Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $30.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Memphis, TN runs $30.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,511 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,503 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at $30.05, which is slightly below the national median of $32.73. This rate is especially relevant for individuals balancing part-time work, as those typically seeking three-day work weeks might earn around $720 weekly if working 24 hours. The hourly pay range for licensed practical nurses in Memphis stretches from $20.90 at the entry level to $34.76 for the highest earners. This compensation framework, sourced from the 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflects opportunities across various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. The ability to work in diverse environments can make the profession appealing to many, offering flexibility and a range of experiences.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.90 | $167.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.47 | $203.79 |
| Median (P50) | $30.05 | $240.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.25 | $257.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.76 | $278.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $30.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.05/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $62,505 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,061. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,202.02 | $5,209 | $62,505 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.21 | $3,125 | $37,503 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.81 | $2,084 | $25,002 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Memphis) | $30.05 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $62,511 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.17% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 4.60% above the Tennessee state average of $59,762.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.05/hr = $37,503/year (purchasing power: $40,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,505/year (purchasing power: $67,808).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Memphis grew 31.7% from $21.58/hr (2019) to $28.43/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.76/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Evaluating the earnings potential reveals that a licensed practical nurse working part-time at 24 hours a week would take home approximately $37,440 annually, compared to the full-time equivalent. Per diem licensed practical nurses in Memphis may see hourly pay rates from $28 up to $42, especially in high-demand situations, while agency roles at nursing facilities can command between $45 and $60 per hour. The differences in pay often correlate with the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities generally provide lower wages than hospitals or hospice care. While some LPNs opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation tips for hourly workers emphasize articulating specific skills and experience within the Memphis healthcare market to secure favorable rates.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Memphis in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Memphis?
Are licensed practical nurses in Memphis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Memphis?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Memphis?
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 Memphis. 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