Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Bristol, RI: $31.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Bristol, RI runs $31.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,761 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,862 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bristol, Rhode Island, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at a median of $31.14, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $32.73. This rate reflects the typical earnings in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and physician offices. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this consistent hourly pay offers an annual income that can be projected based on their hours worked, creating a viable option for individuals balancing multiple commitments or studying for their RN qualifications. Entry-level LPNs in Bristol can expect to start at around $24.75 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $39.05, emphasizing the potential for growth within this crucial field.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($67,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.75 | $198.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.58 | $228.65 |
| Median (P50) | $31.14 | $249.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.74 | $277.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.05 | $312.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $31.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.14/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, RI can expect to earn approximately $64,770 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,367. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,245.57 | $5,397 | $64,770 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.34 | $3,238 | $38,862 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.23 | $2,159 | $25,908 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Bristol) | $31.14 |
| 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 Bristol, RI earn a median of $64,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $68,386.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.14/hr = $38,862/year (purchasing power: $38,668).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,770/year (purchasing power: $64,447).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Bristol grew 35.6% from $21.72/hr (2019) to $29.46/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.91/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
When considering different employment scenarios, part-time licensed practical nurses, working an average of 24 hours a week, can expect their take-home pay to be significantly lower than full-time colleagues, aligning their earnings to their chosen schedule. For those in per diem or agency roles, the pay can vary further; per diem licensed practical nurses typically earn between $28 to $42 per hour, while those working in understaffed nursing facilities may command rates as high as $45 to $60 per hour. Different employer types in Bristol create a diverse range of hourly rates — from long-term care facilities to home health agencies, hospitals, and assisted living communities. However, many LPNs face a trade-off between lower hourly rates coupled with benefits or higher pay without health coverage. For those negotiating pay in Bristol, illustrating experience and flexibility can enhance their earning potential in an ever-evolving job market.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Bristol?
Are licensed practical nurses in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Bristol?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Bristol?
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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