Pediatric Nurse Salary Info

How Much Does a Pediatric Nurse Make?

The chart below provides median annual salaries with USD conversions for select countries worldwide.

Pediatric Nurse Salary Determinant Factors

Salaries for pediatric nurses vary worldwide as reported by Payscale.com and country-specific employment websites with geographic region, professional experience, and work setting having the greatest influence on earnings. Further details are provided in the following paragraphs on income and a career as a pediatric nurse.

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

Pediatric Nurse Salary in US

Pediatric nurses in the US earn between $32,850 and more than $83,000 per year. Bonus and profit sharing potential can further increase earnings by up to nearly $15,000. Those who work for an hourly wage earn between $18 and $38 per hour. Some may also earn an additional pay between $15 and $62 per hour may be earned for overtime hours and shift differential. Those with experience in neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care, and acute care often earn higher incomes that may exceed the national average pediatric nurse salary by up to 38%.

Pediatric Nurse Salary in Canada

Entry level pediatric nurses in Canada can expect a starting salary of nearly C$39,000 per year. With experience, annual salary may exceed C$86,000. Some employers offer bonus potential that may reach $6,000 in additional income. Those who work for an hourly wage earn between C$25.22 and C$42.96 per hour. Additional pay between C$10 and C$78 per hour may be offered for overtime hours. Employers in Those employed in Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg earn 18%, 11%, and 7% more, respectively, while employment in Ottawa and Toronto pays about 3% less.

Pediatric Nurse Salary in UK

In UK, pediatric nurses earn a median annual salary of just under £24,000. The starting salary for entry level professionals is about £21,000, increasing to nearly £28,000 per year with experience. There are some opportunities for bonus pay that may reach nearly £10,000 in additional earnings annually. Some employment is paid through an hourly wage ranging from £10 to £20 per hour, and overtime hours may garner up to £24 per hour in additional pay. As with many other careers, those employed in and near London may earn an additional stipend for the high cost of living in the area.

Pediatric Nurse Salary in Australia

Pediatric nurses in Australia begin their careers with a starting salary of approximately AU$39,000 per year. With experience and additional training, earnings can surpass AU$80,000 annually. Up to an additional AU$17,000 in bonus potential can further increase overall income. Some employers offer an hourly wage between AU$25 and AU$41 per hour and overtime pay can reach an additional AU$62 per hour. Earnings steadily increase throughout one’s career, and those with extensive experience and management responsibilities can exceed a six-figure income.

Pediatric Nurse Salary in New Zealand

In New Zealand, pediatric nurses earn about NZ$47,000 per year upon completing their education and beginning their careers. Within three to five years of professional experience, salaries for pediatric nurses increase to between NZ$54,000 and NZ$68,000 per year. Throughout one’s career, earnings continue to increase and those with the most experience and responsibility earn nearly NZ$115,000 per year. Some employers offer bonus potential that may exceed NZ$20,000 per year. Overtime pay is typically offered for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week. The hourly wage ranges from NZ$15 to NZ$60 per hour in additional pay.

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

Experience is a strong influencer of income for pediatric nurses with triple-digit growth between starting salaries and total earnings for experienced professionals. The greatest spread in income is seen in Australia at 156%. Australia is followed closely behind by the US at 153% and New Zealand at 145%. Income growth in Canada is 121%. And while the earning increases in UK are lower, experience still boosts earnings by 33% in that country.

To practice as a pediatric nurse, an undergraduate degree in nursing followed by additional education and training specific to pediatrics is required. Most countries and employers require certification or licensure with the appropriate regulating board, and ongoing training to maintain these standards are typically necessary.

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

Pediatric nurses work in hospitals, physician offices and clinics, and home health care agencies. Due to educational and training requirements, salaries are similar across work settings; however, privately-owned physician offices and for-profit hospitals may offer higher incomes and greater potential for bonus incentives. Those who work in hospitals and home healthcare may earn more overtime pay due to the 24-hour care provided by these organizations.

Working Hours

Most pediatric nurses work a full-time schedule; however, there are opportunities in all work settings for part-time employment. Those who are employed by hospitals and home healthcare organizations may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to cover the 24-hour care provided in these settings. Full-time may be defined as 36 hours by some employers, up to a typical 40-hour work week. Pediatric nurses working in physician offices typically work Monday through Friday during regular business hours while hospital pediatric nurses may work 12-hour shifts during a three-day work week. While pediatric nurses may endure some stressful situations in their care of sick or terminally ill children, most in this profession express a high level of job satisfaction and positive work-life balance.

Bonuses and Benefits

As with many healthcare careers, pediatric nurses typically receive a full benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. Those who work part-time may not receive the same level of healthcare benefits. Bonus potential is common. However, these opportunities may be greater in the private sector compared to public sector or non-profit organizations. Part-time pediatric nurses may be ineligible for this benefit. Hospitals often offer overtime pay and may provide stipends for continuing education and training courses.

Career Prospects

A career in pediatric nursing offers strong employment opportunities worldwide. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% increase in job growth between 2014 and 2024, a rate that is much faster than other occupations. This growth is due to developing technologies and medical research that allows the provision of treatment and care to the most vulnerable and ill infants and children.

Conclusion

Pediatric nurses earn good salaries overall. And those with experience in neonatal intensive care, pediatric intensive care, and acute care typically garner even higher earnings. Many pediatric nurses receive overtime pay and bonus potential as well as healthcare benefits. In addition to a good income, pediatric nurses enjoy a positive work-life balance and high job satisfaction. It is also possible to work a part-time schedule in this field. Future job growth will likely remain strong and support income levels.