Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hamden, CT: $76,780 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Hamden, CT earns a median $76,780/year (≈ $36.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Hamden's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $71,158 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Hamden, Connecticut, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $76,780, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. This local estimate reflects various employment settings—such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and clinics—which can influence compensation. With a salary range spanning from $61,832 to $103,210, the pay scale illustrates the diversity of roles available for LPNs in the area. As the healthcare sector evolves, the demand for LPNs remains strong, particularly in long-term care settings, making this a pivotal time for those considering a career in practical nursing in Hamden.
About the Hamden Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,832 | $29.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,725 | $34.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,780 | $36.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,792 | $42.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,210 | $49.62 |
Median Salary Position
12.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hamden
In Hamden, CT, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,378 (2026 est.). At $76,780, the local median is 12.79% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hamden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hamden Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Hamden median: $76,780/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hamden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $78,029 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +12.79% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Hamden, CT earn a median of $76,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.79% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.60% below the Connecticut state average of $78,029.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hamden has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hamden, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,780 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,158 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,555
2025 BLS Actual
$72,640
2026 Current Est.
$76,780
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Hamden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,555 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,067 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,221 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,609 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,372 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,076 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,780 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,157 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hamden metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $53,555 (2019) to $72,640 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,157 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,602 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hamden 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) | $61,832 – $71,725 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,725 – $76,780 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,780 – $88,792 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,792 – $103,210 |
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 Hamden
The local job market currently employs 13 licensed practical nurses, indicating a stable demand for nursing professionals in Hamden. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.9, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the cost of living also impacts purchasing power. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities tend to offer higher wages, followed by home health agencies and physician offices. Variability in licensed practical nurse pay in Hamden stems from factors like the type of care setting, potential shift differentials, and certifications like IV therapy. For those looking to maximize their compensation, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking employment in high-demand settings, such as long-term care, would be advisable given the current market dynamics.
More salary data for Hamden, CT:
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 $72,640 for licensed practical nursesin the Hamden 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 Hamden 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