Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Pittsburgh, PA: $32.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Pittsburgh, PA runs $32.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,654 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Pittsburgh's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,996 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pittsburgh, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect a median hourly rate of $32.05 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This pay reflects what LPNs might earn across various healthcare settings, which include nursing homes, home health visits, physician offices, and hospice facilities. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the potential to earn a stable hourly income remains attractive, allowing for flexibility while still contributing to essential patient care. Entry-level LPNs can anticipate earning around $26.32 per hour, while those in more experienced roles can achieve rates up to $37.93, showcasing a clear progression in pay based on experience and skill level.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.32 | $210.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.78 | $246.24 |
| Median (P50) | $32.05 | $256.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.66 | $293.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.93 | $303.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburgh
Based on $32.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.05/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburgh, PA can expect to earn approximately $66,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,458. With a cost-of-living index of 94.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pittsburgh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburgh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,281.93 | $5,555 | $66,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $769.16 | $3,333 | $39,996 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $512.77 | $2,222 | $26,664 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Pittsburgh) | $32.05 |
| 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 Pittsburgh, PA earn a median of $66,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.08% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 0.20% below the Pennsylvania state average of $66,788.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.05/hr = $39,996/year (purchasing power: $42,248).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,660/year (purchasing power: $70,413).
CoL index: 94.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pittsburgh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Pittsburgh grew 38.4% from $21.90/hr (2019) to $30.32/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.87/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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh
Considering the financial picture for part-time licensed practical nurses, a typical three-day work week translates to an annual take-home significantly less than full-time counterparts. For instance, working 24 hours a week could yield an approximate income of just under $40,000 annually, depending on the hourly rate and actual hours worked. Per diem and agency LPNs navigate a different financial landscape, often earning between $28-$42 per hour, with some able to command rates as high as $60 in understaffed nursing facilities. Employers such as local hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and correctional facilities may offer varied compensation, influenced by specific needs and staffing challenges. Some LPNs may opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others pursue higher rates without such packages. When negotiating, it's beneficial for licensed practical nurses in Pittsburgh to emphasize their qualifications and willingness to work flexible hours to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Pittsburgh, PA:
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 Pittsburgh. 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