Healthcare Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Registered Nurse Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median registered nurse salary in Reading, PA is $73,910 per year, which is 9% below the national median and 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$73,910
vs State Avg
$-6,498
vs National
$-7,310
Cost of Living
88%

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

Reading offers a median registered nurse salary of $73,910, which is $6,498 below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,408. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $73,910 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,989 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Reading spans from $52,234 at the 10th percentile to $109,928 at the 90th percentile — a $57,694 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,780, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $104,650. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $52,780, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,780
$-5,220 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,620
$-7,380 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,650
$-10,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $52,234
25th Percentile $60,788
Median (50th) $73,910
75th Percentile $92,001
90th Percentile $109,928

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
Erie, PA
$70,661
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Reading

Education

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

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Reading

Browse open registered nurse positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Reading

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $73,910 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $52,234 (10th percentile) to $109,928 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,910, a registered nurse in Reading earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Reading's median registered nurse salary of $73,910 is 8.1% below the Pennsylvania state average of $80,408. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $73,910 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Reading? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Reading 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.