Allentown vs Reading: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Allentown, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,826▲ | $103,699 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.36▲ | $49.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,437▲ | $76,918 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,281▲ | $87,944 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,312 | $111,439▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,340 | $136,608▲ |
| Total Employed | 10,860▲ | 3,430 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reading.
The salary gap between Allentown and Reading is $3,127 (3.02%). Allentown's median is +3.99% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $41,903,Reading spans $59,690. Reading has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Allentown ($106,860 effective) pays 0.02% more than Reading ($106,840 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,826/year)
- ✓Larger job market (10,860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,860)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Reading if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,608)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Allentown grew 46.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.6% growth in Reading over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$69,230 (2019) → $101,440 (2025)
Reading, PA
$69,040 (2019) → $98,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov