Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Harlingen, TX: $29.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Harlingen, TX runs $29.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,514 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Harlingen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,303 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harlingen, Texas, licensed practical nurses enjoy a median hourly pay of $29.09, which is notably lower than the national median of $32.73. This discrepancy highlights the local economic conditions and cost of living, with an index of 96 indicating affordability relative to national averages. For part-time and per-diem roles, especially in settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices, this hourly figure translates to meaningful earnings, particularly when working three days a week. The hourly pay range spans from $22.24 for entry-level positions to $36.60 for top earners, providing various opportunities based on experience and job setting.
About the Harlingen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.24 | $177.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.38 | $219.01 |
| Median (P50) | $29.09 | $232.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.81 | $270.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.60 | $292.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harlingen
Based on $29.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.09/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harlingen, TX can expect to earn approximately $60,504 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,906. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harlingen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harlingen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,163.55 | $5,042 | $60,504 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $698.13 | $3,025 | $36,303 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.42 | $2,017 | $24,202 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Harlingen) | $29.09 |
| 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 Harlingen, TX earn a median of $60,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.10% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 4.70% below the Texas state average of $63,499.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.09/hr = $36,303/year (purchasing power: $37,815).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,504/year (purchasing power: $63,025).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Harlingen grew 35.6% from $20.29/hr (2019) to $27.52/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.75/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 Harlingen 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 Harlingen
Exploring the earning potential reveals considerable variation for licensed practical nurses, especially those considering part-time work. A typical 24-hour work week could yield around $68,000 annually for part-time nurses, a significantly different scenario compared to full-time salaries. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Harlingen is quite dynamic; those billing hourly can earn between $28 and $42, while agency LPNs serving understaffed facilities may command rates as high as $60. Employment settings greatly affect compensation, with skilled nursing facilities generally offering consistent wages, but potential trade-offs between lower hourly pay for job security and benefits, like health insurance, are common. Practical negotiation tips for hourly workers include understanding local pay rates and clearly discussing the value of experience and specific skill sets relevant to the employer's needs.
More salary data for Harlingen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Harlingen in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Harlingen?
Are licensed practical nurses in Harlingen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Harlingen?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Harlingen?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Harlingen. 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 Harlingen 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