Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Lakeland, FL: $30.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Lakeland, FL runs $30.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,357 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Lakeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,017 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Lakeland, Florida, is projected to reach a median rate of $30.46. This figures below the national hourly median of $32.73, which may indicate a competitive yet varied employment landscape for LPNs in the region. For those opting for part-time work, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, the hourly wage provides a solid foundation for earnings without full-time commitments. In addition, per-diem licensed practical nurses working in diverse settings—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to home health visits—can expect to find hourly rates between $23.43 and $35.81, depending on their experience and the specific demands of their workplace. The flexibility of per-diem roles offers an attractive option for many nurses seeking to balance work with personal responsibilities or other pursuits.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.43 | $187.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.56 | $212.50 |
| Median (P50) | $30.46 | $243.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.64 | $253.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.81 | $286.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakeland
Based on $30.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.46/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakeland, FL can expect to earn approximately $63,362 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,555. With a cost-of-living index of 97.14 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,218.51 | $5,280 | $63,362 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.11 | $3,168 | $38,017 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.40 | $2,112 | $25,345 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Lakeland) | $30.46 |
| 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 Lakeland, FL earn a median of $63,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.30% below the Florida state average of $64,191.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.46/hr = $38,017/year (purchasing power: $39,136).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,362/year (purchasing power: $65,227).
CoL index: 97.141 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lakeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lakeland grew 41.1% from $20.42/hr (2019) to $28.82/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.20/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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland
Beyond the immediate figures, part-time licensed practical nurses in Lakeland, working 24 hours a week, can take home just over $37,000 annually, providing a viable income option, albeit less compared to full-time counterparts. Many LPNs in this area may consider agency roles, where hourly pay can escalate to as high as $60, particularly in understaffed facilities. The type of employer also significantly influences compensation; skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies might offer lower rates compared to the higher pay potentially available in hospitals and correctional facilities. However, some LPNs might choose positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. When negotiating pay, it’s advisable for LPNs to clearly communicate their skills and experience while remaining aware of the local market rates to secure compensation that reflects their background and expertise. The varied options in licensed practical nurse positions in Lakeland create avenues for approaching the profession, whether through traditional employment or the more flexible per diem arrangements.
More salary data for Lakeland, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Lakeland in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Lakeland?
Are licensed practical nurses in Lakeland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Lakeland?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Lakeland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Lakeland. 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