Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Billings, MT: $30.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Billings, MT runs $30.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,948 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Billings's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,374 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Billings, Montana, licensed practical nurses can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.75, which is slightly lower than the national median of $32.73. This hourly wage translates to different financial outcomes depending on work schedules. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can provide a manageable income while allowing for flexibility in personal time. Per-diem opportunities are also available, and in typical settings—such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and assisted living medication rooms—entry-level LPNs start around $20.11, while experienced professionals can earn up to $36.92. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring a reliable outlook for those considering a career in practical nursing in this region.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.11 | $160.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.02 | $200.15 |
| Median (P50) | $30.75 | $245.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.62 | $260.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.92 | $295.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billings
Based on $30.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.75/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billings, MT can expect to earn approximately $63,956 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,898. With a cost-of-living index of 93.53 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Billings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,229.93 | $5,330 | $63,956 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $737.96 | $3,198 | $38,374 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.97 | $2,132 | $25,582 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Billings) | $30.75 |
| 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 Billings, MT earn a median of $63,948 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.06% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $66,752.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.75/hr = $38,374/year (purchasing power: $41,030).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,956/year (purchasing power: $68,383).
CoL index: 93.526 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Billings grew 31.6% from $22.11/hr (2019) to $29.09/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.50/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 Billings 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 Billings
The financial realities for part-time licensed practical nurses in Billings become more complex when considering their annual earnings. A nurse working a 24-hour week would generate a substantial income, yet would still fall short compared to full-time nurses, who enjoy benefits that can outweigh their higher hourly pay. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Billings typically ranges from $28 to $42 per hour, which means those who opt for flexible work can capitalize on higher rates during peak needs at understaffed facilities, sometimes earning between $45 to $60 per hour through agency contracts. Work environments greatly influence hourly compensation, as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies offer different rates compared to hospitals and correctional facilities. Furthermore, LPNs may need to weigh the benefits of steady employment with health insurance against the allure of higher hourly wages without additional fringe benefits. When discussing potential roles, knowing the local market rates and leveraging negotiation skills can lead to favorable terms, whether seeking hourly work or considering a per-diem model in Billings.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 Billings. 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