Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Indianapolis, IN: $71,030 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Indianapolis, IN earns a median $71,030/year (≈ $34.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Indianapolis's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.7), that paycheck buys what $74,225 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Indianapolis are projected to earn a median annual salary of $71,030, which marks a notable increase in compensation compared to the national median of $68,071. These figures derive from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected for 2026, highlighting a competitive local market. The salary range for LPNs in this area spans from $56,063 at the 10th percentile to $81,579 at the 90th percentile. This variance is influenced by the scope-of-practice rules in Indiana, which allow for IV therapy and assessment duties that can enhance professional responsibilities and ultimately affect compensation. With over 4,230 licensed practical nurses employed in the city, Indianapolis presents a robust environment for LPNs seeking growth and opportunity in their careers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,063 | $26.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,728 | $32.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,030 | $34.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,239 | $37.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,579 | $39.21 |
Median Salary Position
4.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Indianapolis
In Indianapolis, IN, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,516 (2026 est.). At $71,030, the local median is 4.35% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Indianapolis: You'd be above the median
How Indianapolis Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Indianapolis median: $71,030/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Indianapolis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $68,628 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +4.35% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Indianapolis, IN earn a median of $71,030 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.50% above the Indiana state average of $68,628.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Indianapolis has a cost of living 4.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Indianapolis, IN has a cost-of-living index of 95.696 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $71,030 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,225 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.5% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,210
2025 BLS Actual
$67,200
2026 Current Est.
$71,030
2019–2027 Growth
+59.0%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Indianapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,030 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,079 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Indianapolis metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 42.3% from $47,210 (2019) to $67,200 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,079 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,869 (59.03%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Indianapolis 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) | $56,063 – $66,728 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,728 – $71,030 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,030 – $78,239 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,239 – $81,579 |
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 Indianapolis
When evaluating the local job market in Indianapolis, the strong presence of skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings typically offers higher pay compared to other healthcare environments, such as home health agencies or physician offices. With a cost-of-living index below the national average at 95.696, LPNs in this metropolitan area may find that their take-home pay stretches further, allowing for comfortable living conditions. Compensation varies significantly based on employment settings; long-term care facilities may offer benefits like shift differentials, weekend and holiday premiums, and stipends for certifications such as IV therapy. To maximize earning potential, aspiring LPNs might focus on seeking positions in high-paying sectors and consider obtaining additional certifications that can lead to higher pay scales in Indianapolis. Engaging in ongoing education and pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs can also open doors to advanced roles and greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Indianapolis, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $67,200 for licensed practical nursesin the Indianapolis 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