Maricopa vs Tucson: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Maricopa, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Maricopa, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,364▲ | $80,269 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.12▲ | $38.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,909 | $63,304▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,045▲ | $69,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,233▲ | $82,277 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,135▲ | $92,868 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 1,150▲ |
Verdict
Maricopa, AZ offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Maricopa and Tucson is $1,095 (1.36%). Maricopa's median is +19.53% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Maricopa spans $40,226,Tucson spans $29,564. Maricopa 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, Tucson ($82,840 effective) pays 0.29% more than Maricopa ($82,603 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Maricopa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,364/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,135)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,840)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Maricopa grew 20.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.4% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Maricopa, AZ
$63,900 (2024) → $76,976 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$50,820 (2019) → $75,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Maricopa, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Maricopa or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Maricopa and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Maricopa to Tucson as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Maricopa vs Tucson?
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