Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $44.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $44.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,172 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,304 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, registered nurses in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania can expect a median hourly pay of $44.31, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.39. This difference highlights the unique economic environment in this region, particularly when considering the various work settings typical for RNs. Whether working on hospital floors, in intensive care units, or providing home health services, part-time nurses employed three days a week can anticipate a rewarding hourly wage while gaining valuable experience. The hourly range for registered nurse positions in Wilkes-Barre varies from $31.50 at the entry-level to $60.24 for highly experienced professionals, underscoring the growth potential in this field. These hourly rates are projected estimates derived from annual salary data and reflect the demand for nursing staff in various capacities during a time of continuous healthcare evolution.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.50 | $251.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.27 | $290.15 |
| Median (P50) | $44.31 | $354.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.25 | $402.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.24 | $481.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $44.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.31/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $92,174 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,177. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,772.58 | $7,681 | $92,174 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,063.55 | $4,609 | $55,304 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $709.03 | $3,072 | $36,870 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Wilkes-Barre) | $44.31 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $92,172 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.28% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $93,670.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.31/hr = $55,304/year (purchasing power: $56,781).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,174/year (purchasing power: $94,635).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Wilkes-Barre grew 33.1% from $31.62/hr (2019) to $42.08/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.67/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Wilkes-Barre
Beyond the basics of hourly compensation, the earning potential for registered nurses in Wilkes-Barre significantly varies based on employment arrangements and specialty. Part-time registered nurses working 24 hours per week could generate around $55,154 annually, while full-time nurses capture the full spectrum of benefits and job security. Per diem registered nurse pay in Wilkes-Barre typically ranges between $50 to $80 per hour, with opportunities for travel nursing contracts offering weekly compensation of $2,000 to $4,500, especially during peak demand. Additionally, nurses employed by different types of healthcare facilities, such as acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, or home health agencies, may see shifts in hourly rates based on the institution's resources and patient care specialties. For many, the decision to prioritize a higher hourly rate without benefits versus a lower rate with comprehensive health insurance impacts both personal and financial decisions. When discussing pay during negotiations, it is essential for nurses to emphasize their certifications and specialties, particularly when applying to magnet-status hospitals in the region that value advanced skills.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for registered nurses in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Wilkes-Barre. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilkes-Barre is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov