Ponce vs San Juan: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Ponce, PR and San Juan, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ponce, PR | San Juan, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $26,319 | $34,638▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $12.65 | $16.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,085 | $25,379▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $23,085 | $28,306▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $27,567 | $52,956▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $39,394 | $65,481▲ |
| Total Employed | 260 | 2,250▲ |
Verdict
San Juan, PR offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponce.
The salary gap between Ponce and San Juan is $8,319 (31.61%). San Juan's median is -49.11% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ponce spans $16,309,San Juan spans $40,102. San Juan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose San Juan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($34,638/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,481)
- ✓Larger job market (2,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Ponce grew 30.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.3% growth in San Juan over the same period.
Ponce, PR
$19,030 (2019) → $24,900 (2025)
San Juan, PR
$22,100 (2019) → $32,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Juan, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Ponce or San Juan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ponce and San Juan?
Should I relocate from Ponce to San Juan as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Ponce vs San Juan?
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