Erie vs Scranton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Erie, PA and Scranton, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Erie, PA | Scranton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,959 | $65,259▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.75 | $31.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,582 | $56,888▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,025 | $63,209▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,969 | $72,901▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,389 | $78,577▲ |
| Total Employed | 940 | 2,270▲ |
Verdict
Scranton, PA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Erie and Scranton is $1,300 (2.03%). Scranton's median is -4.13% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Erie spans $24,807,Scranton spans $21,689. Erie 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, Erie ($70,323 effective) pays 0.82% more than Scranton ($69,754 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Erie if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,323)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Scranton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,259/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,577)
- ✓Larger job market (2,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Erie grew 50.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Scranton over the same period.
Erie, PA
$40,090 (2019) → $60,510 (2025)
Scranton, PA
$45,540 (2019) → $61,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Scranton, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Erie or Scranton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Erie and Scranton?
Should I relocate from Erie to Scranton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Erie vs Scranton?
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