2026 Post Partum Nurse Salary by State

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What is the post partum nurse salary by state for 2026?

At the top, Washington, the District of Columbia, and New York report average salaries above $150,000 annually, while states in the South often fall closer to $100,000. Take note that postpartum nurse salaries differ substantially across the United States, reflecting variations in cost of living, demand, and hospital budgets. 

Understanding these differences can help nurses make informed career decisions and even consider relocation for higher earnings. For those evaluating both pay and professional preparation, it’s also important to look at how to become a postpartum nurse, since specialized training and certifications can play a role in securing better-paying roles in competitive markets.

How much does a postpartum nurse make per hour across different states?

On average, postpartum nurse salary is around $66 per hour, but this varies as widely across U.S. states, reflecting state-specific labor demand, regional costs of living, and hospital budgets.

In states like Washington and the District of Columbia, hourly rates hover around $75, making them some of the most attractive destinations for nurses looking to maximize their earnings. By contrast, in lower-paying states, hourly wages may fall closer to $50, creating a significant gap that can influence career decisions and mobility within the field. Professionals comparing healthcare roles may also consider project manager salary, as understanding compensation in administrative positions provides perspective on career opportunities outside direct patient care.

These hourly figures are also influenced by experience and role. Nurses in the upper percentiles or those who hold certifications in maternal newborn nursing may reach the higher end of the pay scale, while entry-level nurses often start closer to the median. The disparity highlights not only the importance of location but also the role of specialization in advancing earnings.

The chart below highlights the top 10 states offering the highest hourly wages for postpartum nurses in 2026, illustrating where nurses can expect the best compensation on an hourly basis.

What factors affect postpartum nurse salaries?

Postpartum nurse salaries are shaped by multiple factors that go beyond base pay scales. Where a nurse works, the level of education completed, and years of hands-on experience can all make a measurable difference.

Employers also adjust pay depending on regional demand and whether advanced training or certifications are required. Professionals in related fields should also be aware of professional engineer license requirements, as understanding licensure standards across professions highlights how credentials influence earning potential and career progression.

• Experience: Entry-level postpartum nurses generally earn near the 25th percentile of the pay scale, while experienced nurses with years in the field can advance to higher brackets. Supervisory or leadership roles also push salaries upward.
• Education: Advanced credentials such as master’s degrees or specialty certifications in maternal or newborn care often lead to better compensation. For individuals transitioning into the profession, pursuing direct entry MSN programs online can accelerate career advancement.
• Location: Geographic differences remain one of the strongest salary drivers. States like Washington and New York report higher wages due to living costs and hospital staffing shortages, while pay in rural regions tends to lag.

The chart below compares postpartum nursing salaries with related roles, showing how responsibilities and job titles influence annual earnings across the field.

Which states pay the highest salaries for postpartum nurses?

Below is a list of the 10 highest-paying states for postpartum nurses in the United States, based on ZipRecruiter’s 2025 data.

1. Washington – $155,998 annually
2. District of Columbia – $155,644 annually
3. New York – $150,687 annually
4. Massachusetts – $150,424 annually
5. Alaska – $148,333 annually
6. Vermont – $146,447 annually
7. North Dakota – $145,735 annually
8. Oregon – $145,625 annually
9. Colorado – $144,831 annually
10. Hawaii – $143,101 annually

Postpartum nurse salaries differ significantly depending on where nurses practice, with some states offering pay far above the national average. States with high living costs, large metropolitan hospitals, or ongoing shortages of maternal health staff typically top the charts. These variations mean that nurses considering relocation or career moves should weigh salary alongside lifestyle and regional demand. 

What certifications or degrees increase pay for postpartum nurses?

Postpartum nurses start their careers as registered nurses (RNs), but advanced education and certifications often lead to higher pay and better opportunities. Employers typically reward nurses who bring specialized expertise that strengthens maternal and newborn care.

Credentials such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in women’s health or nurse midwifery can open doors to higher-paying roles and leadership positions. When evaluating programs, it’s also important to consider the pros and cons of for-profit colleges, as this can affect cost, accreditation, and long-term career outcomes.

Certification also matters. Postpartum nurses who pursue lactation consultant certification, neonatal resuscitation credentials, or perinatal nurse certification often command stronger salaries than peers without them. These designations demonstrate clinical competence and a commitment to specialized care, which is attractive to hospitals and private practices alike.

For those considering graduate studies, options like a fast track MSN women's health nurse practitioner online program can accelerate advancement while boosting earning potential. Such programs prepare nurses to work in advanced practice roles that naturally pay more than staff RN positions.

What is the job outlook / demand for postpartum nurses over the next 5-10 years?

The demand for postpartum nurses in the United States is expected to remain steady—and in many regions, to grow—over the next decade. Each year, millions of women require specialized postpartum care, not just in hospitals but also in outpatient clinics, birthing centers, and private practice. This consistent need is driven by high annual birth volumes and the increasing emphasis on maternal health outcomes.

Staffing studies highlight that shortages of obstetric and maternal health nurses are already a challenge for many hospitals. With the aging nursing workforce and high turnover, demand for postpartum nurses is projected to stay strong. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not break out data specifically for postpartum nurses, the broader registered nurse category projects growth of around 5% from 2024 to 2034, which translates into roughly 189,100 new openings each year across the profession.

For nurses considering long-term advancement, pursuing additional education can improve career stability. Programs such as the cheapest online nurse practitioner programs expand practice authority, create opportunities in women’s health, and often come with higher pay scales compared to bedside staff roles.

The following infographic highlights U.S. birth numbers and postpartum risks, illustrating why specialized nurses in this field will continue to be essential in the coming years.

How does working in travel postpartum nursing compare in pay to staff roles?

Postpartum nurses working in staff positions usually receive consistent annual salaries, steady benefits, and predictable schedules. According to ZipRecruiter, the average staff postpartum nurse earns about $137,735 per year, or $66.22 per hour, depending on experience and location. These roles provide stability but offer limited flexibility for rapid pay increases.

Nurses exploring specialized or flexible career paths may also consider obtaining a public health certification, which can enhance their qualifications and open opportunities in travel nursing or community health roles with potentially higher compensation.

In contrast, travel postpartum nursing allows RNs to take short-term contracts across the country, often filling urgent staffing gaps. Weekly pay for travel nurses averages around $2,029, which annualizes to about $105,500 if contracts are continuous. However, many contracts run for only 8–13 weeks, so earnings can fluctuate depending on availability and assignment length.

At the high end, travel postpartum nurses in states like California and New York can earn over $3,400 per week. These rates reflect both the cost of living in those areas and the ongoing staffing shortages in maternal health. Travel nursing often comes with housing stipends and bonuses, but it lacks the long-term stability of permanent staff roles.

The infographic below compares average pay for staff and travel postpartum nurses, showing both standard salaries and the potential upside of high-paying travel contracts.   

What work settings pay more for postpartum nurses?

Pay for postpartum nurses isn’t uniform across healthcare. Compensation often depends on the setting, as different facilities have varying levels of demand, patient loads, and budget priorities. Nurses in larger hospitals or specialized centers typically earn more than those in smaller community clinics, though benefits and schedules also differ. 

• Hospitals: The most common setting, where postpartum nurses provide immediate recovery care, monitor vital signs, and educate mothers. Larger hospitals often pay more due to higher patient volume and greater specialization.
• Outpatient and birthing centers: Nurses here provide follow-up care, assist with lactation, and support families after discharge. Pay tends to be slightly lower, but these settings often offer predictable hours.
• Private practice and home health: These roles can offer competitive pay, especially in affluent regions, with nurses focusing on personalized maternal care and education in family settings.
• Travel nursing: Short-term contracts to fill gaps in hospitals or birthing centers can offer much higher weekly wages than staff roles, but stability is less certain.

Understanding these environments can help nurses decide where to pursue opportunities and what career trajectory to follow. Those interested in long-term advancement may also explore pathways such as how to become a certified nurse midwife, which frequently leads to even higher pay.

What are the typical salary ranges for entry-level vs senior postpartum nurses?

While salary data for postpartum nurses is often aggregated from job postings, which skews higher than national averages, there are clear patterns by experience level. Entry-level postpartum nurses, often just out of training, usually earn closer to the national RN baseline — around $70,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on state and hospital. However, according to ZipRecruiter, even the 25th percentile of postpartum nurse salaries is listed at $105,500 per year, reflecting that many postings come from higher-paying hospitals or states.

As experience grows, salaries rise steadily. Mid-career and senior postpartum nurses frequently fall near the 75th percentile, at about $151,500 annually (roughly $73 per hour). At this stage, advanced clinical judgment, preceptor duties, or specialized credentials drive higher pay.

Top earners in the 90th percentile reach around $213,500 per year, or over $100 per hour. These salaries typically belong to senior nurses with leadership responsibilities, significant tenure, or advanced certifications. While not every nurse will reach this level, it shows the strong financial potential available in this specialty.

The chart below summarizes salary percentiles, while noting that real entry-level pay may be lower than the posting-driven estimates suggest.

What are the pros and cons of pursuing advanced roles (like nurse midwife or nurse practitioner) from a postpartum nurse background?

Many postpartum nurses consider advancing their careers into roles such as nurse midwife or women’s health nurse practitioner. These positions typically require graduate education but offer higher pay, greater autonomy, and expanded career options. 

Pros

• Higher earning potential: Advanced roles such as nurse midwife or women’s health nurse practitioner often pay significantly more than staff postpartum nurse positions.
• Greater autonomy: These roles allow for independent patient management, prescribing authority, and leadership opportunities.
• Broader impact: Advanced practice nurses can provide comprehensive maternal and reproductive health care, influencing patient outcomes beyond the immediate postpartum period.

Cons

• Educational investment: Graduate programs require significant time and financial commitment, often taking two to four years to complete.
• Increased responsibility: With more autonomy comes higher accountability, including legal and clinical risks.
• Work-life balance challenges: Advanced practice roles may involve longer hours, on-call duties, or higher patient loads, which can strain personal schedules.

Understanding the advantages and drawbacks can help nurses decide whether advancing is the right move. 

Nurses may also compare these paths with related roles, such as what is a nurse case manager, to weigh which direction aligns with their goals.

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