Johnston vs Providence: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Johnston, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnston, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,154 | $83,492▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.81 | $40.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,316 | $66,602▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,515 | $73,958▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,112 | $85,437▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,297 | $95,690▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 2,540▲ |
Verdict
Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Johnston and Providence is $17,338 (26.21%). Providence's median is +22.65% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnston spans $28,981,Providence spans $29,088. Providence 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, Providence ($82,037 effective) pays 24.63% more than Johnston ($65,825 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,492/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,690)
- ✓Larger job market (2,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,037)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Johnston grew -3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Providence over the same period.
Johnston, RI
$65,114 (2024) → $62,587 (2025)
Providence, RI
$57,870 (2019) → $78,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnston, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Johnston or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnston and Providence?
Should I relocate from Johnston to Providence as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Johnston vs Providence?
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