Pennsylvania is home to some of the most respected health systems in the country. From large academic medical centers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to community hospitals spread across the state, nursing professionals here play a central role in delivering care to millions of patients every year.
If you are a nurse considering a career in Pennsylvania, or if you are already working in the state and wondering how your pay stacks up, you have come to the right place. In this article, we break down average nurse salaries in Pennsylvania by role, using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Just how much do nurses make in Pennsylvania?
Nursing salaries in Pennsylvania vary based on your role, specialty, experience level, and the type of facility where you work. Below is a snapshot of average hourly and annual wages for the most common nursing roles in the state, based on May 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary figures above reflect May 2023 mean wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These figures do not reflect rates found on the CareRev app.
How much do registered nurses make in Pennsylvania?
The average registered nurse (RN) salary in Pennsylvania is $42.08 per hour, or $87,530 per year. These figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and cover all clinical nursing specialties across the state. Actual earnings will vary based on specialty, experience level, and the specific facility and region where you work.
Pennsylvania is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means nurses who hold an NLC compact license can practice in Pennsylvania and other compact states without obtaining separate licensure for each one. This makes it easier for nurses to take on per diem or travel shifts across state lines.
With 144,100 registered nurses employed across the state, Pennsylvania ranks among the top five states in the country for total RN employment. The state also has a higher concentration of nursing jobs relative to the overall workforce compared to the national average, with a location quotient of 1.16.
Pennsylvania employs more than 144,000 registered nurses and has one of the highest concentrations of RN jobs relative to total employment in the country.
How much do nurse anesthetists make in Pennsylvania?
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are the highest-paid nursing professionals in Pennsylvania and across the country. In Pennsylvania, CRNA wages are at or above the BLS reporting ceiling of $100.91 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of $209,890 or more.
CRNAs are responsible for administering anesthesia before and during surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. They assess patients, develop anesthesia care plans, and monitor patients throughout procedures to ensure safety and comfort. The high pay reflects the advanced education, doctoral-level training, and clinical judgment this role requires.
How much do nurse practitioners make in Pennsylvania?
Nurse practitioners (NPs) in Pennsylvania earn an average of $61.27 per hour, or $127,450 per year. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who can diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medications, and serve as primary care providers for patients across all age groups.
Pennsylvania has a strong demand for NPs, particularly in primary care settings and in communities where access to physician care is limited. Earnings can vary by specialty, with psychiatric-mental health and acute care NPs often earning on the higher end of the range.
How much do LPNs make in Pennsylvania?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Pennsylvania earn an average of $25.61 per hour, or $53,270 per year. LPNs provide direct patient care, monitor vital signs, administer medications, and work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians across a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics.
LPNs play a foundational role in patient care teams, and their work is especially prevalent in nursing homes and extended care settings. For nurses looking to enter the field, becoming an LPN typically requires about one year of education from a state-approved program.
How much do CNAs make in Pennsylvania?
Nursing assistants in Pennsylvania earn an average of $17.15 per hour, or $35,670 per year. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) help patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. They also monitor vital signs and provide emotional support to patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health settings.
The CNA role is a common entry point into a nursing career. Many CNAs go on to complete LPN or RN programs while working in the field, building hands-on experience alongside their education.
Finding nursing jobs in Pennsylvania
If you are looking for nursing opportunities in Pennsylvania, here are a few ways to get started:
- Online job platforms: Sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster list nursing openings across the state, from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to smaller regional markets.
- Healthcare institution websites: Major health systems in Pennsylvania, including Penn Medicine, UPMC, Jefferson Health, and Geisinger, post open positions on their careers pages.
- Nursing staffing agencies: Local and national agencies can connect you with short-term or permanent placements across the state.
- Per diem apps: If you want more control over your schedule, apps like CareRev let you find and claim local per diem shifts at hospitals and health systems across Pennsylvania, without the commitment of a full-time role or a travel contract.
The CareRev app empowers healthcare professionals to find and claim local per diem shifts on demand. Choose the days you work and pick shifts that fit your schedule, whether that's days, evenings, or nights. Work where you want, when you want, with the freedom to build a schedule that works for your life. No burnout. No hassle.
The salary figures in this article do not reflect rates found on the CareRev app. Salary figures above reflect May 2023 mean wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
