Draper vs Salt Lake City: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Draper, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Draper, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,429 | $70,787▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.93 | $34.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,687▲ | $38,496 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,147 | $59,456▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,849 | $81,537▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,618 | $87,192▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 570▲ |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Draper.
The salary gap between Draper and Salt Lake City is $4,358 (6.56%). Salt Lake City's median is +3.99% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Draper spans $34,931,Salt Lake City spans $48,696. Salt Lake City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salt Lake City ($70,178 effective) pays 3.64% more than Draper ($67,716 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Draper if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,787/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,192)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,178)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Draper grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Draper, UT
$55,772 (2024) → $62,847 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$53,810 (2019) → $66,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Draper, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Draper or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Draper and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Draper to Salt Lake City as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Draper vs Salt Lake City?
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