Hello there, welcome to another excellent read examining the topic: How Much Does a Neonatal Nurse Make?
Today, we’ll walk you through every aspect of an average Neonatal Nurse Salary.
We’ll cover NICU RNs’ earnings by location, years of experience, industry, and expected annual salary just to mention a few, and why you may want to pursue this nursing career.
We’ll take you through:
- How does work experience impact the annual salary of a Neonatal Nurse?
- How Newborn Nurses earn across various industries
- Neonatal Nurse salary by the type of employer
- The effect of the workplace on the salary of a Neonatal Nurse Practitioners
Let’s get started right away!
An Overview of Neonatal Nurse Salary
Nurses come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they all have the ability to make a difference in the lives of patients while also having satisfying healthcare professions.
If you enjoy dealing with infants and their families, neonatal care is a possible nursing specialty.
Some Neonatal Nurses work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which is a specialized setting (NICU).
Nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) look after unwell and premature newborn babies from the time they are born until they are discharged from the hospital.
How much can you expect to earn working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)?
It all relies on your qualifications, training, and function within the hospital.
Neonatal Nurses make an average of $73,900 per year.
Earning potential for Neonatal Nurses is influenced by a number of criteria, including the level of education, years of experience, and geographic location.
Neonatal Nurses, for instance, can make roughly $49.1 an hour, but pay varies by as much as $25.9 based on experience and region.
Neonatal Nurses work in a rapidly expanding field.
From 2020 to 2030, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 7-9 percent increase in RN employment.
Every year, roughly 175,899 new job opportunities should be created as a result of this expansion.
Openings arise as a result of Practitioners changing careers or retiring.
Professionals should be aware that applicants with a BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) or master of science nursing (MSN) have an advantage over those with an associate degree in nursing (ADN).
Employers also prefer candidates with additional specialty credentials or a lot of job experience.
We’ll go over the typical NICU Nurse salary by job in this quick guide.
Neonatal Nurse Salary Range by Education and Years of Experience
Since Neonatal Nurses work with infants are frail, they are usually credentialed in neonatal resuscitation, neonatal critical care nursing, or as Neonatal Nurse Practitioners.
These Nurses because of the nature of their Nurse jobs gain more credentials in their field of study.
Most make more than the average RN because of their extensive education requirements and nursing degrees.
NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
A Registered Nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit works in a fast-paced setting where she is responsible for the treatment of newborn babies.
These newborns take a lot of attention.
Level II and Level III are the most common classifications for Neonatal Nurses.
The Nurse at Level II is responsible for very preterm or unwell babies.
In order to survive, babies in Level III require modern technology and regular care.
To care for these infants, this Nurse must hold a NICN (Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse) certificate.
The starting compensation for these Nurses, according to Payscale, is roughly $54,900.
Neonatal Case Manager
Neonatal Case Managers are Neonatal Nurses who have completed the necessary training to care for infants whose health is regarded to be in jeopardy.
A Case Manager is in charge of the Nurses in the newborn units’ several departments.
Interpersonal skills, a comprehensive awareness of neonatal disorders and medical laws, and management abilities are all required for this position.
Because of the supervisory nature of this job, the starting salary is usually around $60,000 per year.
Neonatal Nursery
A Neonatal Nursery Nurse is a person who looks after newborn babies until they are ready to go home.
The majority of nurseries are classified as level I.
This indicates that the infants are healthy and have a minimal chance of sickness.
The Neonatal Nurse looks after the babies, bathing them, feeding them, and giving them medications as needed.
Their duties could be likened to those of Pediatric Nurses.
The starting salary for this form of nursing is $50,900.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner may be a suitable choice for a Neonatal Nurse who wants to work in more advanced newborn environments.
This sort of Nurse obtains an NNP certificate, which involves further training and education.
Being able to care for patients and write prescriptions under the supervision of a Physician are some of the other work responsibilities.
An NNP’s average annual starting pay is roughly $74,350.
Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
A Clinical Nurse Specialist is someone who performs the duties of a Case Manager and Nursing Supervisor.
The position of newborn Clinical Nurse Specialist involves several responsibilities when combined with a neonatal education and background.
The median annual salary for a Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist is roughly $61,200.
Staff supervision, direct patient care, new technology development, and educating the neonatal nursing staff, are all part of the job description.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Annual Salary by Location
One significant impact of working as a Neonatal Nurse is the location of your work environment and also the region’s cost of living.
Large coastal cities like California, Washington, New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts have some of the highest-earning potentials.
Here is the list of Neonatal Registered Nurse salaries by state:
- California Neonatal Nurse annual salary (Neonatal Nurse salary California): $113,000
- Washington Neonatal Nurse’s annual salary: $126,600
- Hawaii Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $105,800
- Massachusetts Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $109,100
- Oregon Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $95,600
- Alaska’s non-metropolitan areas (rural areas outside of Alaska’s most populated cities, which include Fairbanks, Anchorage, Ketchikan, and Juneau) – the average income for a neonatal nurse is $100,800.
- Nevada Pediatric Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $100,000
- New Jersey Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $100,900
- Connecticut Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $103,000
- Kansas Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $94,200
- Mississippi Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $88,300
- Pennsylvania Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $101,900
- Rhode Island Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $101,400
- South Carolina Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $94,300
- Wisconsin Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $97,600
- Wyoming Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $106,600
- Indiana Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $99,400
- Michigan Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $88,200
- New York Neonatal Nurse annual salary (Neonatal Nurse salary New York): $119,300
- Texas Neonatal Nurse annual salary (Neonatal Nurse salary Texas): $103,100
- Florida Neonatal Nurse annual salary (Neonatal Nurse salary Florida): $90,900
- Alabama Neonatal Nurse annual salary: $94,200
- South Dakota Neonatal Registered Nurse annual salary: $97,100
Neonatal Nurse Salary Outlook
According to the BLS, a nationwide lack of Nurses has left many sections of the country neglected, particularly in inner-city and rural areas.
Specialty practitioners who are willing to work in such areas, such as newborn Nurses, are likely to gain from increased job prospects.
Neonatal Nurses can develop their nursing careers through positions such as Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, both of which require a master’s degree and further training.
Employment growth in the healthcare sector, particularly in the nursing profession, is continuing to be fueled by care and technological breakthroughs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates that Registered Nurses will continue to be in high demand, with a predicted growth rate of 7-9% from 2020 to 2030, which is way higher than the national average.
Registered Nurses working in specialist specialties, such as neonatology, are projected to have higher job opportunities and prospects.
How to Increase Your NICU RN Job Salary
Work Varied Shifts
Most medical centers and ICU facilities have a regular day shift that goes from 7 a.m. to 3:30 or 4 p.m., while others work all day long.
To increase your Neonatal Nurse income, the second and third shifts should be considered since they frequently pay a few dollars extra per hour.
Weekend and holiday work might also result in increased hourly pay.
Obtain Specialized Training
A Nurse who specializes in a specific area may be paid more per hour than a general Practice Nurse.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners might earn more at specialized jobs.
The medical center where the Nurse works may provide training in the form of online classes or onsite workshops for a very short period of time.
Pursue a Higher education
A Nurse who has an RN degree but has not completed four years of college can enroll in a four-year bachelor of nursing program.
In fact, the BSN is currently required by many medical establishments.
An RN – MSN degree, or doctor of nursing practice, can lead to higher pay and more administrative prospects for a Nurse.
Many of these nursing programs are available online or on-campus at a local university.
Conclusion
It is worth noting that NICU Nurses have bright career and salary possibilities.
As the current generation of experienced, highly skilled Nurses with NCLEX-RN licensure retires, the demand for certified RNs will grow even more.
Since NICU Nurses have even more specific skills and training, demand for their services is expected to increase with time.
As the population and the healthcare business continue to grow, investing in your education and nursing programs today could pay dividends in the future.
FAQs
What is the Average NICU Nurse Salary?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses in the United States earn an average of $80,100 per year. NICU Nurses are among the highest-paid nurses. A NICU Nurse’s average hourly income is $49.1 per hour.
Are NICU Nurses Rich?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly NICU Nurse income is $101,750. Earning potential is higher for those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), advanced qualifications, and more experience. NICU Nurses work an average of 34-36 hours each week, for hourly pay of $54.35.
What is the Entry-level NICU Nurse’s Salary?
The entry-level NICU Nurse’s salary begins at a different level depending on criteria such as level of education and location. According to PayScale statistics from May 2021, entry-level NICU Nurses get an average base salary of $59,550.
How Much Do NICU Nurses Make a Year?
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) RNs earn an average yearly salary of $60,400, while Neonatal Nurse Practitioners earn an average annual salary of $93,200.
Is a NICU Nurse a Good Job?
Nurses, notably NICU Nurses, have traditionally had a bright job outlook. Opportunities for job advancement are also available for Neonatal Nurses who pursue additional nursing education, more clinical experience, and training to advance to positions ranging from unit manager to Chief Nurse.
Is Being a NICU Nurse Worth it?
Caring for ill newborns and supporting their families can be quite gratifying. However, there are many advantages to working as a Neonatal Nurse in addition to the rewarding profession of patient care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses earned an average annual pay of $71,750 in 2018.
What is the Average Salary for a Neonatal Nurse?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), Registered Nurses in the United States earn an average of $80,100 per year. The average annual earnings for a Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist is roughly $61,200. Staff supervision and direct patient care are among the responsibilities.
What is the Starting Salary for a Neonatal Nurse?
The starting salary for Neonatal Nurses begins at a different level depending on criteria such as level of education and location. According to PayScale statistics from May 2021, entry-level NICU Nurses get an average base salary of $59,550.
Is Neonatal Nursing in High Demand?
Neonatal Nurses are in high demand. A variety of factors contribute to the continued high demand for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. The increase of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), necessitates more personnel. Again, existing Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are retiring in greater numbers.
Is Neonatal Nursing in High Demand?
Neonatal Nurses are in high demand. A variety of factors contribute to the continued high demand for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. The increase of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), necessitates more personnel. Again, existing Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are retiring in greater numbers.
What is a Neonatal Nurse’s Hourly Salary?
A NICU Nurse’s average hourly income is $49.1 per hour. The typical NICU Nurse’s income is around 18-19 percent higher than the median wage for a Registered Nurse at this hourly rate.
What is the Highest Salary for a Neonatal Nurse?
The highest-paying state for Neonatal Nurses is New York, which pays $108,500 per year, while the lowest-paying state is North Carolina, which pays $78,350 per year.
What is the Salary Range for a Neonatal Nurse?
Since there are so many elements that influence Neonatal Nurse salaries, these professionals can make anywhere from $48,999 to $103,999.
Who is the Highest Paid Nurse?
The highest-paid nursing position is that of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Nurse Anesthetists are highly skilled and advanced Registered Nurses who work closely with medical professionals during anesthesia-related care and treatments.
