RN vs LPN Salary in Pennsylvania: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In Pennsylvania, RNs earn $94,000 on average while LPNs earn $65,900, a gap of $28,100 per year. The cost of living in Pennsylvania is near the national average (index: 98).
RN Average
$94,000
LPN Average
$65,900
Gap
$28,100
Cost of Living
98
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $71,000 | $52,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $94,000 | $65,900 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $118,000 | $78,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within Pennsylvania depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden | $104,000 | $70,000 | $34,000 |
| Pittsburgh | $89,000 | $62,000 | $27,000 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $87,000 | $61,000 | $26,000 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem | $94,000 | $66,000 | $28,000 |
| Lancaster | $87,000 | $62,000 | $25,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 98 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$95,918
$94,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$67,245
$65,900 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
Pennsylvania Scope of Practice Notes
Pennsylvania is a Nurse Licensure Compact state (as of 2024). LPNs can administer IV fluids and certain IV medications with specific training and under RN supervision. UPMC and Penn Medicine are among the largest healthcare employers in the country.
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in Pennsylvania
UPMC
Penn Medicine
Geisinger Health
Jefferson Health
WellSpan Health
Pennsylvania Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
Pennsylvania Board of Nursing websiteCompare With Neighboring States
Pennsylvania RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in Pennsylvania?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Pennsylvania earn an average of $65,900 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $52,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $78,000.
What is the average RN salary in Pennsylvania?
Registered nurses (RNs) in Pennsylvania earn an average of $94,000 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $28,100 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $71,000, and experienced RNs earn around $118,000.
Which Pennsylvania metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major Pennsylvania metros, Philadelphia-Camden pays the most, with RNs averaging about $104,000 and LPNs about $70,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, RNs earn an average of $94,000 versus $65,900 for LPNs, a gap of about $28,100 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.