Mobile vs Tuscaloosa: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Mobile, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mobile, AL | Tuscaloosa, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,281▲ | $58,516 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.98▲ | $28.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,277▲ | $42,153 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,839▲ | $48,231 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,439▲ | $64,847 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,341▲ | $68,747 |
| Total Employed | 800▲ | 680 |
Verdict
Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tuscaloosa.
The salary gap between Mobile and Tuscaloosa is $1,765 (3.02%). Mobile's median is -11.44% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mobile spans $23,064,Tuscaloosa spans $26,594. Tuscaloosa 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, Mobile ($68,425 effective) pays 2.58% more than Tuscaloosa ($66,706 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,281/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,341)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,425)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Tuscaloosa if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Mobile grew 48.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.0% growth in Tuscaloosa over the same period.
Mobile, AL
$38,490 (2019) → $57,030 (2025)
Tuscaloosa, AL
$38,440 (2019) → $55,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mobile, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Mobile or Tuscaloosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mobile and Tuscaloosa?
Should I relocate from Mobile to Tuscaloosa as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Mobile vs Tuscaloosa?
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