Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $31.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Independence, KY runs $31.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,774 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,862 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at a median rate of $31.14, which is slightly below the national median of $32.73. This indicates a modest pay level for LPNs who are part-time or engaged in per-diem work, especially given the various settings they typically operate in, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and hospice environments. For LPNs working three days a week, the flexibility of per-diem appointments is key. In this scenario, entry-level positions can earn approximately $24.80, while experienced professionals might see pay rates reaching up to $39.40 hourly, showcasing a range that accommodates both newcomers and seasoned specialists.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($51,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.80 | $198.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.73 | $229.83 |
| Median (P50) | $31.14 | $249.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.51 | $292.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.40 | $315.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $31.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.14/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $64,770 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,367. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,245.57 | $5,397 | $64,770 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.34 | $3,238 | $38,862 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.23 | $2,159 | $25,908 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Independence) | $31.14 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $64,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.84% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $65,296.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.14/hr = $38,862/year (purchasing power: $43,518).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,770/year (purchasing power: $72,530).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Independence grew 35.6% from $21.72/hr (2019) to $29.46/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.91/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 Independence 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 Independence
Examining the earning potential for part-time licensed practical nurses in Independence reveals that those working 24 hours a week could earn a substantial income, but it remains significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem licensed practical nurse pay in this region often falls between $28-$42 per hour, while agency LPNs can approach $45-$60 hourly, particularly at facilities facing staffing shortages. Various workplace settings influence these rates; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may provide a more stable environment but could yield lower hourly wages compared to agency work or travel contracts, which tend to offer higher pay without the benefits often associated with full-time positions. As a result, many LPNs balance their hourly wage with benefits, negotiating options that fit their financial and personal circumstances. When climbing the hourly pay scale, consider that negotiating effectively involves knowing your worth, understanding the local market, and being prepared to align your expectations with available opportunities in Independence, KY.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Independence in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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