Healthcare Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Registered Nurse Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median registered nurse salary in Erie, PA is $70,661 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$70,661
vs State Avg
$-9,747
vs National
$-10,559
Cost of Living
84%

Registered Nurse Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median registered nurse salary of $70,661, which is $9,747 below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,408. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $70,661 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $84,120 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Erie spans from $49,938 at the 10th percentile to $105,096 at the 90th percentile — a $55,158 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,460, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,050. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $50,460, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,460
$-7,540 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,340
$-10,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,050
$-14,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $49,938
25th Percentile $58,116
Median (50th) $70,661
75th Percentile $87,957
90th Percentile $105,096

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$85,281
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$78,783
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$77,971
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$73,910
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Erie

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Erie and the surrounding Pennsylvania area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Erie may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Erie

Browse open registered nurse positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Erie

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $70,661 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $49,938 (10th percentile) to $105,096 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,661, a registered nurse in Erie earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Erie's median registered nurse salary of $70,661 is 12.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,408. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $70,661 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Erie? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Erie require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.