Overview: Nursing Jobs in PA
Pennsylvania, often called the Keystone State, is a blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and urban life, making it a great place to live and work. It’s also home to top-rated healthcare systems like Penn Medicine and UPMC, offering lots of opportunities for career growth. Plus, the state’s commitment to quality care and research makes it a great place for healthcare professionals looking to shape the future of the industry.
Ready to explore nursing jobs in PA? IntelyCare can help you discover a range of opportunities — full time, part time, contract, temporary, or per diem — plus plenty of fun activities to do outside of work hours.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in PA
- Does Pennsylvania belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact? Yes. Find out more about the PA Nurse Practice Act here.
- How much do nurses make in Pennsylvania? The average annual salaries for nurses in this state vary based on experience and education:
- NP salary in Pennsylvania: $126,730
- RN salary in Pennsylvania: $90,830
- LPN salary in Pennsylvania: $62,550
- CNA salary in Pennsylvania: $41,700
- Where can I learn more about Pennsylvania requirements for nurse licenses? Head over to the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing for the most up-to-date information. If your license is nearing expiration, check out our article about PA nursing license renewal.
- What are the most populous cities to find jobs in Pennsylvania? Here are the five largest cities in the state:
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Allentown
- Reading
- Erie
What to Know When Pursuing Nursing Jobs in PA
With a population of over 13 million people, Pennsylvania ranks as the fifth most populous state in the U.S. Strengthening your cultural competence is important since you’ll be working with residents that come from a variety of backgrounds: 81% of people are White, 12% are Black, 9% are Hispanic or Latino, 4% are Asian, 2% identify as multiracial, and 0.5% are American Indian and Alaskan Native.
Want to find out more about your potential patient base? The median age here is 41.1, slightly older than the U.S. median. Around 20% of the population is aged 65 and older, 20.3% are under 18, and 10% are under age 65 and live with disabilities. If you have specialized skills, such as pediatric or geriatric care, don't forget to include them on your nursing resume, as they can help your job application stand out.
Pennsylvania offers a variety of nursing roles across different specialties. Here are some of the most in-demand positions:
- Nurse practitioner jobs in PA
- Nurse anesthetist jobs in PA
- Nurse midwife jobs in PA
- RN jobs in PA
- LPN jobs in PA
- CNA jobs in PA
- CMA jobs in PA
- Medication aide jobs in PA
- HHA jobs in PA
- Surgical tech jobs in PA
- Caregiver jobs in PA
- Student nurse jobs in PA
Depending on where you live in the state, you might have access to opportunities in nearby states such as New York, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Working in Pennsylvania
If you’re looking for nursing jobs in Pennsylvania, you’ll find plenty of options here. The healthcare industry is a key part of the state’s economy, offering numerous openings for both practitioners and support roles. Plus, the state is experiencing a nursing shortage, making your job outlook even more promising.
Looking to work in acute care? You’ll find a wide range of top-quality hospitals and premier medical systems, including:
- AHN Neighborhood Hospitals
- Allegheny Health Network
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Geisinger
- Grand View Health
- Highmark Health
- Independence Health System
- Jefferson Health
- Lancaster General Health
- Lehigh Valley Health
- Main Line Health
- Penn Medicine
- Penn State Health
- St. Luke's University Health Network
- UPMC
Looking for opportunities in long-term care? Nursing jobs in PA can also be found in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, including:
- Baldwin Health Center
- Cheltenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Chestnut Hill Lodge Health and Rehabilitation Center
- Concordia Lutheran Ministries
- Garden Spring Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
- Harborview at Doylestown
- Holland Center
- Schuylkill Center
If bedside nursing isn’t your thing, consider opportunities in home care centers like Angels on Call or research institutions like Wistar Institute. If public health is your passion, explore roles at the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You could also consider travel nursing jobs in PA. It’s an excellent way to get to know the area you’re thinking of moving to while also saving up for your big move.
Thinking about how long your daily drive might be? The average commute here is around 26.5 minutes one way — on par with the national average. Most residents drive alone, while others work from home, carpool, or use public transit. If you'd rather skip the commute, check out remote nursing jobs in PA — one of the leading states in the medical technology sector.
If you’re raising a family, Pennsylvania offers numerous daycare programs to keep your children safe, happy, and entertained throughout your workday. And for those with furry friends, there are plenty of pet sitters around to make sure your pets are well cared for.
Living in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a treasure trove of outdoor attractions. If you’re into hiking, the Appalachian Trail runs through the state, offering a range of scenic routes. Ricketts Glen State Park is known for its stunning waterfalls, and the Raystown Lake is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, and fishing.
For a dose of history, visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, which offers a glimpse into American history and beautiful landscapes to enjoy along the way. If art is your passion, check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which houses an extensive collection of over 240,000 artworks. And for a fun-filled family outing, explore the Franklin Institute, which is a science museum that delights visitors of all ages.
Pennsylvania has rich culture and traditions. On Groundhog Day, thousands gather to see if Punxsutawney Phil, the local groundhog, will see his shadow. If he does, it signifies six more weeks of winter. The Kutztown Folk Festival highlights Pennsylvania Dutch culture, offering visitors a chance to enjoy traditional music, crafts, and food while exploring the region’s rich history.
With its diverse geography, Pennsylvania experiences a wide range of climates from one region to another. Generally, the state has a humid continental climate, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 83 degrees, so you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Overall, Pennsylvania is a budget-friendly state, with living costs about 5.4% lower than national estimates, but expect prices to be higher in metro areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The average home price is roughly $242,800 — 28.2% less than the national average. Renting will cost you about $1,210 a month.
Find Great Nursing Jobs in PA on IntelyCare
Looking for quality nurse jobs in PA? Learn how IntelyCare can match you with excellent nursing opportunities tailored to your career goals, experience, and desired lifestyle.