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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
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 Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Nursing Board and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median 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 | Varies by board |
| New York | $105,600 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $102,730 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $92,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $96,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $79,990 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $81,250 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Delaware | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $58,970 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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. 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.
How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.