Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Surprise, AZ: $80,095 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Surprise, AZ earns a median $80,095/year (≈ $38.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Surprise's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $81,315 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Surprise, AZ, licensed practical nurses can anticipate a robust median annual salary of $80,095 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national average of $68,071. The local salary spectrum ranges from $62,564 at the 10th percentile to $106,067 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for experienced professionals. These projections are informed by state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, suggesting that shift differentials and weekend premium offerings are vital components driving compensation in long-term care settings. This reflects a competitive employment landscape where rich benefits and incentive programs attract skilled LPNs.
About the Surprise Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,564 | $30.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,512 | $35.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,095 | $38.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,986 | $46.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,067 | $50.99 |
Median Salary Position
17.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Surprise
In Surprise, AZ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,503 (2026 est.). At $80,095, the local median is 17.66% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Surprise: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Surprise Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Surprise median: $80,095/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Surprise Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $80,256 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +17.66% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Surprise, AZ earn a median of $80,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.66% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $80,256.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Surprise 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.
Surprise, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $80,095 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,315 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,867
2025 BLS Actual
$75,776
2026 Current Est.
$80,095
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,867 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,444 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,561 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,268 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,904 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,776 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,095 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,661 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Surprise metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $55,867 (2019) to $75,776 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,661 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,794 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Surprise 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) | $62,564 – $73,512 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,512 – $80,095 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,095 – $95,986 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,986 – $106,067 |
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 Surprise
Currently, there are 31 licensed practical nurses working within Surprise, illustrating a moderate but stable job market for this profession. With a cost-of-living index at 98.5, those pursuing a licensed practical nurse salary in Surprise must be cognizant of the local economic conditions, as this figure suggests purchasing power slightly below the national average. Top employers in the area include skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers, which typically offer higher compensation compared to home health and physician offices. Factors contributing to pay disparities include the setting of employment, availability of shift differentials, individual certifications (like IV therapy), and holiday premiums. To maximize earning potential, LPNs in Surprise should consider pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions in high-demand facilities.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $75,776 for licensed practical nursesin the Surprise 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 Surprise 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