Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Chapel Hill, NC: $34.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Chapel Hill, NC runs $34.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,358 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Chapel Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,819 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chapel Hill, NC, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay averages $34.31, exceeding the national median of $32.73. This favorable wage allows LPNs in the area to capitalize on various work arrangements, including part-time positions and per-diem opportunities. Typical settings for licensed practical nurses in Chapel Hill, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices, often provide flexible schedules, enabling workers to maintain an attractive work-life balance. The hourly pay range spans from $25.71 for entry-level positions to as much as $45.94 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the potential for significant earnings based on experience and specialization.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.71 | $205.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.58 | $244.63 |
| Median (P50) | $34.31 | $274.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.24 | $321.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.94 | $367.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chapel Hill
Based on $34.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.31/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chapel Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $71,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,172. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chapel Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chapel Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,372.41 | $5,947 | $71,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $823.45 | $3,568 | $42,819 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $548.96 | $2,379 | $28,546 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Chapel Hill) | $34.31 |
| 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 Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $71,358 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.83% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 6.50% above the North Carolina state average of $67,003.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.31/hr = $42,819/year (purchasing power: $45,747).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,365/year (purchasing power: $76,245).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Chapel Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Chapel Hill grew 35.6% from $23.93/hr (2019) to $32.46/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.27/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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill
For those considering part-time work as a licensed practical nurse in Chapel Hill, the financial dynamics can be appealing. A typical LPN working three days a week (24 hours) can expect to earn over $41,000 annually, while full-time nurses will see substantially higher earnings and benefits typically unavailable to part-time roles. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Chapel Hill clearly reflects the current demand, with rates ranging from $28 to $42 per hour for general positions, while agency nurses at high-need facilities can command rates of $45 to $60 per hour. Additionally, the nature of healthcare employment in this region means that hourly rates can vary widely depending on the type of employer. Some LPNs may opt for lower hourly rates that include benefits such as health insurance, while others may prefer higher hourly wages without additional perks. To enhance earning potential, LPNs are encouraged to negotiate their rates, particularly in the competitive settings of skilled nursing facilities and hospitals.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Chapel Hill in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Chapel Hill?
Are licensed practical nurses in Chapel Hill paid hourly or salary?
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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 Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill 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