Philadelphia Nursing Market: A Hub of Opportunity and Growth in Healthcare Careers Amid Expanding Demand and Competitive Salaries
Here in Philadelphia, the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, we pride ourselves on being a vibrant and historically rich city with a significant demand for healthcare services. The nursing job market here is as diverse as our iconic skyline. Currently, registered nurses in Philadelphia earn an average salary that ranges between $68,000 and $78,000 annually, which translates to about $32 to $38 per hour. This is quite comparable to the statewide averages for Pennsylvania, where registered nurses earn about $67,000 on average, and national figures which sit around $77,000. Our geographical advantage as a major metropolitan area not only provides a myriad of job opportunities in healthcare but also fosters a community rich in culture, art, and innovation. Boasting attractions like the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we live in a city where both work and play come together harmoniously. In contrast to our closest rival, Pittsburgh, which has its share of healthcare opportunities but different specialties, Philadelphia stands out with diverse facilities and specialties available.
Analyzing the job market, NurseRecruiter estimates that there are approximately 40,000 registered nurses currently practicing in Philadelphia, a substantial workforce that meets the healthcare demands of our approximately 1.6 million residents. Over the next five years, our city is projected to need an additional 6,000 nurses to meet rising demand, influenced by an aging population and advances in medical technology. With 11 major hospitals, including renowned institutions like Penn Medicine and Jefferson Health, opportunities abound not just for permanent nursing positions, but also for travel nurses and per diem nursing. The demand for travel nursing peaks during the summer months, primarily attracting professionals to cover seasonal influxes in patient care. Per diem nursing also presents significant opportunities; estimates suggest there are over 3,000 per diem nursing positions available, contributing to a flexible work environment that many of us find appealing. When we compare our job market to nearby cities like Wilmington and Trenton, there are notable differences in both salary ranges and the number of available positions, with Philadelphia consistently offering higher compensation and more diverse roles within the healthcare sector.
The healthcare infrastructure within Philadelphia is robust, with over 70 hospitals, clinics, and specialized healthcare facilities that require skilled nursing staff. Local investments in healthcare technology and expansions, such as the ongoing development of the new tower at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, speak volumes about our community’s commitment to health and wellness. Here, we don’t just focus on the traditional nursing roles; specialties like geriatrics, pediatrics, and advanced practice nursing are in high demand. As we grow to a projected 1.8 million population by 2030, our city is well-positioned for continued investment in healthcare. Public health initiatives, like the PhillyRISE program, tackle local health disparities, offering nurses unique roles in community health outreach. As a nursing professional in this dynamic city, I can take pride in being part of a community that not only values but actively promotes health and wellbeing. Whether you are a current nurse or considering the vibrant opportunities available here, I invite you to explore our nursing market further, sign up for NurseRecruiter to connect with local job matches, and consider how you can contribute to our thriving healthcare community. For employers, there’s no better time to post jobs on NurseRecruiter and tap into our talented nursing workforce.
