Pediatric Surgeons vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Pediatric Surgeons out-earn Registered Nurses by $461K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Pediatric Surgeons land at $559,030 and Registered Nurses at $97,550. The education gap is real: pediatric surgeon programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Pediatric Surgeons is Ohio ($488,160); for Registered Nurses it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Pediatric Surgeons median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Pediatric Surgeons or Registered Nurses?
Pediatric Surgeons earn more nationally. The median is $559,030 for Pediatric Surgeons versus $97,550 for Registered Nurses, a difference of $461K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Pediatric Surgeons or Registered Nurses?
Registered Nurses has the better 10-year outlook at 4.9% projected growth, compared to 1.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Pediatric Surgeons or Registered Nurses?
Pediatric Surgeons typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Pediatric Surgeons get paid the most?
Ohio is the top-paying state for Pediatric Surgeons at $488,160/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Pediatric Surgeons vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Ohio, Pediatric Surgeons earn $488,160 vs. $82,510 for Registered Nurses. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.