Average Registered Nurse Salary in Pennsylvania
Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania earn an average of $91,619 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +2.1% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$91,619
per year
Hourly Rate
$44.05
per hour
vs National
-2.1%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$60,764
to $130,243
About Registered Nurse Careers in Pennsylvania
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Pennsylvania, registered nurses earn an average of $91,619 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $60,764 for entry-level roles to $130,243 for the most experienced professionals — +2.1% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Pennsylvania.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$91,619
Cost of Living Index
99
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$92,544
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Pennsylvania's cost of living (below average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $91,619 has the purchasing power of $92,544 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Pennsylvania
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | $95,749 | $46.03/hr | $63,616 | $136,807 | 3,170 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $87,488 | $42.06/hr | $57,911 | $123,679 | 2,637 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Pennsylvania vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Pennsylvania
There are approximately 5,807 Registered Nurses employed across 2 metro areas in Pennsylvania.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing
State Income Tax: 3.07% flat rate
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Pennsylvania
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$60,764
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$91,619
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$130,243
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Pennsylvania
Pharmacist
$131,613
avg in PA
+$39,994 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$119,829
avg in PA
+$28,210 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$88,600
avg in PA
-$3,019 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$58,340
avg in PA
-$33,279 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$37,384
avg in PA
-$54,235 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Pennsylvania with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Pennsylvania Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Pennsylvania?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Pennsylvania is $91,619 per year ($44.05/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 2.1% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia, PA is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania, with a median salary of $95,749 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Pittsburgh, PA at $87,488.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania?
Registered Nurse salaries in Pennsylvania range from $60,764 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $130,243 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $91,619 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Pennsylvania. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.