Allentown vs Chester: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Allentown, PA and Chester, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Chester, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,509▲ | $127,761 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.59▲ | $61.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,478▲ | $105,838 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,623▲ | $118,374 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,299 | $146,240▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,506▲ | $157,880 |
| Total Employed | 790▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Allentown and Chester is $10,748 (8.41%). Allentown's median is +1.20% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $53,028,Chester spans $52,042. Allentown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Allentown ($138,553 effective) pays 5.63% more than Chester ($131,171 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,509/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,506)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,553)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Chester if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Allentown grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.3% growth in Chester over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$101,850 (2019) → $133,890 (2025)
Chester, PA
$119,531 (2024) → $123,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Chester, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Allentown or Chester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Chester?
Should I relocate from Allentown to Chester as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Allentown vs Chester?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov