Registered nurse salary in Pennsylvania
The median registered nurse in Pennsylvania earned $96,430 a year in 2025, $1,120 (1%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 20th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $96,430
- Average yearly pay
- $94,020
- Employed in Pennsylvania
- 146,520
How Pennsylvania compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Pennsylvania
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $96,430 | 146,520 |
| LPN or LVN | $63,940 | 38,260 |
| Nurse practitioner | $130,140 | 10,670 |
A nurse practitioner in Pennsylvania earns a median $33,710 more than a registered nurse ($130,140 against $96,430). A registered nurse earns a median $32,490 more than an LPN or LVN here ($96,430 against $63,940).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Pennsylvania?
The median is $96,430 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Pennsylvania earn more and half earn less.
Is Pennsylvania a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Pennsylvania ranks 20th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Pennsylvania pays 1% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Pennsylvania?
BLS counted 146,520 registered nurses employed in Pennsylvania in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Pennsylvania the average is $94,020.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, with a license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing (Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs).