How Registered Nurse (RN)s in Pennsylvania get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Pennsylvania compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $69,000 | $52,400 | $89,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $85,700 | $65,100 | $111,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $98,600 | $74,900 | $128,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $118,300 | $89,800 | $153,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $134,000 | $101,800 | $174,300 |
Pay varies sharply within Pennsylvania. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $101,600 | $77,200 | $132,100 | +3% |
Top occupations by median pay in Pennsylvania — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Pennsylvania
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Registered Nurse (RN) salary in Pennsylvania is $98,600 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $74,900 and the 75th at $128,200.
Pay-wise, Pennsylvania sits +4% above the national Registered Nurse (RN) median ($94,800). Pay tracks roughly with the national average — cost of living is the deciding factor for take-home purchasing power.
Senior Registered Nurse (RN)s (10–14 years of experience) in Pennsylvania earn around $118,300 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $134,000 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Pennsylvania ranks 19th for Registered Nurse (RN) pay. The highest-paying state pays around $153,600 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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