Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Tucson, AZ: $80,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Tucson, AZ earns a median $80,269/year (≈ $38.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Tucson's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 96.9), that paycheck buys what $82,840 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The projected licensed practical nurse salary in Tucson, AZ, is notably competitive, with a median annual compensation of $80,269 reported for 2026. This figure falls within a salary range that spans from $63,304 at the 10th percentile to $92,868 at the 90th percentile. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these earnings reflect a significant increase compared to the national median, which stands at $68,071. Factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums contribute to this favorable pay landscape, particularly in long-term care settings. As Tucson continues to grow, the demand for skilled professionals in healthcare roles, including licensed practical nurses, remains robust, making it a promising market for caregivers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,304 | $30.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,170 | $33.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,269 | $38.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,277 | $39.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,868 | $44.65 |
Median Salary Position
17.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tucson
In Tucson, AZ, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,564 (2026 est.). At $80,269, the local median is 17.92% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Tucson: You'd be above the median
How Tucson Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Tucson median: $80,269/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tucson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $68,071 | +17.92% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Tucson, AZ earn a median of $80,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.92% higher than the national median of $68,071.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tucson has a cost of living 3.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tucson, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 96.896 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $80,269 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $82,840 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.2% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,820
2025 BLS Actual
$75,940
2026 Current Est.
$80,269
2019–2027 Growth
+67.0%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,844 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tucson metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 49.4% from $50,820 (2019) to $75,940 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,844 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,024 (66.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tucson 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) | $63,304 – $69,170 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,170 – $80,269 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,269 – $82,277 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,277 – $92,868 |
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 Tucson
In Tucson, approximately 1,150 licensed practical nurses are currently employed, indicating a stable job market for these professionals. The cost of living index in the area is 96.896, which is below the national average, giving LPNs better purchasing power compared to many other regions. Major employers often include skilled nursing facilities and hospice care, typically offering the highest salaries in the field. The disparity in pay among various settings is driven by factors such as the complexity of care provided, the presence of shift differentials, and the ability to administer IV therapy, which commands higher compensation. To optimize earnings within Tucson's nursing landscape, LPNs may consider pursuing additional certifications or seeking positions in high-demand settings, such as long-term care facilities or hospitals. These strategic moves can significantly enhance their overall licensed practical nurse pay in Tucson, AZ.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Tucson?
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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 $75,940 for licensed practical nursesin the Tucson 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