Pediatric nurses care for infants, children, and adolescents typically up to the age of 18. The median annual pediatric nurse salary in the US is $55,275 compared to C$61,426 ($46,953 USD) in Canada. Earnings in New Zealand and Australia are similar when converted to the USD at NZ$54,246 ($39,068 USD) and AU$45,198 ($34,689 USD), respectively, while pediatric nurses in the UK earn £23,848 ($25,378 USD) per year.
Salaries in South Africa and India lag behind at R134,293 ($10,080 USD) and Rs234,753 ($3,506 USD), respectively. Income for pediatric nurses varies by geographic region, work experience, and work setting as outlined in the following guide.
How Much Does a Pediatric Nurse Make?
The median annual salaries and hourly wage with USD conversions for select countries are provided in the chart below.
| Pediatric Nurse Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Annual Salary | $55,275 | C$61,426 (US$ 46,953) |
£23,848 (US$ 25,378) |
AU$45,198 (US$ 34,689) |
NZ$54,246 (US$ 39,068) |
Rs234,753 (US$ 3,506) |
R134,293 (US$ 10,080) |
| Hourly Wage | $25 | C$29 (US$22) |
£12 (US$15) |
AU$23 (US$18) |
NZ$28 (US$20) |
Rs120 (US$2) |
R69 (US$5) |
Factors that Influence the Pediatric Nurse Salary
Information found through Payscale.com, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and country-specific employment resources details overall income potential based on geographic region, work experience, and work setting.
1. Geographic Area
Pediatric Nurse Salary in the US
Pediatric nurses in the US earn between $33,570 and $83,000 per year. There is potential for bonus and profit sharing earnings that may add up to nearly $15,000. Additional pay of $63 per hour for overtime hours and shift differential is sometimes offered by some employers. Moreover, those with experience in Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric Intensive Care typically earn higher pay.
Pediatric Nurse Salary in Canada
The median annual salary for a pediatric nurse in Canada is C$61,426, with most who have experience earning between C$65,000 and C$75,000 per year. Those who have careers in Edmonton, Alberta, earn the highest amounts while earnings in Montreal, Quebec, fall at the bottom end of the pay scale by about 31% less.
Pediatric Nurse Salary in the UK
In the UK, pediatric nurses beginning their career earn a starting salary of about £20,400. With experience and additional training, salaries increase to more than £27,000. In addition, about £4,200 in bonus potential can be earned through some employers.
Pediatric Nurse Salary in Australia
Starting salaries for pediatric nurses in Australia are about AU$25,000 per year. Income potential increases rapidly with experience with a typical experienced pediatric nurse earning between AU$45,198 and AU$80,500 per year. Those with extensive experience and responsibility can earn as much as AU$100,800 per year.
Pediatric Nurse Salary in New Zealand
Pediatric nurses in New Zealand who are recent graduates earn about NZ$47,000 per year. With three to five years’ experience, incomes increase to between NZ$54,000 and NZ$68,000 annually. Incomes further increase with additional experience and responsibility to between NZ$68,000 and NZ$114,000 per year.
Pediatric Nurse Salary in India
In India, salaries for pediatric nurses range from just under Rs125,000 to more than Rs444,000 per year with the median annually salary at Rs234,753. There are opportunities for bonus and profit sharing earnings that can total more than Rs34,000 in additional income each year.
Pediatric Nurse Salary in South Africa
Pediatric nurses in South Africa have a starting salary of about R93,000 per year. Earnings increase to more than R195,000 annually with additional experience. Bonus potential and profit sharing opportunities can further boost income by nearly R34,000 per year.
2. Experience
Additional work experience boosts incomes for pediatric nurses, with salary increases more dramatic in some countries. For example, the gap between starting salaries and those of experienced pediatric nurses is 220% or a difference of more than AU$55,400 per year. Income growth in the US and New Zealand is similar, with experience resulting in increased salary ranges by 148% and 143%, respectively.
On the other side, in the UK, India, and South Africa where incomes are lower for pediatric nurses, earnings increase about 34%, 256%, and 110%, respectively, with experience.
3. Industry
Pediatric nurses work in hospitals, physician offices, and home healthcare services. Salaries are similar across work settings; however, those who work in physician offices, typically privately-owned, may have the greatest potential for bonus and profit sharing income compared to hospitals or other non-profit facilities.
Overtime and shift differential pay is most common in hospitals and home healthcare where 24-hour care is provided. Pediatric nurses working in home healthcare provide care for very ill children who may be terminal, which can result in additional emotional stress.
Working Hours
While most pediatric nurses work full-time hours, there are opportunities for part-time employment in all work settings. Because hospitals and home healthcare offer 24-hour care, those employed in these settings are subject to work shifts subject to any day or time, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Shifts at hospitals may also be up to 12 hours, meaning nurses who work in these settings may work only three to four days a week.
Those employed in physician offices typically work Monday through Friday during normal business hours with some weekend or evening hours required on occasion. Pediatric nursing is a female-dominated career, and while some work settings can lead to additional emotional stress, most in this career field express a high level of job satisfaction and positive work-life balance.
Bonuses and Benefits
While bonuses are often provided to pediatric nurses worldwide, employers who offer profit sharing income are often private practice physician offices as many hospitals are non-profit organizations. Some employers offer overtime pay, but this benefit is most commonly provided by hospitals and home healthcare organizations due to the work hours they may require.
Pediatric nurses who work full-time usually enjoy a full healthcare benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage. Those who work part-time, however, may not receive health insurance benefits.
Career Prospects
Job prospects are strong for pediatric nurses worldwide. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates job growth of approximately 16% between 2014 and 2024, which is a much faster rate than other occupations. A career as a pediatric nurse requires a bachelor’s degree that may take three to four years to achieve as well as additional practical training. Licensure is required in the US and registration with the proper governing board is necessary for most countries.
Conclusion
The pediatric nurse salary is on the rise worldwide and professionals in this career enjoy a positive work-life balance and high job satisfaction. Moreover, those who have experience in neonatal and pediatric intensive care may earn higher incomes (about $5,000 extra for US-based neonatal nurses alone). Bonus income is common, as well as a full package of healthcare benefits. Future job growth and employment potential are expected to continue increasing, providing steady demand for the supply of professionals entering the nursing field.
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