New York vs Watertown: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between New York, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,237▲ | $63,758 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.58▲ | $30.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,136▲ | $50,895 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,787▲ | $54,879 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,497▲ | $68,895 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,403▲ | $76,548 |
| Total Employed | 32,410▲ | 360 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between New York and Watertown is $16,479 (25.85%). New York's median is +17.87% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $26,267,Watertown spans $25,653. New York 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, Watertown ($72,708 effective) pays 2.00% more than New York ($71,282 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,237/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,403)
- ✓Larger job market (32,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,708)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in New York grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.8% growth in Watertown over the same period.
New York, NY
$57,040 (2019) → $75,910 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$38,970 (2019) → $60,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: New York or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Watertown?
Should I relocate from New York to Watertown as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in New York vs Watertown?
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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