Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Clearwater, FL: $66,493 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Clearwater, FL earns a median $66,493/year (≈ $31.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Clearwater's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $65,965 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearwater, Florida, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most competitive compensation for licensed practical nurses, with a 2026 median annual salary projected at $66,493. This figure reflects a salary range from $48,676 at the 10th percentile to $90,592 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price disparities, show a distinct positioning below the national median of $68,071. For LPNs in Clearwater, the work environment significantly influences earning potential, as those in home health and clinic settings generally earn less than their counterparts in long-term care facilities.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,676 | $23.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,557 | $28.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,493 | $31.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,193 | $39.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,592 | $43.56 |
Median Salary Position
2.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearwater
In Clearwater, FL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,916 (2026 est.). At $66,493, the local median is 2.32% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clearwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clearwater Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Clearwater median: $66,493/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clearwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $64,244 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | -2.32% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Clearwater, FL earn a median of $66,493 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.32% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.50% above the Florida state average of $64,244.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clearwater has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clearwater, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,493 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,965 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,379
2025 BLS Actual
$62,907
2026 Current Est.
$66,493
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,379 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,688 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,354 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,345 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,907 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,493 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,283 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clearwater metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $46,379 (2019) to $62,907 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,283 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,904 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearwater 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) | $48,676 – $58,557 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,557 – $66,493 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,493 – $81,193 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,193 – $90,592 |
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 Clearwater
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Clearwater is relatively strong, with only 19 professionals currently employed in this role. However, the cost of living in the area, with a cost-of-living index of 100.8, suggests that take-home pay may not stretch as far compared to regions with lower living expenses. Long-term care settings often provide the most attractive financial packages, frequently incorporating shift differentials, special stipends for IV therapy certification, and premiums for weekend or holiday shifts. To maximize earning potential, LPNs should consider pursuing additional certifications or seeking positions within skilled nursing, which typically offers higher salaries compared to home health environments or physician offices. Developing expertise in specialized areas can create pathways for higher pay and expanded job responsibilities in Clearwater's nursing sector.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
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 $62,907 for licensed practical nursesin the Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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