Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Chattanooga, TN: $29.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Chattanooga, TN runs $29.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,919 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Chattanooga's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,147 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, TN, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay reaches a median of $29.77, which falls below the national median of $32.73. This wage allows for a decent income, particularly for part-time LPNs working three days a week. Such a schedule typically yields around $1,431 in a week, making it viable for individuals balancing work with personal commitments. Those in per-diem roles, which often require flexibility, benefit from the various work environments available—such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices—allowing them to adapt their schedules as needed. The hourly rate for LPNs in Chattanooga varies significantly, ranging from $21.75 at the lower 10th percentile to as high as $33.30 for the top 90th percentile earners, showcasing the potential for financial growth in this field.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.75 | $174.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.90 | $207.17 |
| Median (P50) | $29.77 | $238.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.13 | $257.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.30 | $266.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chattanooga
Based on $29.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.77/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chattanooga, TN can expect to earn approximately $61,911 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,718. With a cost-of-living index of 91.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chattanooga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chattanooga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.60 | $5,159 | $61,911 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.36 | $3,096 | $37,147 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.24 | $2,064 | $24,765 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Chattanooga) | $29.77 |
| 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 Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $61,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.04% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.60% above the Tennessee state average of $59,767.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.77/hr = $37,147/year (purchasing power: $40,614).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,911/year (purchasing power: $67,689).
CoL index: 91.464 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Chattanooga grew 40.3% from $20.07/hr (2019) to $28.16/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.46/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 Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
For licensed practical nurses in part-time positions, taking home pay over time can offer a different perspective compared to their full-time counterparts. Working just 24 hours weekly equates to an annual income of approximately $37,536, noticeably lower than a full-time salary but still a practical option for many. On the other hand, per diem licensure allows for varying pay; LPNs may bill anywhere from $28 to as much as $42 per hour, depending on demand and setting. Those who join nursing facilities with staffing shortages may command rates upwards of $45 to $60 per hour, although these opportunities can be sporadic. Different healthcare settings such as hospitals, hospice care, and assisted living facilities influence hourly wages as well, with some offering better benefits that alter overall compensation. Negotiating pay can be a delicate balance for LPNs; many may opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other benefits. Tailoring negotiation strategies to highlight skills, flexibility, and experience specific to Chattanooga’s healthcare needs is essential for maximizing earnings.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Chattanooga in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Chattanooga?
Are licensed practical nurses in Chattanooga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Chattanooga?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Chattanooga?
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 Chattanooga. 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