Philadelphia vs Lancaster: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,382▲ | $138,561 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.49▲ | $66.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,588 | $110,692▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $129,581 | $130,368▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $160,141▲ | $146,040 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,234▲ | $165,872 |
| Total Employed | 6,590▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Lancaster is $1,821 (1.31%). 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,Lancaster spans $55,180. 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, Lancaster ($141,019 effective) pays 3.02% 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 Lancaster if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,019)
- ✓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 33.0% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$109,450 (2019) → $135,700 (2025)
Lancaster, PA
$100,720 (2019) → $133,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Lancaster, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Philadelphia or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Lancaster as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Philadelphia vs Lancaster?
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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