Avondale vs Tucson: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Avondale, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Avondale, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,243▲ | $80,269 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.06▲ | $38.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,702 | $63,304▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,787▲ | $69,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,659▲ | $82,277 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,906▲ | $92,868 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 1,150▲ |
Verdict
Avondale, AZ offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Avondale and Tucson is $974 (1.21%). Avondale's median is +19.35% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avondale spans $43,204,Tucson spans $29,564. Avondale 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, Tucson ($82,840 effective) pays 0.44% more than Avondale ($82,480 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Avondale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,243/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,906)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,840)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Avondale grew 20.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.4% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Avondale, AZ
$63,805 (2024) → $76,862 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$50,820 (2019) → $75,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Avondale, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Avondale or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Avondale and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Avondale to Tucson as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Avondale vs Tucson?
Related Comparisons
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