How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Pennsylvania?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Pennsylvania costs $270 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $35, license fee $35). Renewal runs $35 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in Pennsylvania?

Licensed registered nurses in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $83,420/year, compared to $40,740/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › Pennsylvania

Registered Nurse License Cost in Pennsylvania 2026: $270 Fees, $83K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Pennsylvania costs $270 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in Pennsylvania — Key Numbers

$270

Upfront Cost

$83K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$35

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Pennsylvania

Exam fee $200

Application fee $35

Initial license fee $35

Total upfront $270

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $35

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (Pennsylvania) $40,740/yr

Salary with license (Pennsylvania) $83,420/yr

5-year net ROI $213K

Licensing body: Pennsylvania Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in Pennsylvania — What to Know

Pennsylvania RN demand is driven by hospital systems, long-term care, and home health agencies. The $83K median reflects the state's wage scale — solid earning potential with lower cost of living than coastal markets. The NCLEX-RN ($200) plus state fees brings the typical upfront licensing cost to $400–$600. Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, ONC) carry meaningful salary premiums in Pennsylvania's hospital systems. RN-to-BSN completion programs are widely available in the state.

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Other License Costs in Pennsylvania

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← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in Pennsylvania · Payback period by state

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