Registered Nurse Salaries in Pennsylvania — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a registered nurse make in Pennsylvania? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $87,610/yr ($42.12/hr), with around 146,840 people working in this field statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in Pennsylvania are below the national average by approximately $2,566. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Pennsylvania's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for registered nurses.
Pennsylvania Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Pennsylvania after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Pennsylvania Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Pennsylvania median of $87,610.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Pennsylvania
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Pennsylvania — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataregistered nurses pay in Pennsylvania has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the registered nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Pennsylvania's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Pennsylvania
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $97,250 | $46.75 | +11.0% | 51,394 |
| Pittsburgh | $92,850 | $44.64 | +6.0% | 41,115 |
| Allentown | $90,250 | $43.39 | +3.0% | 26,431 |
| Erie | $84,100 | $40.43 | -4.0% | 13,215 |
| Reading | $79,750 | $38.34 | -9.0% | 8,810 |
| Scranton | $76,200 | $36.63 | -13.0% | 5,873 |
Tip: Philadelphia offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Pennsylvania at $97,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Pennsylvania vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Pennsylvania sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Pennsylvania
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Pennsylvania is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Pennsylvania job market. Pennsylvania's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for registered nurses.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania typically adds $71,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Philadelphia pays registered nurses $97,250/yr — +11.0% above the Pennsylvania average. Simply relocating within Pennsylvania can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Pennsylvania. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays registered nurses $105,600/yr — 20.5% vs Pennsylvania.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Pennsylvania
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Pennsylvania:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Pennsylvania — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Pennsylvania — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Philadelphia, PA→