Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hastings, NE: $60,767 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Hastings, NE earns a median $60,767/year (≈ $29.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $66,412 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, NE, licensed practical nurse salaries are projected to offer a median annual compensation of $60,767 for 2026. Local estimates reveal a salary range for these professionals, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $46,690 and more experienced roles reaching up to $74,885. Such figures come from a combination of state-level data and regional economic assessments, reflecting both the local demand for healthcare services and the unique cost-of-living dynamics of the area. Hastings has a small yet steady employment base of licensed practical nurses, indicating a market that provides essential roles within the community, particularly in long-term care settings where demand remains strong.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($53,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,690 | $22.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,811 | $26.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,767 | $29.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,016 | $33.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,885 | $36.00 |
Median Salary Position
10.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, NE, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,195 (2026 est.). At $60,767, the local median is 10.73% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be above the median
How Hastings Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Hastings median: $60,767/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $62,261 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -10.73% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Hastings, NE earn a median of $60,767 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $62,261.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hastings, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $60,767 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,412 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,385
2025 BLS Actual
$57,490
2026 Current Est.
$60,767
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,582 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,759 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,321 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,313 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,767 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,231 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $42,385 (2019) to $57,490 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,231 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,846 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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) | $46,690 – $54,811 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,811 – $60,767 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,767 – $70,016 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,016 – $74,885 |
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 Hastings
Despite a modest number of licensed practical nurses working in Hastings, the local job market supports competitive compensation strategies. The cost of living index, at 91.5, indicates that expenses are generally lower than the national average, enhancing the purchasing power of healthcare workers in the region. Employers in skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most substantial pay, often supplemented by weekend and holiday premiums. Moreover, those who possess specialized qualifications—such as IV therapy certifications—can expect to see additional stipends. To maximize earnings in Hastings, licensed practical nurses should focus on long-term care settings that value shift differentials and critical nursing skills, ensuring that they take full advantage of available opportunities in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
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 $57,490 for licensed practical nursesin the Hastings 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 Hastings 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