Want to know the salary of labor and delivery nurses? By 2025, statistics show that on average a labor and delivery nurse makes $81,800 to $84,500 a year. We’ll break down the factors that affect these wages like years of experience, location and certifications.
Bottom Line
- 2025 labor and delivery nurses make $81,800 to $84,500 a year based on experience and location.
- Salaries vary greatly by state, with New Jersey paying the most at $104,151 and Florida the least at $64,890.
- Education and certifications, and strategic job choices like per diem work and high-demand shifts are the key to increasing salary.
Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary
As of 2025, the average labor and delivery nurse salary is quite high, ranging from $81,800 to $84,500 a year with a median of $82,700. This is an increase from previous years and shows the growing demand for their skills.
Labor and delivery nurses earn more than other nursing specialties like ER nurse or travel nurse positions. This pay gap shows how crucial they are in handling the intricacies of labor and delivery while giving total care to both mom and baby. The big salary they earn plays a big part in this equation.
Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary by State
The salary for labor and delivery nurses varies greatly from one state to another. At the top of the page.With states having so much variation in pay, labor and delivery nurses should consider their location options carefully when weighing their life preferences and financial implications tied to local costs of living vs. their potential earnings in different labor & logistics units.
Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary Ranges
Labor and delivery nurses in 2025 make $75,300 to $93,600 a year. The range within this is mostly based on their experience and professional status. New nurses in labor and delivery make salaries closer to the minimum while more experienced professionals with advanced skills as delivery nurses make salaries near the maximum.
Increasing one’s earning capacity can be done by accumulating experience and pursuing opportunities for professional growth within the labor and delivery nursing field.
Hourly vs. Annual Salary for Labor and Delivery Nurses
In 2025, labor and delivery nurses make an average of $41 an hour. But it’s the overtime pay that increases their earnings since these nurses often work extra hours at 1.5 to 3 times their standard hourly rate.
For example, a typical monthly salary for a labor and delivery nurse is around $7,042 which is around $84,504 a year. When you add the average overtime pay they receive – about $11,875 a year – their total earnings become higher.
Nurses working in hospital-based labor and delivery departments take advantage of these financial opportunities because of the 24/7 demands in most hospitals. This results to competitive salaries that reflect dedication and reward in this specialized nursing field.
Experience Impact on Labor and Delivery Nurse Salary
The salary for entry level labor and delivery nurses is heavily influenced by their experience. New nurses in labor and delivery can expect an average salary of around $79,700 a year. As these nurses gain more experience and years on the job, their earning potential increases.
Delivery nurses with 1-2 years of experience can make an average of $81,784 a year. This figure increases to around $87,500 a year for those with 5-8 years of experience in labor and delivery. Nurses with more than 8 years of experience can make an average of $89,149 a year which shows how sustained professional involvement comes with financial benefits.This incremental growth shows that dedication to ongoing professional development and skill enhancement is recognized and rewarded in the nursing profession.
Education and Certification Impact on Salary
Having advanced degrees like Master’s or Doctorate can increase the salary potential of labor and delivery nurses beyond what those with Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree can earn. These higher degrees open up senior positions within the nursing field.
Getting specialized certifications like Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) certification can result to up to 15% increase in pay for delivery nurses. These credentials show expertise and dedication in their field making nurses more attractive to employers and giving them an edge in the competitive nursing job market.
For labor and delivery nurses who want to increase their income prospects, it’s important to engage in ongoing education and pursue relevant certifications.
Work Setting and Its Effect on Salaries
The salary for labor and delivery nurses is greatly affected by the environment they work in. Nurses working in hospital labor and delivery units typically earn higher pay than those in private practices, birthing centers or at-home care. This is often a reflection of the demands of hospital roles that require continuous patient support and often involve overtime pay.
Birthing centers and private clinics may not offer as competitive salaries as hospitals do. These settings can provide a more intimate atmosphere for patient care that some nurses prefer. Compared to both options, those serving families directly in their homes may have variations in how they are compensated but have greater scheduling flexibility.
Labor and delivery nurses should consider these salary differences when choosing where to practice so they can align their economic needs with career goals while still delivering care tailored to each woman’s individual needs within the legal scope.
Ways to Increase Your Salary as a Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses have several ways to increase their income. Enhancing one’s educational qualifications by getting a Master’s or Doctorate can significantly increase salary prospects. Getting certifications within specific areas of labor and delivery can open up more lucrative roles with higher pay.
Working as a per diem labor and delivery nurse can be advantageous, offering higher hourly rates and the freedom to choose preferred working hours throughout the week. Taking shifts that are in demand like nighttime or weekend shifts often yields additional financial benefits through shift differentials.Labor and delivery nurses who manage their career progression while pursuing education will be able to increase their earning potential over time.
Highest Paying Cities for Labor and Delivery Nurses
Some cities pay labor and delivery nurses very well. San Francisco in California tops the list with an average annual salary of $181,240. This comes with a cost of living index of 91.2. Snellville in Georgia is another city where delivery nurses can earn an average of $1,709 per week – proof that some cities offer great earning potential for this nursing profession.
These cities not only offer top salaries but also opportunities for career advancement within the field of labor and delivery nursing.
Labor and Delivery Nurse Jobs
Labor and delivery nurse positions are in demand, with many job opportunities available across various medical settings due to the essential role they play in maternal and newborn care, an aging nursing workforce and a broad shortage of professionals in the field. So there are plenty of labor and delivery nurse jobs for those who want to pursue this career.
Jobs for labor and delivery nurse can be found in hospitals, birthing centers, outpatient facilities or even at home. These different workspaces offer different experiences that cater to individual professional goals and lifestyle preferences among nurses.
With the ongoing high demand for these nursing roles, it ensures job stability and opportunities for career advancement within this critical area of healthcare service for registered nurses and others in the nursing profession.
Additional Benefits and Incentives for Labor and Delivery Nurses
Labor and delivery nurses are often entitled to various extra perks and financial incentives that add to their total pay package. One of these is overtime pay which can be 1.5 to 3 times the regular hourly rate – a good thing since births can happen at any time and opens up many opportunities for extra income.
Labor and delivery nurses receive shift differentials – a form of extra pay for those who work during less popular hours like night shift or weekends – which is a standard practice in hospital settings. Many hospitals and other healthcare employers offer sign-on bonuses to recruit delivery nurses. These bonuses can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Nurses should thoroughly review the conditions attached to these bonuses since they usually require full-time employment for a certain period.## Education Costs for Labor and Delivery Nurse
Becoming a labor and delivery nurse involves significant costs which vary depending on the chosen nursing education path. Choosing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) which takes two years can cost between $23,900 and $66,320. Public institutions have lower annual costs averaging around $11,950 making it a more affordable route to the nursing profession.
On the other hand, pursuing a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is cheaper with total educational expenses ranging from $89,556 to $211,392. Per annum including tuition fees and living expenses, students in BSN programs incur around $30,884 worth of expenses.
Don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as travel for clinical rotations or outlays for uniforms and supplies when calculating the cost of this career. There are various forms of financial assistance like scholarships or employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs that can significantly reduce these expenses and make it easier for aspiring nurses to pursue their career goals.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Career progression is abundant for labor and delivery nurses which can result to higher pay and job satisfaction. Taking on management roles allows nurses to supervise clinical staff while still doing direct patient care, thus achieving personal growth and financial benefits. Seeking a mentor and getting involved with professional nursing organizations can further one’s career by opening up networking opportunities and educational resources like training sessions.
Going into specific areas like emergency care or women’s health can focus a nurse’s career path and increase their job satisfaction. Stepping into administrative roles allows for a different direction within one’s profession that moves away from bedside patient interaction towards new challenges and opportunities. These advancements not only increase earnings but also enrich a nursing career.
Conclusion
Labor and delivery nurses in 2025 get paid for their vital role in the healthcare industry. Their salary is affected by location, experience, education and work environment. Labor and delivery nurses can increase their salary prospects through Education, getting specific certifications and choosing work settings wisely. The high demand for these specialized professionals ensures job stability and career advancement. As things evolve in this field, labor and delivery nurses remain the caregivers to mothers and babies during childbirth.
FAQ
What is the salary for labor and delivery nurses in 2025?
Labor and delivery nurses in 2025 will get paid between $81,800 and $84,500 with a median salary of around $82,700.
Which states pay the most for labor and delivery nurses?
Labor and delivery nurses in New Jersey, Wisconsin and Washington state get the highest average salary, with those in New Jersey getting the highest at $104,151.
The numbers show that there’s financial gain for labor and delivery nurses working in these states.
How does experience affect the salary of a labor and delivery nurse?
Experience has a big impact on the salary of a labor and delivery nurse, with entry level positions starting at around $79,700. Those with 5-8 years of experience can earn around $87,500 and over 8 years of experience can earn up to $89,149.
As experience increases so does earning potential.
What certifications can increase a labor and delivery nurse’s salary?
Getting certifications like Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB) can increase a labor and delivery nurse’s salary by up to 15%.
Pursuing such certifications not only opens up more job opportunities but also professional growth.
What are the career advancement opportunities for labor and delivery nurses?
Nurses in labor and delivery have multiple career progression paths, which include moving up to management roles, specializing in specific areas like emergency care or women’s health and moving into administrative positions.
Their professional development can be furthered by getting involved in relevant organizations and getting guidance through mentorship.
