LPN Salary

Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $32.37 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Helena, MT runs $32.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,320 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,392 per year.

$67,320
Median Annual Salary
$32.37/hr
Hourly Rate
$54,330
Entry Level (P10)
$84,095
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Rate in Helena, MT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Helena, MT licensed practical nurse hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Helena, Montana, the licensed practical nurse (LPN) hourly pay is projected to be $32.37 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $32.73 per hour. This rate offers a competitive edge for part-time professionals and per-diem workers in various healthcare environments, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. For those working three days a week, for example, this hourly wage can add up to a reliable income, allowing for a sustainable work-life balance. The hourly pay varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $26.12 and more experienced LPNs earning upwards of $40.43 per hour, according to the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These figures highlight the diverse earning potential within the role, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned professionals alike in the Helena area.

Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$26.12$208.95
Lower Range (P25)$29.77$238.12
Median (P50)$32.37$258.92
Upper Range (P75)$36.63$293.00
Top Earners (P90)$40.43$323.44

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena

Based on $32.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a licensed practical nurse in Helena earning $32.37/hr would make approximately $38,838 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $67,320 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$38,838Reduced (32 hr/wk)$51,785Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$67,320

At $32.37/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $67,320 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,838. With a cost-of-living index of 95.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$258.92
per 8hr shift
$1,294.61
per week
$5,610
per month
$67,320
per year

Schedule Comparison in Helena

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,294.61$5,610$67,320
Part-Time (24 hrs)$776.77$3,366$40,392
Per Diem (16 hrs)$517.85$2,244$26,928

Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Licensed Practical Nurse (Helena)$32.37
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing licensed practical nurse median salary in Helena ($67,320) with Montana average ($66,720) and the US national median ($68,071).Helena$67,320Montana Avg$66,720+0.90%US National$68,071-1.10%

Licensed Practical Nurses in Helena, MT earn a median of $67,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 0.90% above the Montana state average of $66,720.

Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $32.37/hr = $40,392/year (purchasing power: $42,218).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,320/year (purchasing power: $70,363).

CoL index: 95.675 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$22.58/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$30.62/hr

2026 Current Est.

$32.37/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+51.5%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Helena (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for licensed practical nurses in Helena. Baseline $22.58/hr in 2025, projected to $34.21/hr by 2027.$20$24$28$32$372019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$22.58$23.21$22.86$25.97$28.40$28.81$30.62$32.37$34.21
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$22.58/hrActual
2020$23.21/hrActual
2021$22.86/hrActual
2022$25.97/hrActual
2023$28.40/hrActual
2024$28.81/hrActual
2025$30.62/hrActual
2026(current)$32.37/hrEstimated
2027$34.21/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Helena grew 35.6% from $22.58/hr (2019) to $30.62/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.21/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Helena metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Helena

As a part-time licensed practical nurse in Helena who works just three days a week (approximately 24 hours), one can take home around $39,646 annually. This amount is considerably less than what full-time employees would earn but offers flexibility in scheduling, a significant factor for many in this profession. For those interested in per diem work, commonly referred to as per diem licensed practical nurse pay Helena, rates can vary dramatically; LPNs may make between $28 and $42 per hour, depending on their employer and the demanding nature of the position. Agency roles at nursing facilities facing staffing shortages can yield even higher hourly rates ranging from $45 to $60. Hourly wages also fluctuate based on the type of employer; LPNs in skilled nursing facilities or hospice settings might earn less than their counterparts in hospitals or correctional facilities where pay may reflect the urgency of care. Ultimately, many LPNs must consider the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits versus a lower rate accompanied by health insurance. For those in Helena, negotiating salary can be pivotal; expressing flexibility and willingness to accept various shifts can enhance one's earning potential as LPNs navigate their career paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Helena in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Helena is $32.37/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.70% annual growth). Rates range from $26.12 at entry level (10th percentile) to $40.43 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 1.1% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Helena?

A part-time licensed practical nurse working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Helena earns approximately $3,366/month, or $40,392/year at the median hourly rate of $32.37. Many licensed practical nurses prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are licensed practical nurses in Helena paid hourly or salary?

The majority of licensed practical nurses in Helena are paid hourly at a median rate of $32.37/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $67,320/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Helena?

A full-time licensed practical nurse working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Helena earns approximately $67,320/year at the median hourly rate of $32.37. This is 1.1% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $84,095/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Helena?

Part-time and per diem licensed practical nurses in Helena sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $40.43/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

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 Helena. 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, 2-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

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