Neonatal Nurse Salary Guide
Many nurses work as registered nurses (RNs) in the obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) department of hospitals, caring for expectant individuals and newborn babies. Neonatal nurses take on even more specialized roles. They work with newborn infants with birth complications or developmental issues. Neonatal nurses’ patients include premature babies and infants with defects, infections, or malformations.
Neonatal nurses earn compensation in line with other RNs. This page explores neonatal nurse salaries and the factors that can affect their pay. Our other guides explore neonatal nurse responsibilities and information on becoming a neonatal nurse.
Fast Facts About Neonatal Nurses
- Neonatal nurses make an average of $34.60 an hour.
- Neonatal nurses provide care for the approximately 300,000 low-birth-weight infants (less than 2500 grams) born annually in the United States.
- Working in neonatal intensive care units or pursuing neonatal certification can increase compensation.
Sources: National Center for Health Statistics (CDC) | Payscale, September 2023
Average Salary for Neonatal Nurses
Along with other RNs, neonatal nurse salaries vary based on many factors, including education level. Neonatal nurses — sometimes called neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses — tend to earn higher salaries with more advanced degrees.
The table below uses data from MedScape’s 2022 RN/LPN Compensation Report to demonstrate how education affects salary. On average, RNs with doctorates earn $14,000 more than those with bachelor’s degrees in nursing.
$82,000
RN Diploma
$85,000
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
$96,000
Master of Science in Nursing
$99,000
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Source: MedScape
Neonatal Nurse Salary Disparities by Gender
We often hear about the gender pay gap in positions of leadership or male-dominated industries like technology or finance, but the gender pay gap occurs in nursing too.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), women comprise 88% of working RNs. Even so, male neonatal nurses earn significantly higher salaries than female nurses, as indicated in data from the Journal of Nursing Regulation.
What Kind of Salary Growth Can Neonatal Nurses Expect?
Experience also affects NICU nurse salaries. As neonatal nurses gain experience in their profession over time, they receive pay raises. Some NICU nurses find job opportunities with higher salaries at different hospitals or doctors’ offices.
The chart below demonstrates how neonatal nurse salaries increase over time. Data from Payscale as of September 2023 indicates that NICU nurses can potentially expect a salary increase of over $42,000 throughout their careers.
Highest-Paying States for Neonatal Nurses
Location also significantly affects pay. Considerations like demand, the urban versus rural divide, cost of living, and government funding of certain hospitals can factor into salary.
The BLS does not provide state-specific information for neonatal nurses. However, variations in NICU nurse salaries across the country remain consistent with general RN earnings.
RNs earn average salaries of over $120,000 in three states: California, where they earn average pay of $148,330; Hawaii, where they make an average salary of $123,720; and Oregon, where they make an average salary of $120,470. Other states with mean earnings over $110,000 include Washington and Massachusetts.
How Do Neonatal Nurse Salaries Compare to Other Nurses?
Certification, level of education, and specialization can influence salaries within the RN profession. The following chart indicates that neonatal nurses earn salaries similar to nurses in comparable specialties. They might take in slightly more than professions like school or pediatric nurse.
4 Ways to Increase Pay as an Neonatal Nurse
With so many factors influencing neonatal nurse salaries, these professionals can earn salaries within a wide range of about $58,000- $128,000, according to Payscale in December 2025.
NICU nurses can take several measures to increase their income. These steps involve considerable determination. The time and financial commitment typically pay off over time with higher salaries and jobs with greater responsibilities.
- 1
Consider Pursuing Certifications.
Nurses can prove that they possess experience and expertise in a certain specialization through professional certification. Although nurses do not need certification to practice, pursuing these credentials can increase job prospects and help nurses negotiate for higher pay. Professionals in the field can consider pursuing certification from the National Certification Corporation, for instance. - 2
Increase Education Level.
As evidenced by MedScape’s 2022 RN/LPN Compensation Report, more advanced degrees can lead to higher earning potential. Earning a master’s or doctorate also qualifies nurses to become nurse practitioners (NPs) who specialize in neonatal care. NPs earn considerably higher pay than their RN peers and can meet with patients independently. - 3
Gain Experience in Administrative Roles.
Individuals in administrative nursing positions take on more responsibilities than RNs. They coordinate care and take on other leadership duties, typically earning higher salaries. Sometimes nurses pursue master’s degrees in nursing administration, while others step into this role by showing initiative at their workplaces. - 4
Become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
Neonatal NPs pursue master’s or doctoral degrees to carry out more advanced roles. They treat patients independently and can prescribe medication without a physician’s supervisory agreement in some states. In other states, NPs can still prescribe under a collaborative contract with a physician. NPs also earn more than RNs, with OB/GYN nurse practitioners making an average salary of $126,930, according to ZipRecruiter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neonatal Nurses
Starting salaries vary depending on factors like location and education. Payscale data as of December 2025 suggests that entry-level NICU nurses earn an average base salary of $67,514. This amount can increase over time with experience.
