Bethlehem vs Philadelphia: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,884▲ | $140,382 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.21▲ | $67.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,472▲ | $107,588 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,754 | $129,581▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,587▲ | $160,141 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,570▲ | $175,234 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 6,590▲ |
Verdict
Bethlehem, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Philadelphia.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Philadelphia is $1,502 (1.07%). Bethlehem's median is +3.67% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethlehem spans $75,098,Philadelphia spans $67,646. Bethlehem 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, Bethlehem ($145,671 effective) pays 6.42% more than Philadelphia ($136,886 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,884/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,570)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,671)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bethlehem grew 9.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$125,444 (2024) → $137,152 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$109,450 (2019) → $135,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bethlehem or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethlehem and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Bethlehem to Philadelphia as a nurse practitioner?
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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