Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Philadelphia, PA: $35.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Philadelphia, PA runs $35.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,740 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Philadelphia's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,851 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Philadelphia is projected to be $35.94 in 2026, surpassing the national average of $32.73. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the job market in the city, particularly for LPNs working in skilled nursing facilities, home health settings, and other healthcare environments. Those considering part-time or per-diem positions can expect to earn from $30.80 at entry-level positions up to $40.49 for those with experience in high-demand roles. With a broad range of settings available—such as hospice care, correctional facilities, and assisted living—these hourly rates provide flexibility and a decent income for LPNs seeking part-time opportunities.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.80 | $246.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.69 | $261.54 |
| Median (P50) | $35.94 | $287.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.78 | $310.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.49 | $323.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Philadelphia
Based on $35.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.94/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Philadelphia, PA can expect to earn approximately $74,751 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,126. With a cost-of-living index of 102.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Philadelphia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Philadelphia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,437.52 | $6,229 | $74,751 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $862.51 | $3,738 | $44,851 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.01 | $2,492 | $29,900 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Philadelphia) | $35.94 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $74,740 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.80% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 11.90% above the Pennsylvania state average of $66,792.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.94/hr = $44,851/year (purchasing power: $43,734).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,751/year (purchasing power: $72,889).
CoL index: 102.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Philadelphia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Philadelphia grew 24.0% from $27.42/hr (2019) to $34.00/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.99/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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time licensed practical nurses, a typical scenario of working three days a week—approximately 24 hours—could yield an annual income of around $44,827, well below a full-time LPN’s earnings. For those considering per diem work, hourly wages can vary substantially, as per diem licensed practical nurses in Philadelphia might earn between $28 and $42, while agency roles at nursing facilities can pay upward of $45 to $60 per hour. Variation in pay also exists based on employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies offering different compensations compared to hospitals and physician offices. Some LPNs opt for lower hourly pay when it includes benefits such as health insurance, but those who prioritize higher rates may need to navigate their negotiation strategies accordingly. Understanding the local employment market and the options available can help LPNs effectively position themselves for success in Philadelphia’s healthcare industry.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Philadelphia in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Philadelphia?
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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 Philadelphia. 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