Registered Nurse salary in Philadelphia, PA
Median pay, Philadelphia metro
$101,180/year
about $48.64 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $90,190 – $112,970
Half of registered nurses in the Philadelphia metro area earn more than $101,180 a year and half earn less. That's 4% higher than the national median of $97,550, and ranks #14 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $79,160 | $38.06 |
| 25th | $90,190 | $43.36 |
| Median (50th) | $101,180 | $48.64 |
| 75th | $112,970 | $54.31 |
| 90th (top earners) | $121,900 | $58.61 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a registered nurse job in the Philadelphia metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $90,190 ($43.36/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $90,190 to $112,970 ($43.36 to $54.31/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $112,970 ($54.31/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Shift differentials for nights and weekends can add a lot on top of the base rate, so ask for them in writing.
- Sign-on bonuses often come with a clawback if you leave within one or two years. Check the terms before you count on it.
- Ask about nurse-to-patient ratios and mandatory overtime, since they shape the job far more than the posting suggests.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Philadelphia metro. Occupation: Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.