Philadelphia vs Erie: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Erie, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Erie, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,553▲ | $84,248 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.22▲ | $40.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,363▲ | $69,315 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,979▲ | $82,742 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,969▲ | $102,066 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,373▲ | $107,458 |
| Total Employed | 73,790▲ | 3,060 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Erie is $22,305 (26.48%). 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 Philadelphia spans $45,010,Erie spans $38,143. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($103,899 effective) pays 12.16% more than Erie ($92,631 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Erie if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Philadelphia grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Erie over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$76,820 (2019) → $101,180 (2025)
Erie, PA
$59,770 (2019) → $80,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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