Labor and delivery nurse salary: how much does an L&D nurse make?
Labor and delivery (L&D) nurses are registered nurses, and BLS reports all RNs together: a median of $97,550 a year, $46.90 an hour, in May 2025. The top 10% of RNs earn over $137,470, and California pays the most, a median of $140,270.
L&D nurse pay range
| Pay level | Per year | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | $68,940 | $33.14 |
| Lower 25% | $80,330 | $38.62 |
| Median | $97,550 | $46.90 |
| Upper 25% | $112,350 | $54.02 |
| Top 10% | $137,470 | $66.09 |
Pay in L&D depends mostly on the hospital, the state and the shift: night, weekend and holiday differentials are common in 24-hour units. Inpatient obstetric certification (RNC-OB) can add a certification differential at some employers.
Pediatric nurse salary
Pediatric nurses are also registered nurses, so the same BLS figures apply: median $97,550. Pediatric nurse practitioners, who need a master's or doctorate, are counted with nurse practitioners, median $132,300. See NP salary.
Labor and delivery nurse salary by state
Registered nurse medians by state, BLS May 2025. The 10 highest:
| State | RN median per year |
|---|---|
| California | $140,270 |
| Hawaii | $136,320 |
| Oregon | $129,010 |
| Washington | $124,200 |
| Alaska | $109,480 |
| New York | $109,440 |
| New Jersey | $106,500 |
| Massachusetts | $104,550 |
| Nevada | $103,670 |
| Connecticut | $102,740 |
See the full 50-state table on the registered nurse salary page.
Higher-paying paths from L&D
BLS May 2025 medians:
| Job | Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse (L&D, pediatric) | $68,940 | $97,550 | $137,470 |
| Nurse practitioner | $101,340 | $132,300 | $174,420 |
| Nurse anesthetist (CRNA) | $155,250 | $236,590 | $339,500 |
Labor and Delivery Nurse take-home pay by state (2026)
2026 federal brackets and standard deduction, Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% plus 0.9% above $200,000 ($250,000 joint), and each state's 2026 income tax. Local income taxes, state disability or paid-leave payroll taxes and other deductions are not included. Estimate only, not tax advice.
Common questions
How much does a labor and delivery nurse make?
L&D nurses are RNs: the BLS median is $97,550 a year ($46.90 an hour), May 2025.
How much does a pediatric nurse make?
The same RN median, $97,550; pediatric nurse practitioners earn a median $132,300 as NPs.
Which state pays L&D nurses the most?
California, with an RN median of $140,270, followed by Hawaii ($136,320).
Do L&D nurses make more than other nurses?
BLS doesn't publish pay by specialty. Shift differentials and certification pay matter more than the unit itself.
How much does an L&D nurse make an hour?
About $46.90 at the RN median, before shift differentials.
Sources
Related
Last reviewed November 5, 2026. BLS figures cover all registered nurses; specialty pay varies by employer. Figures are gross pay before taxes and benefits. General information, not career or financial advice.