Healthcare Recruiting
Registered Nurse Salary in Pennsylvania 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
Registered Nurse Salary in Pennsylvania (2026): City-by-City Pay Data
The average registered nurse salary in Pennsylvania in 2026 is $79,800/year ($38.37/hour) based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and compensation data from UPMC, Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and other major Pennsylvania health systems. Salaries range significantly across the state based on city, employer, specialty unit, shift, and certifications held.
RN Salary by City in Pennsylvania
| City / Metro | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $90,000 | Penn Medicine + Jefferson + Temple, dense academic system market |
| Pittsburgh | $82,000 | UPMC — one of the nation's largest health systems |
| Allentown / Lehigh Valley | $76,000 | Lehigh Valley Health Network |
| Harrisburg | $74,000 | Penn State Health + UPMC Pinnacle |
| Erie | $70,000 | UPMC Hamot + Saint Vincent — tight market |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Pennsylvania
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $221,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $96,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $91,000 |
| Cardiac Cath Lab RN | $94,000 |
| Emergency RN | $87,000 |
| Oncology RN | $86,000 |
Top Pennsylvania Healthcare Employers for RNs
- UPMC
- Penn Medicine
- Jefferson Health
- Geisinger
- Lehigh Valley Health Network
- Temple Health
- Main Line Health
Compact License Status
Pennsylvania is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs holding a compact license in another NLC state can practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining an additional state license.
Pennsylvania RN Job Market Outlook
Pennsylvania is a compact state since 2023. UPMC alone employs ~90,000 staff including one of the largest nursing workforces in the country. Philadelphia's academic medical center density creates strong competition for ICU and specialty RNs. Travel rates: $2,100–$2,600/week.
How to Maximize Your RN Salary in Pennsylvania
- Pursue specialty unit certification: CCRN (critical care), CEN (emergency), RNC-OB (L&D), CNOR (OR) — each adds $6,000–$15,000 at major Pennsylvania health systems
- Night and weekend differential: Typically +$3–$7/hr, translating to $6,000–$14,000 in annualized additional income at full-time hours
- Charge nurse role: +$2–$5/hr at most facilities; first step toward nurse manager track
- Travel or PRN status: Experienced Pennsylvania RNs earn 30–50% more as travelers or per-diem staff
- BSN or MSN completion: Most major Pennsylvania systems pay $1–$3/hr more for BSN-prepared nurses; MSN opens management and APRN pathways
Related: RN Salary by State 2026, Travel Nurse Salary Guide, ICU Nurse Salary 2026, NP Salary Guide.
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