Mesa vs Tucson: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Mesa, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,131▲ | $80,269 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.49▲ | $38.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,222 | $63,304▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,989▲ | $69,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,511▲ | $82,277 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,504▲ | $92,868 |
| Total Employed | 98 | 1,150▲ |
Verdict
Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Mesa and Tucson is $1,862 (2.32%). Mesa's median is +20.65% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $44,282,Tucson spans $29,564. Mesa 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, Mesa ($83,382 effective) pays 0.65% more than Tucson ($82,840 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,131/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,504)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,382)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Mesa grew 14.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.4% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$67,754 (2024) → $77,702 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$50,820 (2019) → $75,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Mesa or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Tucson as a licensed practical nurse?
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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