Neonatal Nurse Salary Info

A neonatal nurse provides care to newborn infants experiencing issues or problems related to premature birth, birth defects, illness, or complications from surgery. In the US, neonatal nurses earn just under $61,000 per year compared to about C$70,468 ($52,360) in Canada. When converted to the US dollar, earnings for neonatal nurses in New Zealand and Australia are similar at NZ$64,210 ($45,113 USD) and AU$56,260 ($42,031), respectively. The neonatal nurse salary varies by geography, work setting and professional experience with further details provided in this guide.

How Much Does a Neonatal Nurse Make?

The chart below provides salary information and their US dollar equivalency for neonatal nurses in select countries worldwide.

Neonatal Nurse Salary Determinant Factors

Payscale.com offers income information for neonatal nurses worldwide. While the geographic region is a strong influencer of earnings, work setting and professional experience also affect incomes. The following paragraphs provide additional information on a career as a neonatal nurse.

1. How Much Does a Neonatal Nurse Make by Country?

Neonatal Nurse Salary in the US

In the US, neonatal nurses beginning their careers earn a starting salary of about $41,500 per year, with incomes steadily increasing over one’s career to nearly $98,000 annually. Bonus potential can further increase earnings as much as nearly $10,000 per year. For those who earn an hourly wage, the pay ranges from $23 to $44 per hour, and overtime pay can add an additional $12 to $68 per hour. Geographic region within the US also affects salary as those in New York earn about 44% more, followed by Los Angeles at 36% more.

Neonatal Nurse Salary in Canada

Entry level neonatal nurses in Canada typically earn nearly C$37,000 per year, increasing to an annual salary of nearly C$98,000 with additional experience. Earnings are relatively steady during the first five years of professional experience, but then increases steadily for the remainder of one’s career, peaking for those with 20 years’ or more experience. Neonatal nurses earning an hourly wage make between C$24 and C$46 per hour, and overtime pay can reach a lofty C$92 per hour.

Neonatal Nurse Salary in the UK

Professionals working in the UK earn just under £20,000 per year when starting their careers. With further experience and training, incomes increase to about £38,500 annually. Less than 5% of neonatal nurses in the UK indicate they have 20 years’ or more experience, indicating those with the highest salaries have committed their careers to the field.

Neonatal Nurse Salary in Australia

Neonatal nurses in Australia begin their careers with strong salaries at more than AU$48,000 per year. With additional experience and training, earnings increase to more than AU$92,000 annually. Hourly wages for neonatal nurses range from AU$25 to AU$51 per hour and overtime pay can add another AU$25 per hour onto overall earnings.

Neonatal Nurse Salary in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the median annual salary for neonatal nurses is more than NZ$64,000 per year. The lower 25% of earners make less than NZ$61,000 per year while the upper 25% earn more than NZ$72,000 annually. There is a steady flow of new neonatal nurses and experience professionals as about 33% are entry level and 17% have 20 years’ or more experience.

2. How Much Does a Neonatal Nurse Make According to Experience?

The difference between entry level and senior level pay for neonatal nurses is greatest in Canada at 165%, followed by the US at 136%. These two countries also provide the highest median salaries in US dollar values. Neonatal nurses in Australia earn among the highest starting salaries for entry level positions; and while the gap between entry level and senior level pay is smaller in comparison to the US and Canada, it remains sizeable at 92%. In the UK, where salaries are lower, senior level neonatal nurses earn about 93% more than their entry level colleagues.

3. How Much Does a Neonatal Nurse Make According to Work Environment?

Neonatal nurses work primarily in hospitals and clinics; however, some work in agencies and community health organizations as researchers, consultants, and family educators. Those who are employed in the public sector and non-profit hospitals and organizations typically earn less and may have less potential for bonus pay than those working in for-profit organizations and the private sector. Neonatal nurses who work in hospitals where may earn more due to overtime pay that comes with a schedule spanning 24-hour care, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Working Hours

Neonatal nurses typically work a full-time schedule; however, there are some opportunities for part-time work and flexible scheduling. Full-time is often defined as 36 to 40 hours per week. Those who work in hospitals may be subject to a schedule that includes any day or hour of the week, including holidays. Neonatal nurses who work for community organizations or agencies typically work during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.

Bonuses and Benefits

Benefits provided to neonatal nurses vary worldwide. In the US and Canada, most indicate they receive a full healthcare benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, while most in Australia state they do not receive this level of health care coverage. Continuing training and education are commonly required for neonatal nurses, and some employers cover these expenses. Paid time off for holiday, vacation, and sick time is also often provided. Overtime pay and shift differential are provided by most employers for hours worked in excess of 36 to 40 hours per week.

Career Prospects

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a growth of rate of 16% from 2014 to 2024 for registered nurses, which includes neonatal nurses. Growth in this area is due to advancements in medicine that result in improved life expectancy despite complications, increased medical technology, and greater awareness of preventive medicine. To work as a neonatal nurse, the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree is required along with continued on-job training and education.

Conclusion

Neonatal nurses earn solid salaries while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and high level of job satisfaction. While most work full-time hours, there are some opportunities for part-time employment. Future job outlook is positive with a faster than average growth rate expected in the coming years. The demand for neonatal nurses should continue to support salary levels and provide sufficient job opportunities in the future.