Labor & Delivery Nurse Salary by U.S. States and Major Cities (2026)
As of 2026, labor & delivery (L&D) nurses in the United States earn a median annual salary of approximately $88,000–$92,000, while the national average salary ranges from about $96,000 to over $127,000 per year, depending on location, hospital system, and experience level. At the state level, median L&D nurse pay varies widely — from roughly $75,000 in lower-paying states to more than $112,000 in the highest-paying states — making geography the single most important factor in labor and delivery nurse compensation.
National Overview: Labor & Delivery Nurse Pay in 2026
Labor and delivery nursing remains one of the more specialized and better-compensated registered nursing roles in the U.S. In 2026, national averages are pulled upward by extremely high-paying metro areas such as California’s Bay Area, New York City, and Boston, where hospital competition and cost of living are highest.
- Typical U.S. median salary: $88,000–$92,000
- Lower-end state medians: ~$75,000
- Upper-end state medians: $112,000+
- Top metro area averages: $130,000–$165,000+
Labor & Delivery Nurse Salary by State (2026)
The map above illustrates median annual labor & delivery nurse salaries by U.S. state. West Coast and Northeast states dominate the top of the pay scale, while much of the South and parts of the Midwest fall below the national median.
Highest-Paying States
States with the highest median L&D nurse salaries typically combine high living costs, unionized hospital systems, and large academic medical centers.
- California – Among the highest median salaries nationwide
- Massachusetts – Strong teaching hospital presence
- New Jersey & New York – Competitive metro hospital markets
- Washington – Seattle-area demand drives higher pay
In these states, experienced labor and delivery nurses frequently earn $105,000 to $112,000+ in median annual pay, before overtime or shift differentials.
Lowest-Paying States
Lower-paying states are concentrated primarily in the South and parts of the Midwest. While pay is lower, housing and overall living costs are often significantly cheaper.
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- West Virginia
- Louisiana
Median salaries in these states typically range from $75,000 to $85,000 per year.
Labor & Delivery Nurse Salary by Major U.S. Metro Area
City-level data often matters more than state averages. Large metro hospitals, especially in coastal markets, consistently pay substantially more than statewide medians.
Top-Paying Metro Areas for L&D Nurses
- San Francisco, CA – ~$165,000 average
- San Jose, CA – ~$160,000 average
- Oakland, CA – ~$145,000 average
- Sacramento, CA – ~$138,000 average
- New York City, NY – ~$135,000 average
- Boston, MA – ~$132,000 average
- Seattle, WA – ~$128,000 average
In these metros, median salaries often exceed $115,000, with total compensation rising further through overtime, nights, and weekend shifts.
Why Labor & Delivery Nurse Salaries Vary So Much
Cost of Living
Hospitals in high-cost states must pay more to attract and retain experienced nursing staff.
Hospital Type
Academic medical centers and Level III–IV maternity units typically offer higher base pay.
Unionization
Unionized nursing markets — especially on the West Coast — consistently deliver higher wages and better benefits.
Staffing Shortages
Regions facing chronic nurse shortages often raise pay or offer aggressive incentives.
How to Increase Your Labor & Delivery Nurse Salary
- Work in high-paying metro areas
- Take night, weekend, or holiday shifts
- Earn certifications (RNC-OB, fetal monitoring)
- Pursue travel or per-diem L&D roles
- Gain experience in high-acuity obstetrics units
Bottom Line
In 2026, labor & delivery nursing remains one of the better-paid RN specialties in the United States, but location is everything. A nurse earning under $80,000 in a low-paying state could earn well over $130,000 in a top metro area. For nurses willing to relocate or specialize, labor and delivery offers substantial upside potential.
Related Salary & Cost of Living Guides
If you’re comparing labor & delivery nurse salaries by state and city, these related guides provide helpful context on income, cost of living, and regional differences:
How Much Net Worth You Need to Be in the Top 10% in NYC by Borough
The Real Value of $100 in America’s Largest Metro Areas
Renting vs. Buying in NYC: How Housing Costs Change the Math
How Much Net Worth You Need to Be in the Top 10% in Chicago by Area
How Much Do Cybersecurity Analysts Earn by City (2026)
