Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $82,531 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $82,531/year (≈ $39.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $79,882 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurse salaries in Phoenix, AZ, are projected to reach a median annual figure of $82,531, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs within the city spans from $66,295 at the lower 10th percentile to $99,094 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, reflects the competitive compensation landscape for LPNs in Arizona, where factors like shift differentials and weekend premiums play a substantial role in total earnings for those delivering effective long-term care. With continuous demand for skilled practitioners in various healthcare settings, Phoenix offers a robust job market for licensed practical nurses.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,295 | $31.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,548 | $34.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,531 | $39.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,203 | $41.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,094 | $47.64 |
Median Salary Position
21.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,799 (2026 est.). At $82,531, the local median is 21.24% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Phoenix: You'd be above the median
How Phoenix Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $82,531/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $80,283 | +2.80% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +21.24% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $82,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.24% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.80% above the Arizona state average of $80,283.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,531 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,882 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,960
2025 BLS Actual
$78,080
2026 Current Est.
$82,531
2019–2027 Growth
+55.9%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,531 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,235 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 39.5% from $55,960 (2019) to $78,080 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,235 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,275 (55.89%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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) | $66,295 – $71,548 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,548 – $82,531 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,531 – $87,203 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,203 – $99,094 |
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 Phoenix
The local employment scene is promising, with approximately 4,450 licensed practical nurses actively working in the Phoenix area. Given the cost-of-living index of 103.316, which is slightly above the national average, the purchasing power for most LPNs can be affected by housing and daily living expenses. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings tend to offer the most lucrative packages, often providing additional incentives such as shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and weekend/holiday premiums. Understanding the dynamics of pay distribution is essential, as positions in home health agencies or physician offices typically offer lower wages. For licensed practical nurses aiming to maximize their compensation in Phoenix, pursuing advanced certifications and being open to roles in high-demand settings can bolster career growth and yield better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Phoenix, AZ in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Phoenix?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Phoenix?
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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 $78,080 for licensed practical nursesin the Phoenix 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
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