Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Tempe, AZ: $80,608 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Tempe, AZ earns a median $80,608/year (≈ $38.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Tempe's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $81,836 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Arizona state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tempe, Arizona, licensed practical nurses can expect a median annual salary of $80,608, significantly above the national figure of $68,071. This competitive compensation reflects the city's growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. Salaries in this field range from $63,764 at the lower end to $102,562 at the upper echelon. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, take into account regional cost adjustments that make the Tempe job market unique. Factors like shift differentials and premium pay for weekend hours further enhance earnings potential, making practical nursing a viable option for those seeking stability and growth in their careers.
About the Tempe Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,764 | $30.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,588 | $35.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,608 | $38.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,115 | $45.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,562 | $49.31 |
Median Salary Position
18.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tempe
In Tempe, AZ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,798 (2026 est.). At $80,608, the local median is 18.42% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tempe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tempe Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Tempe median: $80,608/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tempe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $80,287 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +18.42% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Tempe, AZ earn a median of $80,608 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.42% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $80,287.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tempe 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.
Tempe, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $80,608 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,836 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,225
2025 BLS Actual
$76,261
2026 Current Est.
$80,608
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,225 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,923 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,306 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,261 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,608 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,203 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tempe metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $56,225 (2019) to $76,261 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,203 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,978 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tempe 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) | $63,764 – $74,588 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,588 – $80,608 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,608 – $94,115 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,115 – $102,562 |
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 Tempe
In terms of the local job market, there are currently 43 licensed practical nurses employed in Tempe, AZ, indicating a solid demand in the area. The cost of living index sits at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which means that the purchasing power for LPNs is relatively favorable. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings generally provide the highest pay for LPNs, often offering additional incentives for those with specific certifications, such as IV therapy. The variation in salaries can largely be attributed to the type of employer and specific settings, with long-term care and hospice typically offering more than home health agencies or physician offices. To maximize earning potential in Tempe, it would be advisable for LPNs to pursue additional certifications, seek out positions in high-demand environments, and consider working overtime or weekends, as these factors can significantly boost overall compensation.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Tempe, AZ in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Tempe?
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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 $76,261 for licensed practical nursesin the Tempe 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 Tempe 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