Austin vs El Paso: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Austin, TX and El Paso, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,261▲ | $62,120 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.82▲ | $29.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,636▲ | $49,341 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,765▲ | $55,566 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,119▲ | $65,999 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,731▲ | $72,817 |
| Total Employed | 3,620▲ | 1,750 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between Austin and El Paso is $6,141 (9.89%). Austin's median is +0.28% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $28,095,El Paso spans $23,476. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($69,607 effective) pays 0.75% more than El Paso ($69,090 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,261/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,731)
- ✓Larger job market (3,620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,607)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Austin grew 31.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.7% growth in El Paso over the same period.
Austin, TX
$49,310 (2019) → $64,580 (2025)
El Paso, TX
$47,120 (2019) → $58,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
El Paso, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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