Registered Nurse Salary in Pennsylvania
The median registered nurse salary in Pennsylvania is $80,408 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $81,220.
Registered Nurse Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)
Pennsylvania ranks #21 out of 50 states for registered nurse compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for registered nurse pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $80,408 per year, registered nurses in Pennsylvania earn $812 less than the national median of $81,220.
Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning registered nurse salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.
The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: registered nurses at the 10th percentile earn $56,826, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $119,592 — a $62,766 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $85,281.
Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for registered nurses across the country.
Registered Nurse Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience
In Pennsylvania, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $57,420, while experienced professionals earn up to $113,850 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.
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| Percentile | PA Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $56,826 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,132 |
| Median (50th) | $80,408 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,089 |
| 90th Percentile | $119,592 |
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Pennsylvania
The largest employment areas for registered nurses in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania
Education
Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Pennsylvania
Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Pennsylvania's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
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Data shows Registered Nurses who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $33,442 over your career trajectory.
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