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Registered Nurse Salary in State College, PA

How much does a registered nurse make in State College? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for State College's cost of living.

Median Salary
$80,853
per year in State College
Entry Level
$57,306
Starting salary
Senior Level
$112,528
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how registered nurse salaries break down across different pay periods in State College.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$57,306$80,853$112,528
Monthly$4,776$6,738$9,377
Biweekly$2,204$3,110$4,328
Weekly$1,102$1,555$2,164
Hourly$28$39$54

State College vs National Average

How State College's registered nurse salaries compare to national figures.

State College Salary
$80,853
COL Index: 102
National Average
$83,440
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$2,587
Lower in State College

Cost of Living in State College

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$38,920
per year
Population
42,034
residents
Rent % of Income
35.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in State College have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Registered Nurse

Overview

Provide patient care and coordinate treatment in hospitals and clinical settings.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing; RN license required

Key Skills

Patient CareMedical KnowledgeCommunicationClinical Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Registered Nurse Salary

See Registered Nurse salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$113,490
+40%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,440
+65%
Chicago, IL
$96,480
+19%
Houston, TX
$97,810
+21%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,160
+21%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a registered nurse salary in State College.

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Registered Nurse Salary in State College, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a registered nurse in State College, PA is $80,853 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering State College's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level registered nurse professionals in State College can expect to earn around $57,306 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level registered nurses earning approximately $112,528 per year. This represents a 96% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

State College's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in State College are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $83,440, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a registered nurse's salary in State College typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 17.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Registered Nurses are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In State College, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.