Chester vs Pittsburgh: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Chester, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,527 | $66,654▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.02 | $32.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,878 | $54,731▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,379 | $64,012▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,616 | $76,241▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,317 | $78,884▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 5,800▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Pittsburgh is $2,127 (3.30%). Pittsburgh's median is -2.08% 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,Pittsburgh spans $24,153. 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, Pittsburgh ($70,406 effective) pays 6.27% 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 Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,654/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,884)
- ✓Larger job market (5,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,406)
- ✓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 38.5% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Chester, PA
$54,589 (2024) → $61,047 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$45,540 (2019) → $63,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Chester or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Chester to Pittsburgh as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Chester vs Pittsburgh?
Related Comparisons
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