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As the birthplace of America and home to the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, PA, boasts many unique experiences, including incredible museums, art, restaurants and shopping venues. With an estimated population of just over 1.5 million in 2022, many top hospitals in Philadelphia offer employment opportunities for healthcare professionals looking to make a move. From walking in the steps of our nation’s Founding Fathers to watching major sporting events, Philly provides a unique lifestyle for everyone. If you’re seeking a healthcare career move, choose from the many Philadelphia travel nursing assignments, staff positions and travel allied health professional jobs in this historic city.
Top Hospitals in Philadelphia, PA
The many Philadelphia hospitals known for their technological advances and innovation in the healthcare industry provide a wealth of employment options for nurses and allied health professionals. From pediatric to geriatric care, the city’s healthcare facilities provide a wide range of specialties and subspecialties for nurses and allied health workers to expand their horizons and advance their careers. Below are a few of the top-ranked hospitals in Philadelphia, PA.
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
As part of Penn Medicine, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center is a large academic healthcare facility. It ranked No. 1 on the 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Regional Hospitals in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. It also ranked nationally in 11 adult specialties, with four specialties in the top 10, including Pulmonology & Lung Surgery, Cancer Care, Urology and Ear, Nose & Throat. Additionally, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center has held Magnet recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) since 2012.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a teaching hospital that employs over 16,000 people. It’s affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania Medical School’s pediatric department and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. CHOP earned the No. 4 spot on the 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll. In the same period, 10 of its pediatric specialties were among the top in the nation, including No. 1 in Orthopedics, No. 3 in Diabetes & Endocrinology and No. 4 in Neonatology. CHOP also ranked No. 1 for its pediatric training program, making it no wonder the hospital attracts healthcare providers from around the country.
Temple University Hospital
Temple University Hospital (TUH), part of Temple University Health System, is a 979-bed teaching facility. It partners with Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine and offers 21 residency and 18 fellowship physician programs. On the 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Hospitals list, it ranked No. 4 in Philadelphia and No. 10 in Pennsylvania. Three of its high-performing specialties included Diabetes & Endocrinology, Neurology & Neurosurgery and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. TUH boasts an array of nursing programs and opportunities, earning its ANCC Magnet designation for nursing in 2019.
Average Nurse and Allied Health Pay Rates in Philadelphia, PA
In mid-August 2023, Vivian Health had more than 1,200 staff and travel healthcare professional opportunities in Philadelphia on the platform. Nurses could select from popular specialties like cardiac cath lab, behavioral health and case management. In-demand allied health positions ranged from dialysis technicians to surgical first assistants to electrophysiology technicians. The table below shows the average and maximum pay rates for Philadelphia nursing jobs and allied health professionals on August 18, 2023.
|
Discipline |
Average Pay Rate |
Max Pay Rate |
| $37/hour |
$49/hour |
|
| $2,095/week |
$2,692/week |
|
| $29/hour |
$100/hour |
|
| $2,452/week |
$2,850/week |
The salaries listed above reflect the average of all healthcare professionals within a specific discipline. Actual pay varies depending on location, experience, specialty, schedules, certifications and other employer factors. If you’re looking for higher pay as a registered nurse, top-paying staff nursing jobs in Philadelphia during this period included behavioral health and medical-surgical positions. Some staff allied health positions, like patient care technicians and pharmacists, offered sign-on bonuses.
Cost of Living in Philadelphia, PA
In mid-August 2023, Sperling’s Best Places reported that Philadelphia’s cost of living was 5% higher than the national average. Its unemployment rate was 10.6%, making it 4.6% higher than the national average. However, the number of available job openings had increased by 1.2% in the past year.
The median home price was $205,900, lower than many other major cities, and the 10-year appreciation value has been 7%. Favorable housing costs help attract healthcare professionals wanting to purchase a home. However, Philadelphia has a slightly higher combined sales tax rate of 8% compared to the national average of 7.3%, and the income tax rate is significantly higher at 7% compared to 4.6% nationally. In addition, parts of Philadelphia have more expensive housing, while others are financially conservative.
Top Locations to Live in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia offers an assortment of cultural and entertainment experiences, restaurants and shopping for every lifestyle. The Philadelphia area also boasts many eclectic neighborhoods, ranging from Rittenhouse Square and Chestnut Hill to Bella Vista. Philadelphia has various transportation options, so commuting to work won’t be difficult in most neighborhoods. Some of the more popular neighborhoods include:
- University City: Named for its proximity to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, University City is home to many young professionals and university students. The neighborhood also boasts several large healthcare systems, making it the center of healthcare innovation and a short commute to work. As of mid-August 2023, home prices were relatively expensive in this area, with a median value of around $515,000 and a median rental rate of $1,218 per Niche.
- Graduate Hospital: One of the more walkable and kid-friendly areas is the neighborhood of Graduate Hospital. Its main attraction, South Street West, has many unique restaurants and shops with handmade crafts. Several bus routes come through this neighborhood, making an easy work commute. Since this area has numerous attractions, housing tends to be higher, with median home prices at $557,914 and median rent at $1,868 in mid-August 2023 per Niche.
- Old City: As a spot with a rich history, Old City offers tons of charming cobblestone streets and historical monuments and museums. It’s near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and houses several art galleries and theaters. Many of the houses and apartments are older yet charming. Per data from Niche in mid-August 2023, the median home value was around $566,000, and the median rent was $1,883.
- Bella Vista: As one of the more cost-effective areas, Bella Vista in South Philadelphia also has an interesting history. This area was first settled by Italian immigrants and honors its history with the 9th Street Italian Market, an open-air market with not only Italian fare but other cultures like Mexican and Vietnamese. Bella Vista hosts several unique festivals and live events year-round. According to Niche, the majority of people own their homes in Bella Vista, with a median home price of $451,151 and a median rent of $1,408 in mid-August 2023.
- Fishtown: As its name implies, Fishtown is one of Philadelphia’s emerging harbor towns. Located in the northern part of the city just east of the Delaware River, it’s one of the more up-and-coming areas of Philadelphia with tons of new restaurants and music venues. Your work commute will be longer, but you can easily hop on the Delaware Expressway and drive downtown. In mid-August 2023, Niche reported a median home value of $353,162 and a median rent of $1,913 in Fishtown.
Popular Philadelphia Attractions
From the Rocky Statue to eating authentic Philly cheesesteaks, Philadelphia offers a wide array of experiences. Snap a photo at the famous LOVE sculpture or stroll through the world-famous Longwood Gardens. Some of the area’s more popular attractions include the following.
Independence Hall
As the nation’s birthplace, Independence Hall attracts many residents and tourists alike. It’s part of the National Park Service and where the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In addition, it’s where the U.S. Constitution was signed and once housed the Pennsylvania government. Take a tour of this historic site to soak up its unique history and read interesting insights about the nation’s Founding Fathers.
The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is another must-see, even for non-history buffs. This majestic piece of history weighs over a ton and marked important events when it was mounted in the belfry of Independence Hall, including the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The first crack in the bell developed in the 1840s. While the exact cause of the damage is unknown, metal workers were unable to repair the bell. it now sits in a place of honor in Liberty Bell Center, across from Independence Hall and near other iconic landmarks.
Reading Terminal Market
This indoor market has over 80 concession stands, including seafood, confections, flowers and arts and crafts. The Reading Terminal Market was once outdoors located near the train terminal and has since moved beneath the Reading Railroad’s 1891 train station and renovated its construction design several times. It hosts several events throughout the year, including walking food tours and happy hours.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Once the most famous prison in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary is a unique attraction that previously housed Al Capone. You can opt for a daytime or night tour at this interactive yet spooky historical site. During the summertime, the penitentiary hosts activities and a Beer Garden on its outdoor baseball field, where you can drink and relax. If you want a more frightening experience, consider the Halloween Night Tour held during the fall each year.
Philadelphia’s Foodie Scene
Philadelphia is known for its famous Philly cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, but the city has many other delicious foods and cuisines to offer. Try popular favorites like a hoagie full of sliced meats, or water ice, a frozen sweet treat made from ice and fruity flavors. Visit the Reading Terminal Market or Italian market and choose from tantalizing foods like a roast pork sandwich or stromboli. Dine at one of the city’s many Dutch or Italian-American-inspired restaurants. If you’re looking to warm up on a chilly fall day or have an adventurous palate, try the snapper soup, a Philadelphia delicacy. No matter what food you’re craving, Philadelphia’s sure to have it.
Getting Around Philadelphia
Even though Philadelphia’s a large city, it’s actually easy to walk around town with its many sidewalks and parks. You might also consider riding your bike since the city boasts over 440 miles of dedicated bike lanes. There’s even a bike share program, where you can rent a bike, ride it around town, and then return it to a different spot.
The primary public transportation option is the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), a system of buses, subways and rail trains running throughout the Philadelphia area. SEPTA serves surrounding counties, making it easier to commute outside the metro area. The Philly Phlash also provides seasonal transportation to popular attractions.
Philadelphia also has a large airport, Philadelphia International Airport, covering over 3.2 million square feet across seven terminals. The airport is a stop along SEPTA and many other transportation options, making it convenient for nurses and other healthcare professionals to travel to and from the city.
Whether you’re searching for your next staff or travel opportunity, Vivian Health is here every step of the way. Vivian offers comprehensive job postings, location guides and tips to improve your nursing job search to help you find your next opportunity.
