Oro Valley vs Tucson: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Oro Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oro Valley, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,088 | $80,269▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.58 | $38.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,072 | $63,304▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,927 | $69,170▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,986▲ | $82,277 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,002▲ | $92,868 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,150▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oro Valley.
The salary gap between Oro Valley and Tucson is $4,181 (5.49%). Tucson's median is +17.92% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oro Valley spans $32,930,Tucson spans $29,564. Oro Valley 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 7.24% more than Oro Valley ($77,247 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oro Valley if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,002)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,269/year)
- ✓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 Oro Valley grew 20.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.4% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Oro Valley, AZ
$59,757 (2024) → $71,985 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$50,820 (2019) → $75,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oro Valley, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Oro Valley or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oro Valley and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Oro Valley to Tucson as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Oro Valley vs Tucson?
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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