Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $29.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Cortland, NY runs $29.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,199 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,725 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Cortland, NY, is projected to be $29.43, marking a notable difference from the national hourly median of $32.73. This rate reflects the local economy and cost of living, which is slightly above the national average at 115.9. For part-time LPNs working three days a week, with typical shifts totaling around 24 hours, this hourly rate can translate into a stable income, albeit less than what full-time colleagues may earn. The hourly compensation for licensed practical nurses in Cortland varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $24.52, while more experienced nurses can earn up to $35.44 per hour. Given the demands of settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health care, physician offices, and hospices, the flexibility of working as a per-diem licensed practical nurse allows for a tailored approach to work-life balance, where shifts can be taken as needed.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.52 | $196.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.82 | $222.56 |
| Median (P50) | $29.43 | $235.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.18 | $273.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.44 | $283.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $29.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.43/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,312. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,177.08 | $5,101 | $61,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.25 | $3,060 | $36,725 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.83 | $2,040 | $24,483 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Cortland) | $29.43 |
| 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 Cortland, NY earn a median of $61,199 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $66,449.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.43/hr = $36,725/year (purchasing power: $31,687).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,208/year (purchasing power: $52,811).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Cortland grew 35.6% from $20.53/hr (2019) to $27.84/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.10/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
Exploring the financial dynamics of part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses reveals interesting contrasts in earnings potential. An LPN working three days a week would likely earn approximately $46,000 annually, which can be less desirable compared to the income of full-time practitioners. In contrast, per-diem LPNs often find lucrative opportunities, particularly at understaffed facilities; their hourly rates can range from $28 to $42, with agency positions even exceeding $45 to $60 per hour. The different employer types in Cortland—ranging from hospitals and home health agencies to correctional facilities and assisted living centers—often dictate how these rates can shift. While some LPNs opt for positions offering more comprehensive benefits at lower hourly rates, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating salaries, it's advisable to be aware of local market trends, preparation for discussions about benefits, and the potential trade-offs associated with various job roles.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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