Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Tucson, AZ: $38.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Tucson, AZ runs $38.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,269 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Tucson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,162 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tucson, Arizona, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at approximately $38.59, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This competitive hourly rate positions LPNs favorably within various work settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, and home health agencies, where part-time and per-diem opportunities are abundant. A typical part-time LPN working three days a week can earn a stable income while also enjoying flexibility, particularly if they undertake per-diem roles, which allow for a diversified work schedule. The hourly pay range for LPNs in Tucson varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $30.43 and experienced top earners reaching as high as $44.65, showcasing the potential for growth in this essential healthcare field. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.43 | $243.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.25 | $266.03 |
| Median (P50) | $38.59 | $308.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.56 | $316.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.65 | $357.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tucson
Based on $38.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.59/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tucson, AZ can expect to earn approximately $80,269 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,309. With a cost-of-living index of 96.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tucson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tucson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,543.64 | $6,689 | $80,269 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $926.19 | $4,013 | $48,162 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $617.46 | $2,676 | $32,108 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Tucson) | $38.59 |
| 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 Tucson, AZ earn a median of $80,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.92% higher than the national median of $68,071.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.59/hr = $48,162/year (purchasing power: $49,704).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,269/year (purchasing power: $82,841).
CoL index: 96.896 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Tucson grew 49.4% from $24.43/hr (2019) to $36.51/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.79/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 Tucson 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 Tucson
Part-time LPNs working three days a week in Tucson could expect to earn roughly $48,000 annually based on the projected hourly rate. In contrast, full-time practitioners enjoy more consistent pay, but also face a different set of trade-offs, especially in terms of benefits and job stability. For those considering per-diem work, billing rates can fluctuate; commonly, per-diem licensed practical nurses receive $28-$42 per hour, while agency LPNs tackling staffing shortages in nursing facilities could see rates soar to $45-$60 per hour. The type of employer can also affect hourly pay—skilled nursing facilities typically offer different remuneration than hospitals or hospice care. While the lure of higher wages might appeal, many LPNs weigh this against benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans offered through full-time positions. Negotiating hourly pay can be crucial in Tucson's healthcare landscape, so emphasizing experience and flexibility can help licensed practical nurses secure better terms in today's competitive job market.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tucson. 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