Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Buffalo, NY: $32.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Buffalo, NY runs $32.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Buffalo's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,194 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Buffalo, New York, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at a median rate of $32.21, slightly below the national median of $32.73. This hourly rate positions LPNs favorably, especially those considering flexible working arrangements like part-time or per-diem roles. Part-time LPNs working three days a week typically clock in around 24 hours, making their potential earnings both practical and manageable. For those operating in various healthcare settings—including skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, and home health—hourly earnings can range from $26.34 at entry-level positions to as much as $38.86 for experienced professionals. This data, derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics sources, highlights the financial outlook for LPNs in Buffalo as 2026 approaches.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.34 | $210.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.03 | $240.23 |
| Median (P50) | $32.21 | $257.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.07 | $272.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.86 | $310.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo
Based on $32.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.21/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo, NY can expect to earn approximately $66,990 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,648. With a cost-of-living index of 95.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,288.27 | $5,583 | $66,990 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.96 | $3,350 | $40,194 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.31 | $2,233 | $26,796 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Buffalo) | $32.21 |
| 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 Buffalo, NY earn a median of $66,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.60% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 0.80% above the New York state average of $66,450.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.21/hr = $40,194/year (purchasing power: $41,937).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,990/year (purchasing power: $69,895).
CoL index: 95.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Buffalo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Buffalo grew 42.1% from $21.44/hr (2019) to $30.47/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.04/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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo
Examining the earning potential for licensed practical nurses in Buffalo reveals different opportunities based on work arrangements and employer types. Part-time LPNs earning $32.21 hourly could take home approximately $40,000 annually for a typical 3-day workweek, providing a solid, though not substantial, income. In contrast, per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Buffalo varies widely; while some may earn between $28 and $42 per hour, those at agency positions in understaffed environments could see rates as high as $45 to $60. The disparity reflects various factors such as job stability, employer benefits, and scheduling flexibility. Typically, LPNs in skilled nursing facilities might earn less than those in hospitals or travel positions; however, the trade-off often involves health insurance benefits that add value to a lower hourly wage. For LPNs negotiating their pay in Buffalo, it's essential to consider not just the hourly rate but also the full compensation package, including potential benefits and job security.
More salary data for Buffalo, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Buffalo in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Buffalo?
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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 Buffalo. 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