Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Registered Nurse Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Nursing Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$87,610 median (6% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#21 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 87,610, Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of $93,600. Pennsylvania ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$87,610Hourly estimate
$42.126% below national median
Difference: -$5,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRegistered Nurse Salary Ranking
#21 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 140,330 |
| #2 | Hawaii | 136,320 |
| #3 | Oregon | 123,990 |
| #4 | Washington | 112,180 |
| #5 | Alaska | 110,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Registered Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $87,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $105,600 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $102,730 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $92,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $96,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $79,990 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $81,250 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Nursing Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 8333672762
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $75,610 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $61,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,290 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania is 87,610. Salaries range from $67,410 (10th percentile) to $116,590 (90th percentile).
How does the Registered Nurse salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania earn 6% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of 87,610.
How many Registered Nurses work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 146,840 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Nursing Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx.