Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CO: $35.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Lakewood, CO runs $35.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,130 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,481 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at a median of $35.64, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This financial advantage reflects the demand for skilled LPNs in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician office environments. For part-time LPNs working three days a week, this hourly rate can yield a solid income, particularly when considering the flexibility that such positions offer. Those new to the profession may start at approximately $28 per hour, while seasoned LPNs can command rates up to $47.41. Such opportunities make this profession appealing for those seeking both a stable income and a chance to advance within the healthcare field.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.00 | $224.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.83 | $262.64 |
| Median (P50) | $35.64 | $285.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.83 | $342.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.41 | $379.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $35.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.64/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CO can expect to earn approximately $74,135 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,770. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,425.68 | $6,178 | $74,135 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $855.41 | $3,707 | $44,481 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $570.27 | $2,471 | $29,654 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Lakewood) | $35.64 |
| 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 Lakewood, CO earn a median of $74,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.90% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $74,055.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.64/hr = $44,481/year (purchasing power: $42,363).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,135/year (purchasing power: $70,605).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lakewood grew 35.6% from $24.86/hr (2019) to $33.72/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.67/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Focusing on part-time earnings, a licensed practical nurse who commits to a typical 24-hour workweek can anticipate taking home around $44,128 annually, a comfortable income compared to many other roles. For LPNs exploring per-diem positions, common pay rates range significantly, with many billing between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency LPNs in high-demand situations might see rates climb to as much as $60. The diversity in hourly pay often stems from the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies presenting different pay structures than hospitals or hospice roles. Additionally, LPNs must consider benefits against hourly rates; opting for higher pay without benefits may lead to uncertain financial stability. Negotiation is key for hourly workers in this field; understanding local market trends and articulating the unique skills brought to the job can help secure more favorable rates and job placements.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lakewood in 2026?
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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 Lakewood. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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