RN vs LPN Salary in Pennsylvania: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In Pennsylvania, RNs earn $76,000 on average while LPNs earn $53,000, a gap of $23,000 per year. The cost of living in Pennsylvania is near the national average (index: 98).
RN Average
$76,000
LPN Average
$53,000
Gap
$23,000
Cost of Living
98
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $60,000 | $42,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $76,000 | $53,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $92,000 | $63,000 |
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 | $84,000 | $56,000 | $28,000 |
| Pittsburgh | $72,000 | $50,000 | $22,000 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $70,000 | $49,000 | $21,000 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem | $76,000 | $53,000 | $23,000 |
| Lancaster | $70,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 |
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
$77,551
$76,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$54,082
$53,000 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 website