Healthcare Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Registered Nurse Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median registered nurse salary in Philadelphia, PA is $85,281 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$85,281
vs State Avg
+$4,873
vs National
+$4,061
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median registered nurse salary of $85,281, which is $4,873 above the Pennsylvania state average of $80,408. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Philadelphia spans from $60,270 at the 10th percentile to $126,840 at the 90th percentile — a $66,570 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,900, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,750. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $60,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,750
+$5,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $60,270
25th Percentile $70,140
Median (50th) $85,281
75th Percentile $106,155
90th Percentile $126,840

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$78,783
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$77,971
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$73,910
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$70,661
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Philadelphia

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open registered nurse positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $85,281 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $60,270 (10th percentile) to $126,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,281, a registered nurse in Philadelphia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median registered nurse salary of $85,281 is 6.1% above the Pennsylvania state average of $80,408. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $85,281 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Philadelphia? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Philadelphia 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.