Healthcare Pittsburgh, PA Pop. 302,971

Registered Nurse Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The median registered nurse salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $77,971 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$77,971
vs State Avg
$-2,437
vs National
$-3,249
Cost of Living
93%

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

Pittsburgh offers a median registered nurse salary of $77,971, which is $2,437 below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,408. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Pittsburgh pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pittsburgh's cost of living is 93% 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 Pittsburgh spans from $55,104 at the 10th percentile to $115,968 at the 90th percentile — a $60,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,680, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,400. With a population of 302,971, Pittsburgh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Pittsburgh by Experience

In Pittsburgh, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $55,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,680
$-2,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,720
$-3,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-4,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pittsburgh, PA

Percentile Pittsburgh
10th Percentile $55,104
25th Percentile $64,128
Median (50th) $77,971
75th Percentile $97,056
90th Percentile $115,968

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$85,281
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$78,783
Pop. 126,092
Reading, PA
$73,910
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$70,661
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Pittsburgh

Education

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

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Pittsburgh

Browse open registered nurse positions in Pittsburgh, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Pittsburgh

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is $77,971 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $55,104 (10th percentile) to $115,968 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Pittsburgh? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,971, a registered nurse in Pittsburgh earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the Pennsylvania state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Pittsburgh's median registered nurse salary of $77,971 is 3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,408. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA? ▼
Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $77,971 in Pittsburgh has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Pittsburgh? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Pittsburgh 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.