Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Pocatello, ID: $63,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Pocatello, ID earns a median $63,124/year (≈ $30.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Pocatello's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $71,001 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the Idaho state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Pocatello, Idaho, is projected to hit a median of $63,124, which reflects a somewhat lower earning potential compared to the national median of $68,071. Pocatello's pay structure spans from $28,423 at the 10th percentile to $73,303 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant variability in compensation within the market. Data derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys indicates that factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums are instrumental in determining effective long-term care compensation. For individuals considering a career in this field, understanding these dynamics is crucial as they navigate opportunities in Pocatello's healthcare environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,423 | $13.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,425 | $23.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,124 | $30.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,957 | $31.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,303 | $35.24 |
Median Salary Position
7.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pocatello
In Pocatello, ID, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,880 (2026 est.). At $63,124, the local median is 7.27% below the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Pocatello: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Pocatello Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Pocatello median: $63,124/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pocatello Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $67,657 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -7.27% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Pocatello, ID earn a median of $63,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.27% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 6.70% below the Idaho state average of $67,657.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pocatello has a cost of living 11.09% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pocatello, ID has a cost-of-living index of 88.906 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $63,124 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,001 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,070
2025 BLS Actual
$59,720
2026 Current Est.
$63,124
2019–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,722 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pocatello metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 29.6% from $46,070 (2019) to $59,720 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,722 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,652 (44.83%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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) | $28,423 – $49,425 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,425 – $63,124 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,124 – $65,957 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,957 – $73,303 |
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 Pocatello
With approximately 150 licensed practical nurses currently employed in the Pocatello area, the local job market remains competitive yet supportive. The cost-of-living index, at 88.906, suggests that the lower living expenses in Pocatello can translate into increased purchasing power for LPNs compared to those in higher-cost regions. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest wages, followed by certain home health agencies and hospital settings, while physician offices generally pay less. The disparity in compensation is influenced by various factors, such as venue type, the demand for IV therapy certification, additional shift differentials, and holiday pay. Aspiring licensed practical nurses focusing on maximizing their pay should aim for roles in skilled nursing facilities, seek out certifications that enhance qualifications, and consider weekend shifts, which often come with premium pay in the local market.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $59,720 for licensed practical nursesin the Pocatello 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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