Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Sanford, NC: $31.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Sanford, NC runs $31.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,061 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,640 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sanford, North Carolina, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $31.76, which is slightly below the national median of $32.73. This competitive rate positions LPNs well within their field, particularly for part-time or per-diem roles that are common in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. For those working three days a week, the flexibility allows for a balanced lifestyle while still enjoying a solid income, with entry-level positions starting at around $24.83 per hour and experienced LPNs reaching up to $39.80. These estimates reflect the broader opportunities available for various shifts and environments, indicating that the licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Sanford can support not just basic living expenses but also personal aspirations.
About the Sanford 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) | $24.83 | $198.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.06 | $232.46 |
| Median (P50) | $31.76 | $254.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.99 | $295.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.80 | $318.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $31.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.76/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, NC can expect to earn approximately $66,067 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,115. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,270.51 | $5,506 | $66,067 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $762.31 | $3,303 | $39,640 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $508.21 | $2,202 | $26,427 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Sanford) | $31.76 |
| 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 Sanford, NC earn a median of $66,061 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.95% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $66,999.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.76/hr = $39,640/year (purchasing power: $42,350).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,067/year (purchasing power: $70,584).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Sanford grew 35.6% from $22.15/hr (2019) to $30.05/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.57/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
Consider the financial implications for LPNs choosing part-time status versus full-time employment. An LPN working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual take-home amount significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet they benefit from a flexible schedule. For those accepting per-diem roles, rates typically range from $28 to $42 per hour, while agency LPNs may command higher pay rates of $45 to $60 when serving understaffed nursing facilities. Employer types play a big role in determining wages; for instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates compared to hospitals or hospice care. LPNs must balance the allure of higher pay against benefits like health insurance, which are often more readily available in full-time positions. If negotiating hourly pay in Sanford, understanding the market and its variances can help secure a more favorable agreement tailored to both salary needs and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Sanford, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Sanford in 2026?
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Are licensed practical nurses in Sanford 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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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