Chester vs Philadelphia: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $64,527 | $74,740▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.02 | $35.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,878 | $64,075▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,379 | $68,007▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,616 | $80,649▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,317 | $84,232▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 15,920▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Philadelphia is $10,213 (15.83%). Philadelphia's median is +9.80% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $24,439,Philadelphia spans $20,157. Chester 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, Philadelphia ($72,879 effective) pays 10.01% more than Chester ($66,249 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 ($74,740/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,232)
- ✓Larger job market (15,920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,879)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Chester grew 11.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Chester, PA
$54,589 (2024) → $61,047 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$57,030 (2019) → $70,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Chester or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Chester to Philadelphia as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Chester vs Philadelphia?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov