Decatur vs Mobile: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Decatur, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Mobile, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,317▲ | $60,281 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.48▲ | $28.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,992 | $49,277▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,759▲ | $52,839 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,784 | $65,439▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,389▲ | $72,341 |
| Total Employed | 210 | 800▲ |
Verdict
Decatur, AL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mobile.
The salary gap between Decatur and Mobile is $1,036 (1.72%). Decatur's median is -9.92% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $27,397,Mobile spans $23,064. Decatur 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, Decatur ($70,308 effective) pays 2.75% more than Mobile ($68,425 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,317/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,389)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,308)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Decatur grew 58.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.2% growth in Mobile over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$36,560 (2019) → $58,010 (2025)
Mobile, AL
$38,490 (2019) → $57,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Mobile, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Decatur or Mobile?
What is the hourly rate difference between Decatur and Mobile?
Should I relocate from Decatur to Mobile as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Decatur vs Mobile?
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