Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Mesa, AZ: $82,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Mesa, AZ earns a median $82,131/year (≈ $39.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Mesa's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $83,382 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mesa, Arizona, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in 2026 is set at $82,131, which is significantly higher than the national median of $68,071, representing a 20.65% increase. The salary range is broad, from $63,222 at the 10th percentile to $107,504 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied settings in which LPNs work, including long-term care facilities and home health agencies. This variance underscores the impact of Arizona's LPN scope-of-practice regulations, particularly concerning IV therapy and patient assessments, which can affect compensation. Given these dynamics, Mesa's job market is poised for growth, particularly for those who specialize in high-demand areas within nursing.
About the Mesa Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,222 | $30.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,989 | $36.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,131 | $39.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,511 | $46.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,504 | $51.69 |
Median Salary Position
20.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mesa
In Mesa, AZ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,282 (2026 est.). At $82,131, the local median is 20.65% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mesa Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Mesa median: $82,131/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $80,284 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +20.65% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Mesa, AZ earn a median of $82,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.65% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.30% above the Arizona state average of $80,284.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mesa has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mesa, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $82,131 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $83,382 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,287
2025 BLS Actual
$77,702
2026 Current Est.
$82,131
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,287 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,999 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,902 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,067 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,754 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,702 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,812 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mesa metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,287 (2019) to $77,702 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,812 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,525 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mesa 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $63,222 – $74,989 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,989 – $82,131 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,131 – $97,511 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,511 – $107,504 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Mesa
Currently, there are 98 licensed practical nurses employed in Mesa, a number that reflects the steady demand for skilled professionals in this sector. The cost of living index in Mesa is at 98.5, which positions it slightly below the national average and suggests that LPNs may experience favorable purchasing power in comparison to their salaries. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest wages, followed by home health agencies and hospitals, while positions in physician offices generally pay less. Factors influencing the salary differences include the work environment—where skilled nursing facilities may provide additional stipends for specialized IV therapy certifications—and benefits like shift differentials or holiday pay. LPNs aiming to maximize their pay in Mesa should seek employment in preferred settings, consider additional certifications, and stay informed on openings in high-demand areas to enhance their career trajectory.
More salary data for Mesa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,702 for licensed practical nursesin the Mesa metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mesa 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