Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Joplin, MO: $29.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Joplin, MO runs $29.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,278 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Joplin's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,371 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to be $29.94 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $32.73. This hourly wage can be crucial for those working part-time, such as a licensed practical nurse who puts in three shifts a week, allowing for a significant income whether they are engaged in home health visits, working in skilled nursing facilities, or supporting patients at assisted living centers. According to the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the hourly range for LPNs in Joplin spans from $24.40 at the entry-level to $37.07 for top earners. The varied settings of this profession offer unique hourly pay opportunities, with licensed practical nurses able to adopt flexible working arrangements, often making it an appealing career choice for those seeking balance between work and personal life.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.40 | $195.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.29 | $210.30 |
| Median (P50) | $29.94 | $239.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.63 | $261.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.07 | $296.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joplin
Based on $29.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.94/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joplin, MO can expect to earn approximately $62,285 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,934. With a cost-of-living index of 85.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joplin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joplin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,197.79 | $5,190 | $62,285 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.68 | $3,114 | $37,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.12 | $2,076 | $24,914 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Joplin) | $29.94 |
| 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 Joplin, MO earn a median of $62,278 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.51% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.50% below the Missouri state average of $64,537.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.94/hr = $37,371/year (purchasing power: $43,598).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,285/year (purchasing power: $72,663).
CoL index: 85.718 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+63.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Joplin grew 46.2% from $19.38/hr (2019) to $28.33/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.65/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 Joplin 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 Joplin
When evaluating earning potential, it's crucial to consider how part-time hours translate into actual take-home pay. A licensed practical nurse working 24 hours a week can realistically earn nearly $37,000 annually, which posits a solid income while still accommodating a flexible lifestyle. For those seeking temporary work, per diem licensed practical nurses in Joplin typically receive between $28 and $42 per hour, with agency rates potentially reaching up to $60 hourly in high-demand settings like nursing homes. Different employment sectors influence pay as well; LPNs in long-term care often earn less than those in urgent care or hospital environments. Nurses sometimes accept lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, which creates a significant concern for those navigating their compensation options. Strategies for negotiating hourly wages in Joplin include emphasizing your flexibility and willingness to work critical shifts, as well as highlighting any specialized skills that enhance your marketability in this evolving industry landscape.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Joplin. 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