Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Fort Lauderdale, FL: $31.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Fort Lauderdale, FL runs $31.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Fort Lauderdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,126 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Lauderdale, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to reach $31.35 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $32.73. This rate translates to solid opportunities for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, estimated at about three days a week. Part-time LPNs typically see their earnings fluctuate between $24.37 and $41.36 per hour, providing them a flexible schedule while maintaining a consistent income. LPNs working in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health, physician offices, and even correctional facilities, can expect diverse experiences and environments, underscoring the adaptability required in their roles. The hourly rate reflects data extrapolated from annual salary figures, allowing a clearer view of how LPNs may earn across different stages of their careers.
About the Fort Lauderdale Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.37 | $195.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.69 | $229.50 |
| Median (P50) | $31.35 | $250.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.18 | $305.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.36 | $330.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Lauderdale
Based on $31.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.35/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Lauderdale, FL can expect to earn approximately $65,209 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,621. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fort Lauderdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Lauderdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,254.02 | $5,434 | $65,209 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.41 | $3,260 | $39,126 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.61 | $2,174 | $26,084 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Fort Lauderdale) | $31.35 |
| 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 Fort Lauderdale, FL earn a median of $65,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.19% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.50% above the Florida state average of $64,254.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.35/hr = $39,126/year (purchasing power: $38,815).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,209/year (purchasing power: $64,692).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Fort Lauderdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Fort Lauderdale grew 35.6% from $21.87/hr (2019) to $29.66/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.14/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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale
Compensation for licensed practical nurses varies notably across employer types in Fort Lauderdale. For a part-time LPN working about 24 hours per week, the annual income would be roughly $39,192, a competitive figure, although considerably less than a full-time colleague might earn. For those seeking a more flexible employment arrangement, per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Fort Lauderdale generally ranges from $28 to $42 per hour, with agency positions at times commanding $45 to $60 per hour, particularly in understaffed facilities. However, these higher rates often come with the trade-off of limited benefits. LPNs in Fort Lauderdale contemplating their hourly pay should also consider negotiation strategies, such as emphasizing relevant experience or specific skill sets, especially given the rising demand amid a growing healthcare sector in the region. Ultimately, while some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits, reflecting individual career goals and professional values.
More salary data for Fort Lauderdale, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Fort Lauderdale in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Fort Lauderdale?
Are licensed practical nurses in Fort Lauderdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Fort Lauderdale?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Lauderdale?
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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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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