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What Is A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal nurse practitioners are highly skilled medical professionals that care for newborns. They can be found in various facilities including delivery rooms, emergency rooms or neonatal intensive care units. They care for ill or premature newborns that need specific care regarding several things including heart issues or respiratory distress. Working under a neonatal fellow or neonatologist, neonatal nurse practitioners strive to provide quality care for newly born infants. With this profession, you’ll need to be comfortable making high-risk decisions for newborns.
Related:Learn About Being a Neonatal Nurse
An Overview Of Labor And Delivery Nurse Salary
Labor and Delivery Nurses are experts at assisting with the incredible miracle of childbirth.
Labor and Delivery Nurses ensure that a child and womans first moments together are as comfortable and safe as possible by teaching them what to anticipate during the process, coordinating care with Gynecologists and Obstetricians, and documenting and monitoring vital signs.
L& D Nurses are distinct from other types of Nurses in that they have a very particular job: to assist in the delivery of healthy babies and the safe passage of mothers through the process.
In essence, they are performing what some may regard as the most essential nursing task of all: bringing new life into the world.
This rewarding employment has its challenges, but it also comes with advancement opportunities, competitive compensation data, and excellent job prospects.
The median annual wage for all Registered Nurses back in 2018 was around $71,800, or $34.50 per hour, according to BLS .
Nurses who work in labor and delivery usually make a similar wage.
Nurses in labor and delivery departments earn between $43,100 and $88,100 per year, with a median of $61,400.
The broad variation is attributed to a variety of factors including level of experience, region, and industry or institution type.
How much does a Labor and Delivery Nurse make?
This thoroughly-written article will give you a thorough overview of Labor and Delivery Nurse pay.
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What Does A Labor And Delivery Nurse Do
Working closely with the obstetricians and gynecologists in the ward, L& D nurses work in a hospital setting with other support staff to ensure that mothers and their birth team have a safe experience both laboring and delivering babies.
Working with a low patient ratio, some Labor and Delivery nurses work in the general ward, while others choose to specialize in working with high-risk groups – mothers with high-risk pregnancies, advanced maternal age, or those having issues with fetal development. High risk L& D facilities are more common in teaching hospitals and urban areas.”
Registered Nurse First Assist: Annual $101890 Or $4900/hr*

A Registered Nurse First Assistant is a perioperative registered nurse that functions as a first assistant during surgical operations. The role and responsibilities of an RNFA will vary greatly based on the institution. Large academic teaching hospitals might not employ as many RNFA due to residents and fellows.
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Career Outlook For Labor And Delivery Nurses
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in U.S. hospitals is expected to grow by 11% between today and 2028. Employment for registered nurses is expected to climb by 12% in the same time period. Labor and delivery nurses can expect steady employment in the future and adding certifications or specialized training can elevate job prospects.
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What Is The Average Salary Of A Labor And Delivery Nurse Practitioner
The average salary of the labor and delivery nurse practitioner depends on the setting, location, experience, and the hospital. Years of experience, credentials, certifications, and level of education increase the salary. The national average salary for labor and delivery nurse practitioners is about $111,000-$113,000.
The salary depends on the state and country where the labor and delivery nurse practitioners practice. However, California is the highest paying state for labor and delivery nurse practitioner.
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Seven Where Can I Learn More About Labor And Delivery Nursing Careers
To learn more about L& D nursing careers, take advantage of the resources available through the professional associations related to this field. The leading group for L& D nurses is:
The Association of Womens Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses – This organization aims to improve and promote the health of women and newborns and to strengthen the nursing profession through advocacy, research, and education.
You can also check out our article on How to Become an OB Nurse, which is a related nursing specialty!
Labor And Delivery Nurse Jobs And Salary Outlook
The nursing shortfall will be here for a long time, with so many Nurses reaching retirement age in the next decade.
And, because L& D nursing is emotionally, and physically demanding and necessitates lengthy shifts, its ideal for novice Nurses who will, in a sense, be birthing alongside their patients.
To put it another way, concentrating on L& D will help you strengthen your job security even more.
Consider that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of nursing is expected to increase at a rate of 7-9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.
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Why Become A Labor And Delivery Nurse Practitioner
Nurses are the essential elements of the operative teams. They can assist the women in bringing a new life to the world. Labor and delivery nurse practitioners can make a great bond with the parents and are available at the happiest moment of their life. They have a rewarding career with advanced practice and skills.
Also, having a good salary package up to 6 digits, the flexibility of working in different settings can assist in the home delivery and provide the comfort of home to the pregnant women.
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
A BSN is a longer but more in-depth route to a career in nursing. It generally requires 4 years of full-time study, with around 50 credits in general education and over 60 credits in nursing.
The BSN curriculum typically includes:
- parent and child nursing
- healthcare ethics
- adult and elderly nursing
Most degree programs include a case study or capstone project, set clinical hours, and community nursing. College admission departments generally require:
- high school transcripts showing at least a 3.0 GPA
- a recommendation letter
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How Much Do Labor And Delivery Nurses Make
Labor and delivery nurses are in demand and earn above-average compensation. Learn about labor and delivery nurse salary ranges and how to maximize your income.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Labor and delivery nurses help ensure healthy deliveries and good outcomes for both mothers and infants. The work can be physically and emotionally exhausting, but deeply rewarding. The U.S. has high maternal mortality rates for an economically advanced country, but labor and delivery nurses can help save patients’ lives.
This guide explores typical labor and delivery nurse salary ranges, factors that affect labor and delivery nurse pay, and how to maximize your salary. Keep reading for more information that can help you negotiate the salary you deserve.
Icu Nurse: Annual $120243 Or $5781/hr*

ICU nurses require a specialized set of skills since they literally deal with life-and-death matters on a daily basis. They often work in hospital ICUs but also can work in other areas of nursing. Becoming a critical care nurse is seen as one of the most coveted positions in nursing, as these nurses possess a very high level of critical thinking and nursing skills.
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Labor And Delivery Nurse Salary
Nurse Salaries / L& D Nurse Salary
Labor and delivery nurses , also known as obstetric nurses , work as part of a care team for pregnant patients and their children. Labor and delivery RNs have a variety of responsibilities, including assessment of patients with pregnancy complications, fetal monitoring, patient management during labor, newborn baby assessment, postpartum support/management, and much more.
Registered nurses overall in the United States receive $82,750 per year according to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics. According to data from Incredible Health, the average salary for labor and delivery / obstetric nurses is $90,541 an effective hourly rate of $44.
This hourly rate puts the average L& D nurse salary at about 9% higher than a the average registered nurses median wage. Remember that this number is just the aggregate average salary and does not take into account nursing salaries that consider unit position, experience level, and other factors.
How To Become A Labor And Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses are registered nurses with specialized training and education. To become a labor and delivery nurse, you will have to complete certain requirements, obtain licensure and work in the labor and delivery unit.
Earn a degree.
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. Labor and delivery nurses are adept at assessing situations and quickly taking appropriate action to respond efficiently.
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Advance Your Career As A Labor And Delivery Nurse
After working as a labor and delivery nurse, nurses may decide that they want to progress to roles that come with greater responsibility, knowledge, and higher salaries. The next step up the career ladder is usually to become either a certified nurse-midwife or a nurse practitioner in obstetrics and gynecology. Both options require a Master of Science in Nursing with different specializations.
Where Do Labor And Delivery Nurses Work
Labor and Delivery nursing is by no means a niche role given how common medical intervention is for birthing throughout the world. Nurses work in hospitals, birthing centers and as community resources. Senior nurses may opt to specialize further in this type of care and support, augmenting their training and experience to study issues like lactation and healthy birth and maternal outcomes in the community.
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Nurse Practitioner Job Growth Projections
The nurse practitioner job outlook appears exceptionally bright. The BLS projects NP roles will increase 52% by 2030. Thats pretty staggering when you consider that the projected increase for all occupations is only 8%. Its even more impressive compared to other healthcare roles like RNs, who have a projected growth of 9% by 2030.
Whats behind the growth? The need for all kinds of nurses is expected to jump as the aging baby boomer population will require more healthcare services over time.
Many people now survive conditions like stroke, heart attack, and cancer, but it may leave them with more medical needs to keep them afloat or leave them with a temporary or permanent disability, explains Hunt. This all equals greater needs for healthcare providers.
NPs are especially needed in team-based care, Hunt says, where they can help provide preventive care and perform many of the same services as physicians.
Qualifications For A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
In order to become a neonatal nurse practitioner, you’ll need a license as a registered nurse and have a few years of working experience as a registered nurse. You’ll also need to be certified in neonatal resuscitation or neonatal intensive care nursing. In addition, you’ll need a master’s degree in nursing. Some may choose to obtain a nursing doctorate, as well. Because you’ll need a master’s degree, you’ll need an undergraduate degree, too.
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What Are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Labor And Delivery Nurse Jobs
Weve identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a Labor And Delivery Nurse job is above the national average. Topping the list is Barnstable Town, MA, with Sunnyvale, CA and Santa Cruz, CA close behind in the second and third positions. Santa Cruz, CA beats the national average by $18,008 , and Barnstable Town, MA furthers that trend with another $22,312 above the $118,814 average.
With these 10 cities having average salaries higher than the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations as a Labor And Delivery Nurse appears to be exceedingly fruitful.
Finally, another factor to consider is the average salary for these top ten cities varies very little at 8% between Barnstable Town, MA and Williston, ND, reinforcing the limited potential for much wage advancement. The possibility of a lower cost of living may be the best factor to use when considering location and salary for a Labor And Delivery Nurse role.
City |
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$62.27 |
Labor And Delivery Nurse Salary In California

How much does a Labor and Delivery Nurse make in California? The average Labor and Delivery Nurse salary in California is $86,000 as of July 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $78,300 and $97,400. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Percentile | |
10th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $71,290 |
25th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $78,300 |
50th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $86,000 |
75th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $97,400 |
90th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $107,779 |
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What Is A Labor And Delivery Nurse
One only needs to look at population statistics to note that a mother’s labor and delivery of an infant is one of the most common medical experiences to have. With that in mind, it’s important to recognize that each woman’s experience is unique, and has its own potential pitfalls as the patient and healthcare teamwork to bring a new life into the world. Labor and Delivery nurses are known for their calm and practical demeanor as they work with women of all ages and health outcomes to ensure everyone manages the birth with appropriate comfort measures and safety precautions.
What Does A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Do
Neonatal nurse practitioners provide care for newborns who are ill or premature. Here are some of their many duties:
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Monitor premature and ill newborns.
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Monitor various equipment including incubators.
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Perform tests and procedures on newborn infants.
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Communicate with patient families and educate them on various neonatal and intensive care practices.
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Administer medication to ill or premature newborns.
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Provide care for newborns who need specialized attention.
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Feed ill and premature newborns daily.
If you’re working in a hospital, you’ll have different job requirements depending on the type of neonatal nursery in your hospital. The four types include the following:
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Level I: This is considered the basic level of neonatal nursery care.
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Level II: This level is a special care nursery for advanced care for patients older than 32 weeks.
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Level III: This involves subspecialty newborn care for patients younger than 32 weeks. It’s also for infants with a critical illness and is known as the neonatal intensive-care unit .
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Level IV: This level is considered a regional NICU. It sees neonatal nurse practitioners caring for patients in all four levels.
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What Does A Labor And Delivery Nurse Usually Do
Where Do The Labor And Delivery Nurse Practitioners Perform Their Duties
Mostly labor and nurse practitioners can work in the hospital setting in delivery and labor. They might also practice clinic settings as well, and some are also working in fertility clinics under the supervision of the doctors or head nurse.
They can assist throughout the delivery process, but they do not deliver the baby physically without any supervision until an advanced certified nurse-midwife.
Nurse practioners also practice at clinics in conducting the patients, providing the visits for pregnant women, and giving productive prevention care for women.
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Labor And Delivery Nursesalary
How much does a Labor and Delivery Nurse make in the United States? The average Labor and Delivery Nurse salary in the United States is $77,000 as of July 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $70,100 and $87,200. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Percentile | |
10th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $63,818 |
25th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $70,100 |
50th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $77,000 |
75th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $87,200 |
90th Percentile Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary | $96,487 |