What Is the Average Salary for a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner?

Neonatal nurses are responsible for the basic medical care of newborns and their mothers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of all nurses to increase between 2006 and 2016. Read this article to learn more about neonatal nurse practitioners and their average salary. Schools offering Nursing degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

National Salary Information for Neonatal Nurse Practitioners

Neonatal nurse practitioners care for mothers and newborn babies during and immediately after delivery. They also assist doctors throughout the birthing process. According to NurseSource.org, neonatal care is delivered during the first month after birth.

This care is classified by three levels. The first level of care focuses on healthy babies and the second level focuses on babies with illness or in need of special care. The third level of neonatal care is reserved for babies in critical condition or on life support.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, reports that nurses earned a median annual salary of $62,450 in 2008.In 2009, Nursesource.org reported that inexperienced neonatal nurses earned an annual salary between $30,000 and $48,000 depending upon where they worked. Salaries in metropolitan areas are the highest, which are followed by suburban locations and rural areas, respectively.

On average, neonatal nurse practitioners earn more per year in base salary than registered nurses. According to 2009 statistics provided by Salary.com, the median salary for neonatal nurse practitioners is $99,230, with more than 73% of nurses earning that base salary.

The BLS reports that nurses in specialized fields need a master's degree. They also need to complete the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure to practice in their state.

Additional Benefits for Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Salaries

Nurses also can qualify for benefits in addition to their salary. Such incentives include 401k or 403b, disability, pension and time off. Salary.com reports that the median additional monetary value of such incentives was $35,525 in 2009. This total, according to Payscale.com, might account for up to 30% of a nurse's total pay package.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Job Locations

A neonatal nurse practitioner working in New York City could earn an annual salary of $117,558 in 2009, according to SalaryExpert.com. Neonatal nurse practitioners in Los Angeles could earn almost $114,000 during the same year. Other nationwide locations and their neonatal nurse practitioner salary data include:

  • Miami - $98,929
  • Chicago - $96,772
  • Houston - $94,016
  • Phoenix - $93,802
  • Dallas - $93,416

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