Harrisburg vs Philadelphia: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,908 | $106,553▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.99 | $51.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,836 | $83,363▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,912 | $94,979▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,722 | $118,969▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,633 | $128,373▲ |
| Total Employed | 9,210 | 73,790▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and Philadelphia is $4,645 (4.56%). Philadelphia's median is +3.72% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisburg spans $41,797,Philadelphia spans $45,010. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($103,899 effective) pays 0.58% more than Harrisburg ($103,303 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,553/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,373)
- ✓Larger job market (73,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,899)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Harrisburg grew 30.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$74,100 (2019) → $96,770 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$76,820 (2019) → $101,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Harrisburg or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Harrisburg to Philadelphia as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Harrisburg vs Philadelphia?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov