Lancaster vs Scranton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lancaster, PA and Scranton, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Scranton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,898▲ | $65,259 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.16▲ | $31.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,494▲ | $56,888 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,054▲ | $63,209 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,649▲ | $72,901 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,751▲ | $78,577 |
| Total Employed | 1,740 | 2,270▲ |
Verdict
Lancaster, PA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Scranton.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Scranton is $1,639 (2.51%). Lancaster's median is -1.72% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $21,257,Scranton spans $21,689. Scranton 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, Scranton ($69,754 effective) pays 2.45% more than Lancaster ($68,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,898/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,751)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Scranton if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,754)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lancaster grew 33.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Scranton over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$47,310 (2019) → $63,290 (2025)
Scranton, PA
$45,540 (2019) → $61,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Scranton, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lancaster or Scranton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Scranton?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Scranton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lancaster vs Scranton?
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