Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Sarasota, FL: $32.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Sarasota, FL runs $32.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Sarasota's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,038 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sarasota, Florida, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to be $32.88 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $32.73. This competitive hourly rate can be very beneficial for part-time employees working three days a week, allowing them to earn a steady income while having the flexibility that comes with part-time work. Per-diem licensed practical nurses can expect to earn around $28 to $42 per hour, depending on demand and specific job settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, or assisted living medication rooms. For those with more experience, the hourly range in Sarasota spans from $24.85 for entry-level positions to as high as $41.18 for top earners, reflecting a robust potential for income growth and professional advancement within the field.
About the Sarasota 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) | $24.85 | $198.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.57 | $236.60 |
| Median (P50) | $32.88 | $263.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.12 | $304.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.18 | $329.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sarasota
Based on $32.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.88/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sarasota, FL can expect to earn approximately $68,397 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,460. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sarasota.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sarasota
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,315.33 | $5,700 | $68,397 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $789.20 | $3,420 | $41,038 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $526.13 | $2,280 | $27,359 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Sarasota) | $32.88 |
| 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 Sarasota, FL earn a median of $68,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.49% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 6.50% above the Florida state average of $64,230.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.88/hr = $41,038/year (purchasing power: $40,713).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,397/year (purchasing power: $67,854).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sarasota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Sarasota grew 35.6% from $22.94/hr (2019) to $31.11/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.76/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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota
Opportunities for licensed practical nurses in Sarasota vary significantly across different employers. A part-time LPN working 24 hours per week might take home approximately $41,000 annually, a stark contrast to the earnings of full-time nurses, who can clear up to $68,405. Per-diem and agency nurses typically enjoy a flexible work schedule and range from $28 to $60 per hour depending on the settings, and while some may choose higher hourly rates, they may lack benefits. LPNs employed at skilled nursing facilities or hospitals may find their hourly rates slightly lower, but these positions commonly come with health insurance and retirement benefits, which can be attractive for many. When negotiating hourly pay, licensed practical nurses in Sarasota should emphasize the demand for their skills, consider the benefits versus higher rates without insurance, and be prepared to discuss the value they bring to healthcare teams.
More salary data for Sarasota, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Sarasota in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Sarasota?
Are licensed practical nurses in Sarasota paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Sarasota?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Sarasota?
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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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