Chester vs Philadelphia: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Chester, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,761 | $140,382▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.43 | $67.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,838 | $107,588▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $118,374 | $129,581▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,240 | $160,141▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,880 | $175,234▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 6,590▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Philadelphia is $12,621 (9.88%). Philadelphia's median is +2.57% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $52,042,Philadelphia spans $67,646. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($136,886 effective) pays 4.36% 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 Chester if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,382/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,234)
- ✓Larger job market (6,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,886)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Chester grew 3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Chester, PA
$119,531 (2024) → $123,500 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$109,450 (2019) → $135,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Chester or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Chester to Philadelphia as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Chester vs Philadelphia?
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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