—who specialize in caring for children from infancy through teen years—play a vital role in healthcare. Their compensation can vary widely depending on location, experience, education, and specialization.
In 2025, pediatric nurses are seeing meaningful salary differences across states and cities. In this guide we’ll break down national averages, highlight high-paying cities, explore key factors that influence salary, and give actionable tips on how to boost your earnings.
National Salary Averages for Pediatric Nurses
To understand how much pediatric nurses earn, let’s look at national data for 2025:
- According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for a pediatric nurse is $85,700, which translates to about $41/hour.
- ZipRecruiter reports an average hourly rate of $36.71, with annual figures varying.
- Glassdoor places the range between $79,235 (25th percentile) and $110,035 (75th percentile) nationally.
These numbers show that while the average pediatric nurse salary is around $80,000-$90,000 annually, there’s room for variation.
Major Factors That Affect Pediatric Nurse Salary
Several key factors determine how high your pediatric nurse salary can go:
- Location / Cost of Living: Urban areas and states with high living costs tend to pay more.
- Specialization & Setting: Working in specialized units (e.g., PICU, oncology) usually leads to higher pay.
- Experience & Education: More years of experience and advanced credentials bump up pay.
- Shift Differentials & Bonuses: Nights, weekends, holidays, and travel nursing boost income significantly.
- Employer Type: Pediatric hospitals and specialty children’s health centers often offer better compensation.
Top-Paying Cities for Pediatric Nurse Salary
Here are some U.S. cities where pediatric nurses tend to earn the most. The table below shows approximate annual salaries in 2025 (rounded estimates based on state data and city cost of living).
| City, State | Estimated Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | ~$120,000+ | High cost of living + strong demand |
| Seattle, WA | ~$110,000 | Tech/healthcare hub |
| Boston, MA | ~$105,000 | High wages in Eastern U.S. |
| New York City, NY | ~$100,000 | Large pediatric health systems |
| Los Angeles, CA | ~$100,000 | High cost + hospital density |
| Portland, OR | ~$108,000 | Strong pediatric care ecosystem |
| San Jose, CA | ~$125,000 | Very high cost of living |
These cities reflect where pediatric nurse salary is pushed upward by strong demand and living costs.
Salary by Region & State – The Broader Picture
While city-specific data is useful, state averages give a broader understanding. According to data collected for 2025:
| State | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | ~$102,640 | Among highest in the country |
| California | ~$94,600+ | High cost of living |
| Michigan | ~$79,490 | Moderate cost, lower than coastal states |
| Texas | ~$83,100 | Mid-range pay, large job market |
| Florida | ~$78,750 | Lower pay relative to some states |
These illustrate how pay ties closely to location and regional market dynamics.
How Specializations Impact Pediatric Nurse Salary
A nurse working in a general pediatrics unit may have a different salary than one in a high-acuity setting. Examples:
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): Often the highest paid staff nurses in pediatrics; average base salary ranges from $90,000 to $115,000 in 2025.
- Travel Pediatric Nurse: These roles pay higher weekly rates, often above $2,300/week, translating to over $120,000 annually depending on placements.
- Pediatric Oncology or Neonatal Specialist: Additional credentials often yield premium pay.
Tips to Increase Your Pediatric Nurse Salary
If you’re looking to maximize your pediatric nurse salary, here are actionable tips:
- Choose employment in a high-cost-of-living city.
- Obtain specialty certifications (CPN, CPON, CCRN-Pediatrics, etc.).
- Gain experience in high-acuity units (e.g., PICU, NICU).
- Opt for travel nursing assignments or premium shifts (nights/weekends).
- Consider obtaining a BSN or MSN which often unlocks higher pay.
- Negotiate based on your certifications, shift type, and unit acuity.
Salary Outlook: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
The demand for pediatric nurses remains strong. According to NursingProcess.org, coastal states and high-demand regions tend to pay more — and this trend is unlikely to change.
With retirements, healthcare expansions, and specialty unit growth, the pediatric nurse salary may continue to rise — especially in competitive markets.
Conclusion
When it comes to the pediatric nurse salary in 2025, your location, specialization, experience, and employer make the biggest difference. National averages sit around $85,000–$90,000 annually, but in top-paying cities like San Francisco, Boston, or Seattle, you can easily exceed $100,000.
If you’re a pediatric nurse or aspiring to become one, targeting cities with high demand, upskilling with certifications, and choosing high-acuity roles will help you earn more. Remember: where you work matters almost as much as how you work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the average pediatric nurse salary in the U.S. in 2025?
A: Around $85,700/year, with variations by location.
Q2. Which U.S. cities pay pediatric nurses the most?
A: Cities like San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, and New York are among the top payers.
Q3. How much more can I earn working in PICU or as a travel pediatric nurse?
A: PICU salaries can run $90k–$115k+ annually, and travel roles may exceed $120k/year.
Q4. Does specialization increase my pediatric nurse salary?
A: Yes—certifications like CPON or CCRN and high-acuity roles boost earnings significantly.
Q5. Should I move to a high-pay city to maximize my salary?
A: If financially feasible, relocating to a top-paying metro can increase your pediatric nurse salary, but cost of living must be considered.
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