Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Tulsa, OK: $30.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Tulsa, OK runs $30.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,230 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Tulsa's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.2, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,938 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, licensed practical nurses enjoy a median hourly rate of $30.40, which is slightly lower than the national median of $32.73. This difference may influence part-time LPNs who typically work three days a week, allowing flexibility in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare visits, and correctional facilities. Entry-level LPNs in Tulsa can expect to earn around $24.89 per hour, while top earners can reach as much as $36.57 per hour. Such official BLS hourly data indicates that opportunities for per-diem work also exist, catering to those seeking variability in their work schedules as well as compensation.
Considering a part-time schedule, a licensed practical nurse working 24 hours per week may take home significantly less than a full-time counterpart, depending on the precise hourly income. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Tulsa varies widely, with recent rates between $28 and $42 per hour for often-needed shifts. Those opting for agency positions may demand between $45 and $60 for their services in understaffed environments. Hourly rates can fluctuate considerably based on the employer type; for instance, skilled nursing facilities might provide lower wages compared to bustling hospitals or home health agencies. In weighing these options, some licensed practical nurses may accept reduced hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance, while others might prefer higher pay without traditional benefits. To negotiate effectively, LPNs should highlight their specific skill sets relative to the needs of potential employers and stay abreast of current trends within the local job market.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.89 | $199.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.15 | $209.20 |
| Median (P50) | $30.40 | $243.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.68 | $261.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.57 | $292.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulsa
Based on $30.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.40/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulsa, OK can expect to earn approximately $63,231 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,479. With a cost-of-living index of 89.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tulsa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulsa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.97 | $5,269 | $63,231 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.58 | $3,162 | $37,938 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.39 | $2,108 | $25,292 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Tulsa) | $30.40 |
| 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 Tulsa, OK earn a median of $63,230 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.11% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 4.50% above the Oklahoma state average of $60,507.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.40/hr = $37,938/year (purchasing power: $42,525).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,231/year (purchasing power: $70,875).
CoL index: 89.214 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tulsa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Tulsa grew 38.7% from $20.74/hr (2019) to $28.76/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.13/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 Tulsa 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.
More salary data for Tulsa, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Tulsa in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Tulsa?
Are licensed practical nurses in Tulsa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Tulsa?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Tulsa?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Oklahoma
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 Tulsa. 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