Philadelphia vs Allentown: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Allentown, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Allentown, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,382▲ | $138,509 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.49▲ | $66.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,588 | $114,478▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,581▲ | $120,623 |
| 75th Percentile | $160,141▲ | $143,299 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,234▲ | $167,506 |
| Total Employed | 6,590▲ | 790 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Allentown.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Allentown is $1,873 (1.35%). 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 Philadelphia spans $67,646,Allentown spans $53,028. Philadelphia 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 1.22% 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 Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,382/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,234)
- ✓Larger job market (6,590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,553)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Philadelphia grew 24.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.5% growth in Allentown over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$109,450 (2019) → $135,700 (2025)
Allentown, PA
$101,850 (2019) → $133,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Allentown, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Philadelphia or Allentown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Allentown?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Allentown as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Philadelphia vs Allentown?
Related Comparisons
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