Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Salary by State
Compare Pediatric Nurse Practitioner salaries across all 19 states. Select a state below for detailed percentile breakdowns, cost-of-living adjustments, and specialty comparisons.
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
for accuracy.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Salary Rankings — All States
Key Insights: The Cost of Living Reality
While California offers the highest raw salary for PNPs at $154,207, it is crucial to factor in the state's cost of living (COL index of 142.2). When salaries are adjusted for actual purchasing power, the landscape shifts dramatically.
For example, a PNP in Kansas making a raw median salary of $112,734 enjoys a COL index of 87.4, effectively giving them a purchasing power of $128,986 compared to the national baseline. States in the South and Midwest often provide a better ratio of income to living expenses, despite appearing lower on the raw salary rankings.
| Rank | State | Median Hourly | Median Annual | COL Adjusted | vs National |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $73.00 | $154,207 | $108,444 | +32% |
| #2 | Washington | $65.71 | $132,578 | $115,185 | +14% |
| #3 | Delaware | $59.25 | $122,444 | $118,648 | +5% |
| #4 | Hawaii | $59.93 | $121,410 | $63,235 | +4% |
| #5 | Rhode Island | $60.31 | $120,997 | $107,077 | +4% |
| #6 | Pennsylvania | $57.59 | $118,572 | $120,745 | +2% |
| #7 | Vermont | $56.98 | $116,485 | $101,379 | Avg |
| #8 | Ohio | $55.53 | $116,269 | $126,654 | Avg |
| #9 | Utah | $57.76 | $115,808 | $112,983 | -1% |
| #10 | Maine | $55.56 | $115,752 | $103,813 | -1% |
| #11 | Idaho | $56.29 | $115,300 | $115,880 | -1% |
| #12 | Nebraska | $54.99 | $115,065 | $124,530 | -1% |
| #13 | Florida | $54.10 | $113,148 | $110,066 | -3% |
| #14 | Kansas | $53.90 | $112,734 | $128,986 | -3% |
| #15 | Georgia | $54.76 | $112,321 | $125,920 | -4% |
| #16 | Louisiana | $53.64 | $111,700 | $121,413 | -4% |
| #17 | South Carolina | $52.85 | $105,759 | $112,152 | -9% |
| #18 | Tennessee | $46.87 | $99,095 | $109,861 | -15% |
| #19 | Alabama | $49.72 | $97,600 | $110,783 | -16% |
What is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)?
A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides primary and acute healthcare to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. As the "central nervous system" of the pediatric care environment, a PNP must balance high-level clinical diagnostics with the unique physiological and emotional needs of a developing child. In the trenches, the clinical weight of this role is found in the ability to distinguish a common childhood illness from a critical medical emergency—all while speaking the "language" of your patient and calming the fears of their parents. You aren't just a provider; you are the architect of a child's future health, managing everything from complex chronic conditions to the critical preventative care that defines a lifetime of wellness.
The journey to the PNP credential requires a rigorous academic foundation, typically involving a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a specialized pediatric focus. To practice at the top of your license, you must secure national board certification through the PNCB (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board) or the ANCC and maintain state-specific NP licensure. In 2026, our profession is at the forefront of precision medicine; we are now utilizing AI-driven growth tracking and advanced genomic screenings to tailor individualized care plans at the bedside. This modern scope of practice allows us to provide high-tech, proactive care while maintaining the compassionate, family-centered approach that has always been the heart of pediatric nursing.
A PNP license is a true professional "passport," offering incredible flexibility across the entire healthcare continuum. Whether your passion lies in the high-stakes environment of a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), the steady, relationship-based care of a suburban primary care office, or the strategic world of pediatric school-based health centers, your expertise is in high demand. Because PNPs can specialize in Primary Care (CPNP-PC) or Acute Care (CPNP-AC), this credential gives you the autonomy to pivot between diverse settings—from specialized cardiology clinics to global pediatric health initiatives. Every shift is an opportunity to make a tangible, lifelong impact, ensuring that the next generation has the healthiest start possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Pediatric Nurse Practitioner salary in the US?
The national median salary for a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) is $116,697 per year, or approximately $56.78 per hour based on 2023 BLS data.
Which state pays Pediatric Nurse Practitioners the most?
California offers the highest Pediatric Nurse Practitioner salary at $154,207 per year, while Alabama is the lowest at $97,600.
What is the starting salary for a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner?
Entry-level Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in the US typically start around the 10th percentile, earning a national median of $88,701. With significant experience, top earners in the 90th percentile can make upwards of $150,089 annually.
Does the highest paying state for PNPs offer the best standard of living?
Not necessarily. While California offers the highest raw salary at $154,207, its high cost of living means your purchasing power is lower. When adjusted for cost of living, states like Kansas and Ohio often provide a better financial return for PNPs.
How much does a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner make an hour?
On a national level, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner makes a median of $56.78 per hour. However, depending on the state and facility, this can range from $42.64 for new graduates up to $72.16 for highly experienced directors or specialists.
Does a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner make more than a standard Registered Nurse?
Yes, significantly more. While the national median for a standard Registered Nurse is roughly $93,600, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner averages $116,697. This premium compensation reflects the advanced MSN or DNP degree and specialized clinical training required for the role.