Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Austin, MN: $63,734 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Austin, MN earns a median $63,734/year (≈ $30.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Austin's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $64,705 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Austin, MN, is projected to reach a median of $63,734. This figure reflects a salary range between $48,809 at the 10th percentile and $78,670 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential variability depending on workplace setting and experience. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences, show that practical nursing roles in skilled nursing facilities typically provide better compensation compared to those in home health or clinics. Understanding these dynamics is essential for potential LPNs in Austin, particularly as they consider their career paths in long-term care settings versus other healthcare environments.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($59,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,809 | $23.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,568 | $27.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,734 | $30.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,513 | $35.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,670 | $37.82 |
Median Salary Position
6.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austin
In Austin, MN, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,861 (2026 est.). At $63,734, the local median is 6.37% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Austin: You'd be above the median
How Austin Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Austin median: $63,734/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Austin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $67,372 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -6.37% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Austin, MN earn a median of $63,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.37% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $67,372.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Austin has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Austin, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $63,734 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,705 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,455
2025 BLS Actual
$60,297
2026 Current Est.
$63,734
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,007 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,140 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,925 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,967 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,297 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,734 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,367 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Austin metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $44,455 (2019) to $60,297 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,367 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,912 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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) | $48,809 – $57,568 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,568 – $63,734 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,734 – $73,513 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,513 – $78,670 |
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 Austin
The local job market for licensed practical nurses in Austin remains relatively modest, with only four LPNs currently employed in the area. The cost of living index is at 98.5, suggesting that while salaries may be lower compared to national averages, the affordability of housing and daily expenses helps maintain purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer higher wages than home health agencies and physician offices. The range in pay can be influenced by several factors including shift differentials, weekend and holiday premiums, and special certifications like IV therapy. For those looking to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Austin, pursuing additional certifications or aiming for roles in long-term care settings may provide significant financial advantages in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Austin, MN in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Austin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Austin?
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Related Pages
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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 $60,297 for licensed practical nursesin the Austin 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 Austin 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