Pittsburgh vs Lancaster: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,654 | $66,898▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.05 | $32.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,731 | $58,494▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,012 | $64,054▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,241▲ | $75,649 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,884 | $79,751▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,800▲ | 1,740 |
Verdict
Lancaster, PA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Lancaster is $244 (0.37%). Lancaster's median is -1.72% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $24,153,Lancaster spans $21,257. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($70,406 effective) pays 3.41% more than Lancaster ($68,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,406)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,898/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,751)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Pittsburgh grew 38.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$45,540 (2019) → $63,060 (2025)
Lancaster, PA
$47,310 (2019) → $63,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Lancaster, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Pittsburgh or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Lancaster as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Pittsburgh vs Lancaster?
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