Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Phoenix, AZ: $39.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Phoenix, AZ runs $39.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Phoenix's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,520 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Phoenix, Arizona reflects a robust market, with a median rate of $39.68 that significantly exceeds the national median of $32.73. This attractive hourly wage positions LPNs favorably for various working arrangements, whether they pursue part-time roles or per-diem opportunities. For instance, individuals working just three days a week can expect to earn a competitive rate that aligns well with their financial needs. The hourly earnings for LPNs in Phoenix range from $31.87 at the entry level to $47.64 for the most experienced practitioners, providing ample opportunity for both new graduates and seasoned nurses in settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. These figures, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data, establish a strong foundation for those contemplating a career as an LPN in AZ.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.87 | $254.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.39 | $275.16 |
| Median (P50) | $39.68 | $317.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.92 | $335.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.64 | $381.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phoenix
Based on $39.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.68/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phoenix, AZ can expect to earn approximately $82,534 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,616. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Phoenix.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phoenix
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,587.19 | $6,878 | $82,534 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $952.31 | $4,127 | $49,520 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.88 | $2,751 | $33,014 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Phoenix) | $39.68 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $82,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.24% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.80% above the Arizona state average of $80,283.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.68/hr = $49,520/year (purchasing power: $47,931).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,534/year (purchasing power: $79,885).
CoL index: 103.316 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Phoenix grew 39.6% from $26.90/hr (2019) to $37.54/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.94/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Phoenix
Part-time licensed practical nurses in Phoenix working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week can earn a considerable income, totaling approximately $49,597 annually, a notable figure compared to a full-time role. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Phoenix varies widely, with nurses commonly billing between $28 and $42 per hour; those working through agencies or in understaffed facilities can even command $45 to $60 per hour. Additionally, employment settings significantly influence hourly rates, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies often presenting lower compensation compared to hospitals and specialized care environments. Many nurses find themselves weighing the trade-off between higher pay without benefits versus lower pay with health insurance. For those negotiating wage offers, it is advantageous to emphasize experience and specialized certifications to secure a better hourly rate tailored to the unique demands of the Phoenix healthcare market.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Phoenix in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Phoenix?
Are licensed practical nurses in Phoenix paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Phoenix?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Phoenix?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Phoenix. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov