Gadsden vs Huntsville: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Gadsden, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gadsden, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,234 | $63,272▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.48 | $30.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,500▲ | $42,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,250 | $50,419▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,494 | $65,936▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,255 | $75,036▲ |
| Total Employed | 210 | 990▲ |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gadsden.
The salary gap between Gadsden and Huntsville is $4,038 (6.82%). Huntsville's median is -7.05% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gadsden spans $19,755,Huntsville spans $32,375. Huntsville 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, Gadsden ($69,156 effective) pays 1.73% more than Huntsville ($67,982 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gadsden if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,156)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,272/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,036)
- ✓Larger job market (990 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Gadsden grew 42.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 49.0% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Gadsden, AL
$39,370 (2019) → $56,040 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$40,180 (2019) → $59,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gadsden, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Gadsden or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gadsden and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Gadsden to Huntsville as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Gadsden vs Huntsville?
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