Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Branson, MO: $28.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Branson, MO runs $28.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,952 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Branson's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,973 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Branson, Missouri, licensed practical nurses can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $28.82, which is significantly lower than the national median of $32.73. This hourly pay can provide competitive compensation for those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week in various healthcare settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. Entry-level LPNs might start on the lower end of the spectrum at $24.33 per hour, while more experienced nurses, particularly those working in specialized areas or with greater responsibilities, can make up to $35.21 per hour. These figures are reflective estimates derived from annual salary data, giving a clear picture of the financial landscape for licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Branson.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.33 | $194.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.58 | $220.62 |
| Median (P50) | $28.82 | $230.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.18 | $265.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.21 | $281.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Branson
Based on $28.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.82/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Branson, MO can expect to earn approximately $59,955 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,589. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Branson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Branson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,152.98 | $4,996 | $59,955 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.79 | $2,998 | $35,973 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.19 | $1,998 | $23,982 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Branson) | $28.82 |
| 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 Branson, MO earn a median of $59,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.93% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $64,534.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.82/hr = $35,973/year (purchasing power: $40,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,955/year (purchasing power: $66,914).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Branson grew 35.6% from $20.11/hr (2019) to $27.27/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.47/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 Branson 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 Branson
Looking more closely at the potential income, a licensed practical nurse working part-time, specifically three days a week for a total of 24 hours, could earn around $36,131 annually. This stands in contrast to full-time earnings, which can substantially increase with more hours worked. Per diem LPNs in Branson tend to have a wider rate range, with typical billing rates between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency nurses can see earnings soar to $45-$60 per hour, especially in cases of understaffing. Different employer types, including long-term care facilities and home health agencies, can also affect hourly rates, with some LPNs accepting lower pay in exchange for health benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rate, it is beneficial to understand the average rates in the area and consider the trade-offs between salary and benefits based on personal circumstances.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Branson in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Branson?
Are licensed practical nurses in Branson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Branson?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Branson?
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 Branson. 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 Branson 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