Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $27.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Columbus, NE runs $27.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,891 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, northeastern Nebraska, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at a median of $27.96, which lags behind the national median of $32.73. This wage translates to varying work scenarios; for instance, a part-time LPN working three days a week typically has the flexibility to balance work with personal commitments while earning a steady income. Per-diem licensed practical nurses often find employment in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and hospice environments. Entry-level LPNs can expect to earn around $23.96 hourly, while top earners may reach $35.30 per hour, showcasing a clear potential for growth dependent on experience and specialized skills.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($53,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.96 | $191.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.92 | $215.37 |
| Median (P50) | $27.96 | $223.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.35 | $250.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.30 | $282.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $27.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.96/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $58,152 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,549. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,118.31 | $4,846 | $58,152 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $670.98 | $2,908 | $34,891 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.32 | $1,938 | $23,261 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Columbus) | $27.96 |
| 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 Columbus, NE earn a median of $58,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $62,271.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.96/hr = $34,891/year (purchasing power: $38,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,152/year (purchasing power: $63,554).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Columbus grew 35.6% from $19.50/hr (2019) to $26.45/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.55/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
When considering part-time schedules, an LPN working 24 hours a week can take home significantly less compared to a full-time counterpart, illustrating a trade-off many professionals face regarding work-life balance. The earning power of per-diem or agency LPNs can vary considerably; for example, per diem wages typically range from $28 to $42 per hour in Columbus, with agency roles at understaffed facilities offering up to $60 per hour. Hourly pay can fluctuate depending on the employer, as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies may offer different compensation structures compared to hospice and correctional facilities. Many licensed practical nurses weigh their hourly rates against benefits—accepting lower pay for jobs that offer health insurance may be preferable for some. For those negotiating pay, it’s essential to highlight specialized skills and local demand, particularly in Columbus, to enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Columbus?
Are licensed practical nurses in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Columbus?
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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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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