Pennsylvania is one of the country’s largest nursing job markets — anchored by major academic systems in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, plus dozens of community hospitals across the rest of the state. So how much do nurses really make in PA in 2026?
The short answer: most Pennsylvania RNs earn between $65,000 and $104,000 annually, with the state average sitting around $88,000 and top earners — particularly in Pittsburgh and at major academic centers — clearing $130,000.
PA RN pay runs below NJ and NY averages, but cost of living is significantly lower across most of the state, which improves real-income outcomes for many nurses.
While Pennsylvania isn’t among the absolute top-paying RN states nationally, experienced nurses in major metro markets can still earn highly competitive compensation packages. For a broader national comparison, see TAG MedStaffing’s breakdown of the highest-paying states for RNs.
Here’s the 2026 breakdown by region, employer, and experience.
Salary data sources track PA RN pay in 2026 in a fairly tight range:
Pennsylvania’s RN pay sits modestly below the national average overall, but that statewide number masks significant regional variation. Pittsburgh RNs out-earn the state average by 10%+, while rural PA counties run well below.
The highest-paying RN market in Pennsylvania. Average RN salary: ~$97,231, with experienced RNs at UPMC and Allegheny Health Network regularly clearing $115,000–$130,000. Strong specialty programs and Magnet-designated hospitals push pay above the state average.
Average RN salary: $81,860, with 73,510 registered nurses currently employed across the metro. Despite hosting some of the country’s premier academic medical centers, Philly RN averages lag Pittsburgh — partly a reflection of a larger pool of community hospital and outpatient roles diluting the average. Top performers at Penn Medicine, Jefferson, and CHOP regularly clear $110,000–$130,000.
For nurses comparing specialties, hospital systems, and high-demand opportunities in the city, check out TAG MedStaffing’s guide to the best nursing jobs in Philadelphia: best nursing jobs in Philadelphia
Mid-market pay anchored by Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network. Average RN pay typically $80,000–$95,000.
Average pay slightly below state average, with strong opportunities at UPMC and Penn State Health. Cost of living offsets the lower base.
Lowest-paying region statewide, with RN salaries running $65,000–$80,000. Significant rural hospital staffing demand creates leverage for sign-on bonuses and relocation packages.
RN is the largest single nursing category, but PA also has strong markets for other nursing roles:
BSN-prepared RNs earn higher pay than ADN-prepared RNs at most major PA systems. Magnet-designated hospitals — including Penn, CHOP, UPMC Presbyterian, and Lehigh Valley — typically prefer or require the BSN.
CCRN, CEN, OCN, and specialty L&D certifications unlock differential pay and access to premium units. Most PA systems offer $2,000–$6,000 annual certification stipends.
PA shift differentials run $3–$10 per hour at major systems. Night shift RNs at UPMC and Penn frequently add $10,000–$20,000 in differential pay annually.
PA travel RN contracts typically pay $1,900–$3,200 per week, with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh contracts running on the higher end.
Demand for nurses in Pennsylvania remains strong. The state’s aging population, large hospital systems, and the recent regional consolidation among health systems all point to continued nursing demand through 2030 and beyond.
Active growth areas in NJ include critical care, emergency, OR, L&D, and oncology nursing, with sign-on bonuses making a strong comeback at major systems.
Whether you're targeting an academic role at Penn or UPMC, a community hospital position in Allentown or Harrisburg, or a travel contract in rural PA, TAG MedStaffing connects nurses with leading Pennsylvania employers.
Search PA RN JobsPittsburgh is the highest-paying RN market in PA, with average pay around $97,231 — roughly 10% above the state average. Specialty roles at UPMC, Penn Medicine, and CHOP push the highest individual earnings.
Pittsburgh’s RN market is more concentrated around two dominant systems (UPMC and AHN), which compete aggressively for talent. Philadelphia has a larger mix of community hospitals and outpatient settings, which pulls the metro average down — though top academic system pay in Philly is comparable to Pittsburgh.
PA RN averages run roughly $20,000 below NJ averages statewide. However, PA’s cost of living is significantly lower in most regions, which improves real-income outcomes for many nurses.
Not strictly, but most major PA hospital systems — especially Magnet-designated facilities — require a BSN or a written commitment to complete one within 5–10 years of hire.
Psychiatric mental health nursing is one of the fastest-growing specialties in PA, driven by behavioral health demand. Critical care, OR, and oncology nursing also show strong growth.
We connect nursing professionals with leading medical organizations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York — offering temporary, temp-to-hire, direct hire, and executive placement opportunities.
Skip the Search
Send us your resume, and we'll find the jobs that are the best match for you.
Submit ResumeReady to advance your career? Explore our job openings or connect with our healthcare recruiters today. Your future starts here!
Search RN Jobs in Pennsylvania
