Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Dunedin, FL: $61,551 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Dunedin, FL earns a median $61,551/year (≈ $29.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Dunedin's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $61,063 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Dunedin, Florida, is projected to reach a median annual income of $61,551, which reflects a notable downturn compared to the national median of $68,071. Salaries will range from $50,306 at the tenth percentile to $77,524 at the ninetieth percentile, indicating a varied pay scale for this profession within the area. The compensation estimates reflect local conditions, including state-specific scope-of-practice rules that grant LPNs in Florida responsibilities such as IV therapy and patient assessment. With a projected growth rate of 5.70% annually over the next five years, the demand for LPNs is expected to bolster job availability in Dunedin's healthcare sector, particularly in long-term care settings.
About the Dunedin Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,306 | $24.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,936 | $27.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,551 | $29.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,938 | $34.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,524 | $37.27 |
Median Salary Position
9.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dunedin
In Dunedin, FL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,218 (2026 est.). At $61,551, the local median is 9.58% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dunedin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dunedin Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Dunedin median: $61,551/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dunedin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $64,250 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -9.58% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Dunedin, FL earn a median of $61,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.58% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $64,250.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dunedin has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dunedin, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,551 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,063 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,933
2025 BLS Actual
$58,232
2026 Current Est.
$61,551
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Dunedin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,933 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,144 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,466 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,389 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,009 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,134 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,232 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,551 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,060 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dunedin metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $42,933 (2019) to $58,232 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,060 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,127 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dunedin 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) | $50,306 – $57,936 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,936 – $61,551 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,551 – $71,938 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,938 – $77,524 |
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 Dunedin
With only six licensed practical nurses currently employed in Dunedin, the local job market demonstrates a stable but limited scope for LPN positions. A cost-of-living index of 100.8 suggests that while the salaries are competitive, they must be weighed against local expenses. Most lucrative employment opportunities for LPNs are likely found in skilled nursing facilities, where the need for experienced nurses is high, compared to home health agencies or physician offices, where pay may be lower. Factors driving the disparity in pay include shift differentials, certifications such as IV therapy stipends, and weekend or holiday premiums typical in long-term care environments. Strategies to enhance earning potential in this context include pursuing additional certifications, seeking out roles in higher-paying employers, and being flexible with work hours to take advantage of bonus pay scenarios. Understanding how much do licensed practical nurses make in Dunedin can help prospective LPNs navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Dunedin, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Dunedin, FL in 2026?
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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 $58,232 for licensed practical nursesin the Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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