McAllen vs San Antonio: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between McAllen, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McAllen, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,456 | $65,830▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.58 | $31.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,241 | $53,188▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,085 | $61,380▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,054 | $72,468▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,198 | $81,770▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,860 | 5,970▲ |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between McAllen and San Antonio is $6,374 (10.72%). San Antonio's median is -3.29% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McAllen spans $19,957,San Antonio spans $28,582. San Antonio 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, San Antonio ($69,503 effective) pays 0.41% more than McAllen ($69,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,830/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,770)
- ✓Larger job market (5,970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,503)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in McAllen grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.6% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
McAllen, TX
$48,030 (2019) → $56,250 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$45,580 (2019) → $62,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McAllen, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: McAllen or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between McAllen and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from McAllen to San Antonio as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in McAllen vs San Antonio?
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