Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in St. Petersburg, FL: $65,696 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in St. Petersburg, FL earns a median $65,696/year (≈ $31.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in St. Petersburg's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $65,175 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in St. Petersburg, Florida, stands at $65,696, which represents a slight decrease compared to the national median of $68,071 for the same year. This salary encompasses a broad range, from $50,515 at the 10th percentile to $90,473 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse employment settings and responsibilities. The state of Florida allows LPNs to perform IV therapy and conduct patient assessments, which can enhance earning potential. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate a competitive landscape for licensed practical nurse pay in St. Petersburg FL, recognizing the area's demand for skilled practitioners amidst ongoing healthcare needs.
About the St. Petersburg Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,515 | $24.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,940 | $28.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,696 | $31.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,850 | $37.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,473 | $43.50 |
Median Salary Position
3.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, FL, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,958 (2026 est.). At $65,696, the local median is 3.49% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in St. Petersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Petersburg Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
St. Petersburg median: $65,696/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Petersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $64,219 | +2.30% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | -3.49% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in St. Petersburg, FL earn a median of $65,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.49% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 2.30% above the Florida state average of $64,219.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Petersburg has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
St. Petersburg, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,696 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,175 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,823
2025 BLS Actual
$62,153
2026 Current Est.
$65,696
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in St. Petersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,823 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,117 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,393 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,714 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,153 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,696 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,440 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Petersburg metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $45,823 (2019) to $62,153 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,440 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,617 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Petersburg 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) | $50,515 – $59,940 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,940 – $65,696 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,696 – $77,850 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,850 – $90,473 |
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 St. Petersburg
In this coastal city, 42 licensed practical nurses are currently employed, contributing to the healthcare ecosystem. The cost of living index in St. Petersburg is reported at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which emphasizes the need to consider local expenses when assessing take-home pay for LPNs. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest wages, often surpassing those found in home health agencies and physician offices. Factors leading to pay variability include the work environment, shift differentials, and available stipends for certifications like IV therapy. To maximize licensed practical nurse salary in St. Petersburg, it is advisable to pursue employment in long-term care settings, seek certifications, and remain flexible regarding shifts, particularly weekends and holidays, where pay premiums are often available.
More salary data for St. Petersburg, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in St. Petersburg, FL in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in St. Petersburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in St. Petersburg?
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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 $62,153 for licensed practical nursesin the St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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