Salt Lake City vs Syracuse: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Syracuse, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Syracuse, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,787▲ | $64,720 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.04▲ | $31.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,496 | $49,300▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,456 | $60,566▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,537▲ | $76,792 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,192▲ | $83,082 |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City, UT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Syracuse is $6,067 (9.37%). Salt Lake City's median is +3.99% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $48,696,Syracuse spans $33,782. Salt Lake City 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, Salt Lake City ($70,178 effective) pays 6.37% more than Syracuse ($65,973 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,787/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,192)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,178)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Salt Lake City grew 24.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$53,810 (2019) → $66,970 (2025)
Syracuse, UT
$54,337 (2024) → $61,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Syracuse, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Salt Lake City or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Syracuse as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Salt Lake City vs Syracuse?
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