Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $31.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Columbia, MO runs $31.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,185 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,112 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, Missouri, licensed practical nurses earn a median hourly rate of $31.34, slightly below the national median of $32.73. This figure reflects the competitive landscape of healthcare positions in the area, encompassing various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices. The hourly pay shows a range for licensed practical nurses in Columbia, with entry-level positions starting around $24.84 and top earners reaching up to $38.25. For part-time nurses working three days a week, the consistent hourly wage can be a deciding factor when considering work-life balance, contributing positively to their overall earnings without fully committing to a traditional full-time schedule. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Columbia can vary depending on the specific workplace, but these hourly values are supported by official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.84 | $198.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.94 | $215.54 |
| Median (P50) | $31.34 | $250.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.41 | $267.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.25 | $306.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $31.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.34/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $65,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,608. With a cost-of-living index of 89.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,253.60 | $5,432 | $65,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.16 | $3,259 | $39,112 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.44 | $2,173 | $26,075 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Columbia) | $31.34 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $65,185 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.00% above the Missouri state average of $64,540.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.34/hr = $39,112/year (purchasing power: $43,731).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,187/year (purchasing power: $72,885).
CoL index: 89.438 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+60.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Columbia grew 43.4% from $20.67/hr (2019) to $29.65/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.13/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For LPNs working part-time, taking a three-day-a-week schedule (approximately 24 hours) can yield significant earnings yet presents a different financial picture than full-time counterparts. Per diem or agency licensed practical nurses can expect to earn between $28 and $42 per hour, while those in more urgent staffing needs may even command rates as high as $45 to $60 per hour. The differing hourly rates across various employer types in Columbia naturally influence job choices; skilled nursing facilities often have lower hourly pay compared to hospitals, where the demand for nursing staff may not yet align with competitive pay scales. Additionally, LPNs might prefer positions with healthcare benefits despite a lower hourly rate, as job stability can provide long-term advantages. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the local healthcare market and emphasizing their practical nursing skills can lead to favorable outcomes, ultimately shaping their career paths in Columbia, MO.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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