Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Overview of the Profession

Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) provide care to children from infants to young adults. They typically diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and perform annual checkups, with most patients under the age of 18, though they may see young adults depending on their facility. This specialized advanced practice nursing role combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of child development, family dynamics, and pediatric health conditions.

A typical day for a pediatric nurse practitioner in a clinic involves conducting well-child exams, diagnosing and treating common illnesses, administering vaccinations, and educating families about health and development. They collaborate closely with pediatricians, nurses, and other healthcare staff to coordinate care and create treatment plans, often responding to urgent patient concerns, performing minor procedures, documenting care in EHR systems, and participating in team meetings.

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Job Market and Employment Outlook

The outlook for pediatric nurse practitioners is exceptionally strong heading into 2025 and beyond. The outlook for pediatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants is highly positive, with strong demand, competitive pay, and meaningful patient interactions. About 118,600 new jobs for pediatric nurse practitioners are projected over the next decade, reflecting the robust growth trajectory of this profession.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners topped the healthcare job rankings in 2022, claiming the #1 spot among healthcare careers and #2 overall. With 234,690 NPs currently in the workforce, the BLS projects an impressive 52.2% employment growth from 2020-2030, creating abundant opportunities for those pursuing pediatric specialization.

Industry experts warn of a "forecasted critical shortage of PNPs over the next decade," which, while concerning for healthcare access, creates significant opportunities for current and future pediatric providers.

Salary and Compensation

Pediatric nurse practitioners enjoy competitive compensation that reflects their advanced training and critical role in children's healthcare. Primary care pediatric nurse practitioners earn an average base salary of $108,500, while those certified in acute care command approximately $120,000. Pediatric nurse practitioner salaries have increased 11% for pediatric nurse practitioners in the last 5 years, demonstrating continued financial growth in the profession.

Regional variations exist across the country. In Florida, the average annual salary for nurse practitioners is approximately $112,000, with pediatric specialties earning comparable or slightly higher rates. Nurses with bilingual skills, advanced certifications, or experience in high-demand specialties such as pediatric neurology or behavioral health may command even higher salaries.

Locum tenens positions often offer competitive hourly rates and additional benefits such as travel stipends, housing allowances, and schedule flexibility, making them attractive options for experienced practitioners seeking variety or supplemental income.

Educational Requirements and Credentials

To become a pediatric nurse practitioner, specific educational and certification pathways must be completed. Pediatric nurse practitioners need a master's or doctoral degree in nursing with pediatric specialization, and clinical experience in pediatric settings is vital. Strong assessment, diagnostic, and communication skills enable effective care for children and families, and knowledge of growth, development, and common pediatric illnesses is essential. Certification through recognized nursing boards validates expertise.

Primary care pediatric NPs can pursue CPNP-PC certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, while those interested in acute care can obtain CPNP-AC credentials. Similarly, pediatric physician assistants can earn a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Pediatrics from the National Commission on Certification for Physician Assistants.

Licensure requirements vary by state, but typically include current RN licensure, successful completion of an accredited graduate program, national certification, and state-specific advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure. Many positions also require DEA registration for prescriptive authority, current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

Practice Settings and Specialties

Pediatric nurse practitioners work in diverse clinical environments, each offering unique experiences and challenges:

Primary Care

Primary care settings include pediatric practices, family medicine clinics, and community health centers. These positions focus on preventive care, well-child visits, immunizations, developmental screenings, and management of common acute and chronic conditions.

Acute and Critical Care

Hospital-based positions include roles in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), pediatric cardiac intensive care, and emergency departments. These high-acuity environments require advanced clinical skills and the ability to manage critically ill children.

Specialty Care

Specialized positions exist in areas such as:

Other Settings

Additional opportunities include:

Current Trends Influencing the Field

Several key trends are shaping pediatric nurse practitioner jobs in 2025 and beyond:

Telemedicine Expansion

Telemedicine integration expands access to pediatric care, particularly in rural areas, creating new opportunities for remote consultations, follow-up visits, and specialty care delivery. This trend has accelerated dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic and shows no signs of slowing.

Mental Health Integration

Mental health awareness increases demand for providers skilled in behavioral health integration. Pediatric NPs with training in psychiatric care, trauma-informed practice, and developmental behavioral health are increasingly sought after as childhood mental health concerns receive greater attention.

Value-Based Care

Value-based care models reward providers who demonstrate superior patient outcomes, giving certified pediatric specialists additional advantages. This shift emphasizes quality metrics, patient satisfaction, and preventive care delivery.

Preventive Care Focus

Population health initiatives emphasize preventive care, aligning perfectly with pediatric practice philosophies. This creates opportunities for PNPs to lead wellness programs, school health initiatives, and community outreach efforts.

Geographic Opportunities

Job availability and practice environments vary significantly by location. The employment outlook for nurse practitioners in pediatrics varies significantly by location. Rural and underserved areas face the most acute shortages, creating exceptional opportunities for providers willing to serve these communities. However, scope of practice regulations differ across states, potentially affecting career flexibility and practice independence.

States with full practice authority allow nurse practitioners to evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, order and interpret tests, and initiate treatment plans without physician oversight. States with reduced or restricted practice have varying levels of physician collaboration or supervision requirements.

Florida remains one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich states for pediatric nurse practitioners. As of early 2025, the state continues to experience rapid demographic growth, making it a hub for healthcare expansion and career opportunities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida's population exceeded 22 million in 2024, with children representing nearly 20% of that total. This surge has placed heightened demand on pediatric healthcare services across hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, prompting many healthcare systems to expand their pediatric units, launch school-based health initiatives, and adopt telehealth solutions that include PNP-led care.

Locum Tenens Opportunities

For practitioners seeking flexibility or diverse experiences, locum tenens positions offer compelling advantages. Barton Associates specializes in locum tenens pediatric NP jobs, with well over a decade of experience placing locum tenens nurse practitioners on short and long-term assignments throughout the US.

Locum tenens jobs, sometimes referred to as travel assignments, are contract positions that help meet patient care needs at various healthcare facilities and hospitals for a defined period. These roles can vary in length from a single week to over a year, often with options for extension. Medical professionals who undertake locum or travel work possess the same qualifications as permanent staff and frequently opt for these roles due to benefits such as competitive remuneration and greater scheduling flexibility.

Current locum assignments span diverse specialties including pediatric oncology, critical care, developmental behavioral health, and primary care, offering day, evening, night, and weekend shift options across all 50 states.

Job Search Strategies

Finding the right pediatric nurse practitioner position requires strategic planning and multiple approaches:

Job Boards and Specialty Sites

To find Pediatric NP opportunities, start by searching job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and company websites. Update your resume to highlight relevant skills and experience in this field. Network with professionals in the industry and consider reaching out to recruiters who specialize in these roles.

Professional organizations such as the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) maintain dedicated job boards featuring pediatric-specific positions. NAPNAP is the nation's only professional association for pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses dedicated to improving the quality of health care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults, representing more than 8,000 healthcare practitioners with 18 special interest groups and 53 chapters.

Networking and Professional Development

Building connections through professional conferences, local chapters, and online communities can lead to job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. Many positions are filled through referrals and professional networks.

Skills Enhancement

Look for both full-time and contract positions, and don't forget to check remote job opportunities. Building relevant skills through online courses or certifications can also improve your chances of landing your desired Pediatric NP position.

The Rewards of Pediatric Practice

Beyond competitive salaries and strong job prospects, pediatric nurse practitioners experience unique professional satisfaction. Beyond the attractive compensation, pediatric specialization offers something even more valuable: the opportunity to make a lasting impact on young lives and their families.

As one experienced pediatric nurse practitioner explains, "You have the rewarding opportunity to watch a family bring their newborn home from the office and watch that same patient get ready for college years later." This longitudinal relationship with patients and families creates a unique professional satisfaction that many providers find irreplaceable. The ability to influence health outcomes during crucial developmental stages makes pediatric specialization particularly meaningful for many healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

The field of pediatric nurse practitioner jobs offers exceptional opportunities in 2025 and beyond. With projected growth of over 118,000 positions in the next decade, increasing salaries, diverse practice settings, and meaningful patient relationships, this career path provides both financial stability and profound professional fulfillment.

Whether you're drawn to primary care, acute care specialties, mental health integration, or innovative telehealth delivery, pediatric nursing offers pathways to match your interests and lifestyle preferences. The critical shortage of PNPs means that qualified practitioners can often choose among multiple opportunities, negotiate favorable terms, and find positions aligned with their values and career goals.

For those considering pediatric specialization or current practitioners exploring new opportunities, the time to act is now. The combination of strong demand, competitive compensation, professional autonomy, and the chance to shape children's health trajectories makes pediatric nurse practitioner positions among the most rewarding careers in healthcare today.