Registered Nurse Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$81,600 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Registered Nurse Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$52,020
Median
$81,600
Senior Level
$117,300

Registered Nurse salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient CareClinical SkillsDocumentationCritical ThinkingCommunication

Registered Nurse Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Registered Nurse professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Registered Nurse talent. The market for Registered Nurse positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Registered Nurses in Philadelphia

Penn MedicineJefferson HealthTemple HealthChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia

Major employers hiring Registered Nurses in Philadelphia include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Philadelphia offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Registered Nurses in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Registered Nurse means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Housing costs are manageable for Registered Nurse salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Registered Nurse in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Registered Nurses in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Registered Nurse professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Registered Nurses

The job outlook for Registered Nurses in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Registered Nurse salary in Philadelphia, PA is $81,600 per year. Entry-level Registered Nurses typically start around $52,020, while experienced professionals can earn $117,300 or more. The national average for Registered Nurse roles is $80,000.

How many Registered Nurse jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Registered Nurse professionals. Major employers hiring Registered Nurses include Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Registered Nurses?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Registered Nurses. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Registered Nurses in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Registered Nurses in Philadelphia include Patient Care, Clinical Skills, Documentation, Critical Thinking, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Registered Nurses in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Registered Nurses in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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