Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Grand Rapids, MI: $33.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Grand Rapids, MI runs $33.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,948 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Grand Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,368 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, licensed practical nurses can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $33.15, which slightly surpasses the national median of $32.73. This competitive pay reflects the vital role LPNs play in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, physician offices, and hospice care. For part-time or per-diem licensed practical nurses who work around three days a week, this hourly wage offers a solid income potential while maintaining flexibility. Those entering the field can start at approximately $28.07 per hour, while experienced LPNs may earn up to $39.85, showcasing a healthy range of earning capability based on experience and workplace demands. This data is drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 data, projected into 2026 for accuracy.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.07 | $224.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.22 | $249.79 |
| Median (P50) | $33.15 | $265.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.07 | $296.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.85 | $318.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Rapids
Based on $33.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.15/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Rapids, MI can expect to earn approximately $68,947 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,777. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,325.90 | $5,746 | $68,947 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $795.54 | $3,447 | $41,368 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.36 | $2,298 | $27,579 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Grand Rapids) | $33.15 |
| 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 Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $68,948 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.29% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.90% above the Michigan state average of $68,333.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.15/hr = $41,368/year (purchasing power: $43,297).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,947/year (purchasing power: $72,161).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Grand Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Grand Rapids grew 39.9% from $22.42/hr (2019) to $31.36/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.04/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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
The earning potential for licensed practical nurses in Grand Rapids offers a diverse picture, particularly for those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities. A typical part-time LPN working three days a week for 24 hours could make around $41,496 annually, compared to full-time earnings, which may significantly increase one’s take-home. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Grand Rapids varies widely; for instance, some might bill between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency nurses at understaffed facilities might earn as high as $45 to $60 per hour. The type of employer significantly influences hourly rates, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering steadier pay compared to the dynamic rates seen in home health agencies or corrective facilities. While some LPNs may accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might seek higher-paying positions without benefits for short-term financial gain. Negotiating hourly rates effectively can be advantageous for LPNs by understanding local market conditions and demonstrating the value of their skills.
More salary data for Grand Rapids, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids. 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