A complete 2026 breakdown of what Registered Nurses earn in Pittsburgh — base salary, hourly rate, top employers, and tips for negotiating the highest offer. With percentile data and cost-of-living context.
| Experience | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | $50,830 - $66,470 | 24 - 31/hr |
| Mid-level (3-5 years) | $70,380 - $89,930 | 33 - 43/hr |
| Senior (6-10 years) | $89,930 - $113,390 | 43 - 54/hr |
| Lead/Principal (10+ years) | $109,480 - $144,670 | 52 - 69/hr |
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $66,470 |
| San Francisco, CA | $93,840 |
| Chicago, IL | $78,200 |
| Pittsburgh | $78,200 |
| Houston, TX | $66,470 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $78,200 |
Major employers in Pittsburgh hiring Registered Nurses include:
$78,200 in Pittsburgh goes further or less far depending on cost of living. With housing costs of ~$1100/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, your take-home after housing is approximately $65,000/year. See full cost of living in Pittsburgh.
The average Registered Nurse salary in Pittsburgh is $78,200/year ($37.6/hour). The 25th percentile earns $58,650/year, the 75th percentile earns $101,660/year, and the 90th percentile earns $129,030/year.
Registered Nurse is a stable career in Pittsburgh with a stable job market. The median salary is below the national average for this role.
Top earners (90th percentile) in Pittsburgh make $129,030/year. These are typically senior Registered Nurses with 10+ years of experience, often in management or specialized roles.
⚠️ Estimate only. Salary data based on 2026 BLS, Glassdoor, and Payscale data. Actual offers depend on experience, employer, and negotiation. Full disclaimer.