Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Melbourne, FL: $65,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Melbourne, FL earns a median $65,965/year (≈ $31.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Melbourne's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $65,441 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Melbourne, Florida, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $65,965. This figure is marginally lower than the national median of $68,071, reflecting the local job market dynamics and cost of living. Salaries for LPNs in this area range significantly, from a lower threshold of $50,987 to an upper limit of $83,680. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the financial opportunities available in Melbourne's healthcare sector. Distinct factors such as shift differentials, weekend premiums, and specific certifications will play a significant role in shaping compensation packages for those in long-term care, making the Melbourne LPN position both fruitful and competitive in today's market.
About the Melbourne Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,987 | $24.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,969 | $28.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,965 | $31.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,095 | $37.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,680 | $40.23 |
Median Salary Position
3.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Melbourne
In Melbourne, FL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,693 (2026 est.). At $65,965, the local median is 3.09% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Melbourne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Melbourne Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Melbourne median: $65,965/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Melbourne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $64,231 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | -3.09% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Melbourne, FL earn a median of $65,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.09% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 2.70% above the Florida state average of $64,231.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Melbourne has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Melbourne, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,965 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,441 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,011
2025 BLS Actual
$62,408
2026 Current Est.
$65,965
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,011 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,583 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,931 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,882 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,725 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Melbourne metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $46,011 (2019) to $62,408 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,725 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,714 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Melbourne 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) | $50,987 – $59,969 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,969 – $65,965 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,965 – $77,095 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,095 – $83,680 |
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 Melbourne
Despite the 12 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Melbourne, the area presents a favorable job market bolstered by a cost-of-living index of 100.8. This index indicates that while living expenses are slightly above the national average, there remains a viable purchasing power for LPNs. Health facilities that typically offer the highest wages include skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, where specialized skills such as IV therapy can lead to higher pay rates. The disparity in salaries is influenced by various elements, including employment setting and additional pay for weekends and holidays in long-term care scenarios. LPNs aiming to maximize earnings should consider pursuing certifications that enhance their skill set, targeting high-demand employers, and strategically negotiating their pay based on their experience and the specific demands of their roles in the local healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Melbourne, FL in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Melbourne?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Melbourne?
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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 $62,408 for licensed practical nursesin the Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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