Pediatric Nurse Salary Guide
Real salary ranges for Pediatric Nurses in the US market — what you should expect, and what you can negotiate.
Salary Ranges
25TH PERCENTILE
$62,000
Entry-level or lower cost-of-living markets
50TH PERCENTILE
$78,000
Median — most roles fall here
75TH PERCENTILE
$95,000
Experienced, larger market or company
90TH PERCENTILE
$115,000
Top earners, premium markets
PICU nurses earn 15-25% more than general pediatric nurses, with children's hospitals typically offering 8-12% higher base salaries than general hospitals. CPN certification adds 5-10% to compensation and significantly improves advancement opportunities into charge nurse and educator roles.
Top-Paying Cities
San Francisco, CA$110,000
San Jose, CA$105,000
New York, NY$98,000
Boston, MA$95,000
Seattle, WA$93,000
Top-Paying Industries
Children's Hospitals$92,000
Academic Medical Centers$88,000
General Hospitals (PICU)$85,000
General Hospitals (General Peds)$75,000
Ambulatory/Outpatient Pediatrics$68,000
Negotiation Tip for Pediatric Nurses
Highlight your CPN certification or commitment to obtain it during offer negotiations, as this credential directly impacts starting salary; also emphasize PICU experience if applicable, as these specialized roles command premium pay in most markets.
Practice your negotiationRelated tools
Know your worth. Negotiate with confidence.
Get your personalized salary analysis and negotiation coaching — free to start.
Get Started Free