Registered Nurses Salary in Central Pennsylvania

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $81,270 -13.2% vs national
Median hourly $39.07
10th percentile $66,320
90th percentile $101,780
Employed locally 4,790
National median $93,600

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    In Central Pennsylvania, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $81,270, which translates to approximately $39.07 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for the occupation, which stands at $93,600. Comparing this income to local household earnings, it becomes evident that registered nurses in this region may experience varying financial stability depending on their specific circumstances and living costs within Central Pennsylvania's diverse areas. The salary range spans from a 10th percentile earning of $66,320 to a 90th percentile at $101,780, indicating significant variability based on factors such as work setting, specialization, or level of responsibility.

    Entry-level registered nurses in Central Pennsylvania typically earn closer to the lower end of this spectrum, while those with more experience can expect significantly higher earnings. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by several factors including years of service, accumulated skills, certifications, and opportunities for advancement within healthcare facilities. Experience often equates to increased responsibility, such as supervisory roles or specialized nursing functions, which are compensated at higher salary levels reflected in the upper percentiles like the 75th percentile earning of $98,770 and beyond. This progression underscores the importance of professional development and specialization in enhancing earning potential for registered nurses in this region.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $66,320
    25th
    $75,430
    50th (median)
    $81,270
    75th
    $98,770
    90th
    $101,780

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Central Pennsylvania?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in Central Pennsylvania is $39.07, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $47.94 or more per hour.

    Is Central Pennsylvania above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in Central Pennsylvania is 13.2% below the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in Central Pennsylvania?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $66,320 per year in Central Pennsylvania. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $75,430.