Philadelphia vs Reading: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,740▲ | $68,652 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.94▲ | $33.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,075▲ | $59,763 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,007▲ | $65,122 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,649▲ | $77,626 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,232▲ | $81,008 |
| Total Employed | 15,920▲ | 990 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Reading.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Reading is $6,088 (8.87%). 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 Philadelphia spans $20,157,Reading spans $21,245. Reading has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($72,879 effective) pays 3.04% more than Reading ($70,732 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 ($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
Choose Reading if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Philadelphia grew 24.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Reading over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$57,030 (2019) → $70,710 (2025)
Reading, PA
$49,720 (2019) → $64,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Philadelphia or Reading?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Reading?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Reading as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Philadelphia vs Reading?
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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