Pediatric Nurse Salary Guide 2026: What Peds Nurses Earn
Pediatric nursing attracts professionals who are passionate about caring for children and families. While pediatric nurse salaries in 2026 are slightly lower than some adult-care specialties, the field offers unique rewards, strong job satisfaction, and excellent opportunities for advancement.
Pediatric Nurse Salary Overview for 2026
Pediatric nurses in 2026 earn between $65,000 and $95,000 in most settings. Pediatric ICU (PICU) nurses and those in pediatric specialty hospitals tend to earn at the higher end, while outpatient pediatric clinic nurses earn less but enjoy more regular hours.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New to Peds | 0-2 years | $58,000 – $68,000 |
| Mid-Level | 3-5 years | $68,000 – $82,000 |
| Senior | 6-12 years | $80,000 – $95,000 |
| Charge/Specialist | 10+ years | $90,000 – $110,000 |
Top 5 Highest-Paying States for Pediatric Nurses
| State | Average Pediatric Nurse Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $112,000 |
| Hawaii | $95,000 |
| Massachusetts | $92,000 |
| Oregon | $90,000 |
| Connecticut | $88,000 |
Pediatric Subspecialties and Pay
Pediatric nursing encompasses many subspecialties with varying compensation. PICU and pediatric emergency nurses earn the most among bedside roles. Neonatal ICU (NICU) nurses earn comparable salaries and represent one of the most sought-after pediatric specialties. Pediatric oncology, pediatric cardiac, and pediatric transplant nursing also command premium pay due to the specialized knowledge required.
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Start Free TrialCPN Certification and Career Growth
The Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) credential demonstrates specialized knowledge and typically adds $2,000 to $5,000 annually. Pediatric nurses can advance to pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP) roles, which significantly increase earning potential, or move into pediatric clinical education and management.
Pediatric nurses work alongside pediatricians and pediatric specialists. For physician salary data in pediatric specialties, RecruitPhysician provides comprehensive compensation guides. For salary comparisons across all healthcare professions including therapy and allied health, HealthTal covers the full spectrum of healthcare careers.
Find Pediatric Nursing Positions on NurseSend
Passionate about caring for children? Search the NurseSend database to find pediatric nursing positions at top children hospitals, PICU units, NICU facilities, and outpatient pediatric practices nationwide.
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