In Philadelphia, PA, Registered Nurses earn a median of $96,710 a year — about 2% above the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #15.
What that pay is worth in Philadelphia
Local prices run 103 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $94,850 salary buys less than it looks — about $92,488 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Philadelphia?
A typical Philadelphia home runs about $232,400 — 2.5 times the average Registered Nurse salary, very affordable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,323/mo takes roughly 17% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Philadelphia
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $72,890; the top 10% reach $119,440 — a $46,550 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Philadelphia
Philadelphia employs roughly 72,060 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Philadelphia with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Philadelphia against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Philadelphia?
The average Registered Nurse in Philadelphia, PA earns about $94,850 per year, 0.4% above the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Philadelphia after taxes?
After federal and PA taxes, this $94,850 salary is worth about $72,645 a year - roughly $6,053 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 23%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Philadelphia?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Philadelphia earn about $119,440 a year, versus about $72,890 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Philadelphia?
A typical Philadelphia home runs about $232,400 - roughly 2.5x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.