A Scranton RN's Career Guide: The Real Numbers, Neighborhoods, and Night Shifts

Let’s cut through the brochure talk. If you’re a Registered Nurse (RN) looking at Scranton, you’re probably wondering about the cost of living, where you’ll actually work, and if the salary can stretch in a city built on coal and grit. I’ve lived here for over a decade, worked in healthcare, and can tell you that Scranton isn’t New York or Philadelphia—it’s a place where a $84,000 salary feels different. It’s a city of tight-knit neighborhoods, a handful of dominant employers, and a commute you can measure in minutes, not half-hours.

This guide is your data-driven deep dive. We’ll use the numbers (courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics and local market analysis) alongside the local knowledge you need to make a smart move.

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

First, the hard numbers. The median salary for a Registered Nurse in the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metro area is $84,262 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.51. It’s important to note we’re comparing $84,262 to the national average of $86,070—we’re slightly below the national mark, but not by a significant margin. The job market is active, with the BLS reporting 682 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. That’s steady, stable growth, not a boom, which reflects Scranton’s older, stable population.

Breaking this down by experience is crucial. Hospital systems here often use a clinical ladder, and your years of experience directly impact your offer.

Experience Level	Typical Scranton Salary Range (Annual)	What It Means in Scranton
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $75,000	Usually a new graduate residency position. You’ll be on a Med-Surg floor or in a skilled nursing facility.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	This is where you leverage certifications (like ACLS, PALS) or move to a specialty like ICU, ER, or Oncology.
Senior (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $98,000	Charge nurse roles, clinical nurse specialists, or educator positions. You’re likely at the top of the base pay scale.
Expert (15+ years)	$95,000 - $110,000+	Management (Director of Nursing), NP roles (with additional education), or highly specialized fields like cardiac cath lab.

How does this stack up in Pennsylvania? Scranton sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. It’s behind the Philadelphia metro, where salaries can soar past $90k, but ahead of more rural areas like Johnstown or the "T" (Altoona). You’ll earn more here than in rural New York, but the cost of living is the great equalizer.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: a salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the government and your landlord take their share. For this exercise, we’ll assume you’re single, filing as a single person, and taking the standard deduction. (Always consult a local tax pro for your situation).

The Math:

• Gross Annual Salary: $84,262
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$22,500 (This varies, but it's a realistic estimate for this bracket in PA).
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$61,762

Monthly Budget Breakdown ($5,147 take-home per month):

• Rent (Average 1BR): -$854
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$200
• Groceries: -$400
• Car Payment/Insurance (Crucial in Scranton): -$450
• Health Insurance (if employer covers a portion): -$300
• Student Loans: -$300
• Savings & Retirement (10%): -$515
• Discretionary (Fun, Dining, Shopping): -$1,128

This budget leaves you with a healthy $1,128 for discretionary spending, which is very manageable. The cost of living index here is 93.0 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar goes about 7% further than the national average. That’s the Scranton advantage.

Can you buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of over $5,000/month and median rents under $900, you’re in a strong position. The median home price in Scranton hovers around $150,000-$180,000. A monthly mortgage payment at that price is often comparable to or even less than renting a newer apartment. It’s one of the few Northeastern cities where homeownership is still a realistic goal for a single-earner RN.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

Scranton’s healthcare scene is an oligopoly—powered by a few giants. Knowing who they are and where they’re located is key.

1. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine & Geisinger Health System: While Geisinger’s flagship is in Danville, its scranton footprint is huge. They operate Geisinger Medical Center (off I-81, near Dunmore) and numerous outpatient clinics. They are a major hirer, especially for new grads through their "Nurse Residency Program." Hiring trend: Consistent, with a focus on primary care and specialty clinics expanding.

2. The University of Scranton: This isn’t just a university; it’s a major employer. The Patrick H. Carey '63 Health and Wellness Center and their partnership with Geisinger for student health create nursing roles. They offer great benefits and a university environment. Hiring trend: Steady, often for part-time or specific clinic roles.

3. Nesquehoning Medical Center (a St. Luke’s University Health Network Hospital): Located about 25 minutes south in Carbon County, this is a critical access hospital that serves many Scranton commuters. It’s a major employer for RNs seeking a smaller hospital environment. Hiring trend: Growing, especially in med-surg and emergency services.

4. Moses Taylor Hospital (Part of the St. Luke’s Network): This is the flagship. Located in the "Medical Center" neighborhood off I-81, it’s a tertiary care hospital with a Level 2 Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke center, and a NICU. This is where you go for high-acuity experience. Hiring trend: Always hiring for med-surg, critical care, ED, and maternal-child health. They are the biggest game in town for acute care.

5. Wilkes-Barre General Hospital (Part of the St. Luke’s Network): Technically in Wilkes-Barre, but it’s a 15-minute drive from downtown Scranton. It’s another massive employer, especially for surgical and orthopedic specialties. Hiring trend: Strong for perioperative nursing and post-surgical units.

6. Local Senior Living & Nursing Facilities: Companies like Genesis HealthCare and Mountainview Care and Rehabilitation Center are always in need of RNs for night shifts and regulatory roles. The aging population of Northeastern PA ensures steady demand. Hiring trend: Very high turnover, always hiring.

7. Private Physician Practices & Urgent Care: Companies like Urgent Care (multiple locations) and large specialty groups (oncology, cardiology) are expanding. These offer 9-to-5 schedules, no weekends, and no holidays. Hiring trend: Growing as healthcare moves to outpatient settings.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania is a compact state (NLC), meaning if you’re licensed in another compact state, you can practice here without a new license. If not, here’s the process.

• Requirements: Pass the NCLEX-RN. Apply through the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. You’ll need a background check, official transcripts, and your NCLEX score.
• Costs: Application fee is $125. Background check is $22. Total: ~$147. If you need to retake the NCLEX, it’s another $200.
• Timeline: From application to approval can take 4-6 weeks. If you’re a new grad, apply for your license as soon as you graduate; the NCLEX is the next step. The entire process, from graduation to start date, can be 2-3 months.
• Insider Tip: Pennsylvania has a fast-track for temporary permits for new grads waiting for the NCLEX, allowing them to work under the supervision of a preceptor. Ask your HR department about this when you get an offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Scranton is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown Scranton	Walkable, urban, youthful (thanks to U of Scranton). Commute to Moses Taylor is 5-10 mins.	$900 - $1,200	The young professional who wants bars, restaurants, and festivals (e.g., First Friday) at their doorstep.
Green Ridge	Quiet, residential, tree-lined. 15-minute commute to hospitals. Established families.	$750 - $950	The RN who wants a quiet, safe neighborhood with easy access to parks and grocery stores.
Carbondale Road (Dunmore)	Suburban feel, close to Geisinger. Very safe, good schools. 10-15 minute commute.	$800 - $1,000	New grads or families. It’s a classic, no-hassle suburban choice.
West Side	More affordable, diverse, with a mix of old and new. Commute is 10-20 mins to hospitals.	$650 - $850	The budget-conscious RN who doesn’t mind a slightly longer commute for more space.
Dickson City	A borough bordering Scranton, with big-box stores (Costco, Target). Commute to Moses Taylor is 12 mins.	$700 - $900	The practical RN who wants chain-store convenience and a quick commute to the main hospital.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Scranton is not a hub for rapid specialization like Boston or San Diego, but it offers clear, stable advancement paths.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving from Med-Surg to a specialty like ICU, Emergency, or Labor & Delivery typically carries a $2-$5/hour premium. Certifications are your best friend. Get your CCRN for critical care or OCN for oncology, and you become far more valuable.
• Advancement Paths: The most common ladder is:
  1. Bedside RN → Charge Nurse (adds 5-10% to pay).
  2. Charge Nurse → Nurse Manager (requires a BSN, now almost mandatory for management).
  3. Nurse Manager → Director of Nursing (requires an MSN).
  4. Alternatively, you can become a Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist. The University of Scranton and Penn State have MSN programs. This jumps your salary to the $100k+ range.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 6% growth, you will have job security. The trend is toward outpatient care, home health, and telehealth. As the population ages, demand for geriatric and palliative care RNs will spike. The Geisinger School of Medicine is also driving research and specialized clinical roles. The key is to specialize early and consider a BSN if you don’t have one yet—the large employers here (Geisinger, St. Luke’s) are moving toward requiring BSNs for all RNs.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely affordable cost of living—your salary goes far.	Winters are long, gray, and snowy—can be tough if you're from a sunny climate.
Stable, established job market with big employers.	Not a "destination" city—limited nightlife, fewer diverse cultural amenities.
Short, easy commutes (most are <15 mins by car).	Public transit is limited—you need a reliable car.
Strong sense of community—it’s easy to make friends and get involved.	Population is aging—the city is growing slowly, not quickly.
Proximity to nature—Poconos, hiking, and skiing are 30-45 mins away.	Some areas have economic blight (remnants of coal era), but these are often being revitalized.

Final Recommendation: Scranton is an excellent choice for the pragmatic RN. If you value financial stability (the ability to own a home on a single income), a predictable and supportive community, and a work-life balance that doesn’t involve a brutal 90-minute commute, Scranton is for you. It’s less ideal if you crave cutting-edge, fast-paced innovation, a vibrant nightlife, or are looking to be at a major academic medical center. For the majority of RNs, especially those looking to build a family and a life without constant financial pressure, Scranton is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really as low as they say?
A: Yes. Rent for a decent 1BR is under $900. Your biggest expense will be your car (gas, insurance, repairs) and heating in the winter. Groceries and utilities are fairly priced. You can live comfortably on a single RN salary.

Q: Are there opportunities for new grads?
A: Yes, but you need to be strategic. Geisinger’s Nurse Residency Program is the gold standard for new grads. Moses Taylor Hospital also hires new grads into med-surg. Apply early (in your final semester) and be open to night shifts, which are easier to get.

Q: What’s the real commute like?
A: In Scranton, "rush hour" is a 10-15 minute delay. Most nurses live within a 15-minute drive of their hospital. I-81 is the main artery, and traffic is manageable. You will need a car—public transportation is not reliable for healthcare shifts.

Q: How do the seasons affect the job?
A: Winters (Nov-Mar) can be heavy. You’ll see more respiratory illnesses, flu, and snow-related injuries. Summers are busier with trauma (motorcycle accidents, falls). This affects staffing needs, so there’s a steady demand year-round.

Q: Is it easy to transition from another state?
A: If you’re from a compact state (like NY, NJ, or MD), it’s very easy. If not, start your PA license application 3 months before your planned move. The market is stable enough that employers will wait 4-6 weeks for the right candidate.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Metro Area; Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing; Zillow Rent Data; American Community Survey (ACS) for Cost of Living Index.