Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Sarasota, FL: $68,405 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Sarasota, FL earns a median $68,405/year (≈ $32.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Sarasota's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $67,862 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sarasota, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses is $68,405 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $68,071, which signals a competitive local job market. Salaries for LPNs in Sarasota range from $51,690 at the 10th percentile to $85,647 at the 90th percentile, offering a diverse compensation structure depending on experience and workplace settings. This data, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlights the importance of structural choices in the nursing profession. Practitioners can expect different pay scales based on their employment in skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, or clinics, influencing overall earning potential and job satisfaction.
About the Sarasota Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,690 | $24.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,510 | $29.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,405 | $32.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,271 | $38.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,647 | $41.18 |
Median Salary Position
0.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sarasota
In Sarasota, FL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,957 (2026 est.). At $68,405, the local median is 0.49% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sarasota: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sarasota Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Sarasota median: $68,405/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sarasota Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $64,230 | +6.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +0.49% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Sarasota, FL earn a median of $68,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.49% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 6.50% above the Florida state average of $64,230.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sarasota has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sarasota, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,405 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,862 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,713
2025 BLS Actual
$64,716
2026 Current Est.
$68,405
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sarasota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,713 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,306 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,888 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,023 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,716 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,405 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,304 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sarasota metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $47,713 (2019) to $64,716 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,304 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,591 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sarasota 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) | $51,690 – $61,510 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,510 – $68,405 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,405 – $79,271 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,271 – $85,647 |
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 Sarasota
Looking more closely at the dynamics of the local job market, Sarasota employs around 10 licensed practical nurses, indicating a modest demand for this vital role. The cost of living index, sitting slightly above the national average at 100.8, affects the purchasing power of LPN salaries, making it essential for nurses to seek roles in environments that offer the best compensation. Skilled nursing facilities typically pay more than home health agencies, while hospitals are increasingly staffed with RNs, creating a niche for LPNs primarily in long-term care and assisted living contexts. The pay difference can also stem from additional incentives such as shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and premiums for weekend or holiday work. To maximize salaries, licensed practical nurses should consider pursuing skills that enhance their qualifications, such as specialized training, and explore diverse work environments that align with their career goals in Sarasota, FL.
More salary data for Sarasota, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Sarasota, FL in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Sarasota?
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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 $64,716 for licensed practical nursesin the Sarasota 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 Sarasota 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