LPN Salary

Auburn vs Mobile: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)

Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Auburn, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Auburn, AL
$53,516
$25.73/hr
Mobile, AL
$60,281
$28.98/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAuburn, ALMobile, AL
Median Salary$53,516$60,281
Hourly Rate$25.73$28.98
Entry Level (P10)$39,764$49,277
25th Percentile$50,060$52,839
75th Percentile$61,919$65,439
Top Earner (P90)$65,830$72,341
Total Employed190800
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Auburn ($53,516) and Mobile ($60,281) licensed practical nurse salaries.AuburnMobileMedian Salary$53,516$60,281Entry Level (P10)$39,764$49,277Top Earner (P90)$65,830$72,341US Median $68,071

Verdict

Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.

The salary gap between Auburn and Mobile is $6,765 (12.64%). Mobile's median is -11.44% compared to the US national median of $68,071.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $26,066,Mobile spans $23,064. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Auburn
P10 (Entry)$39,764
P25$50,060
Median$53,516
P75$61,919
P90 (Top)$65,830
Mobile
P10 (Entry)$49,277
P25$52,839
Median$60,281
P75$65,439
P90 (Top)$72,341

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mobile ($68,425 effective) pays 12.43% more than Auburn ($60,860 effective).

Auburn
Nominal: $53,516
CoL Index: 87.933
Adjusted: $60,860
Mobile
Nominal: $60,281
CoL Index: 88.098
Adjusted: $68,425

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Auburn if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Mobile if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,281/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($72,341)
  • Larger job market (800 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,425)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Auburn grew 32.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.2% growth in Mobile over the same period.

Auburn, AL

+32.1%

$38,340 (2019) → $50,630 (2025)

Mobile, AL

+48.2%

$38,490 (2019) → $57,030 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Auburn or Mobile?

Mobile has a higher median licensed practical nurse salary at $60,281/year, compared to Auburn at $53,516/year — a difference of $6,765 (12.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Mobile?

Auburn licensed practical nurses earn $25.73/hr while Mobile hygienists earn $28.98/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Auburn to Mobile as a licensed practical nurse?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Auburn and Mobile. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Auburn = $60,860, Mobile = $68,425), job availability (190 vs 800 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Auburn vs Mobile?

Entry-level (10th percentile) licensed practical nurses earn $39,764 in Auburn and $49,277 in Mobile. The Mobile area offers higher starting salaries.
AM

Written by Aisha Malik, LPN

Career Analyst

Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov