Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Carson City, NV: $83,281 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Carson City, NV earns a median $83,281/year (≈ $40.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Carson City's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $84,868 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 24.5% above the Nevada state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, a licensed practical nurse salary in Carson City, NV, is projected to reach a notable $83,281, substantially higher than the national median of $68,071. The salary range in this area extends from $70,650 at the 10th percentile to $94,496 at the 90th percentile, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. Carson City's competitive compensation reflects the ongoing demand for LPNs, particularly in long-term care settings where shift differentials and weekend premiums are common. This positive financial landscape positions LPNs well within the regional workforce, fostering a robust employment environment with ample opportunities for growth.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,650 | $33.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,977 | $38.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,281 | $40.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,737 | $41.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,496 | $45.43 |
Median Salary Position
22.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson City
In Carson City, NV, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,846 (2026 est.). At $83,281, the local median is 22.34% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson City: You'd be above the median
How Carson City Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Carson City median: $83,281/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Average | $66,892 | +24.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +22.34% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Carson City, NV earn a median of $83,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.34% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 24.50% above the Nevada state average of $66,892.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson City has a cost of living 1.87% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson City, NV has a cost-of-living index of 98.13 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $83,281 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $84,868 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.91% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,750
2025 BLS Actual
$78,790
2026 Current Est.
$83,281
2019–2027 Growth
+57.9%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Carson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,630 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,281 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,028 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson City metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 41.3% from $55,750 (2019) to $78,790 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,028 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,278 (57.90%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson City 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) | $70,650 – $80,977 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,977 – $83,281 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,281 – $86,737 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,737 – $94,496 |
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 Carson City
When considering the local job market, there are 110 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Carson City, and the cost of living index stands at 98.13, indicating a below-average expense for residents. Those seeking the highest pay typically find employment in skilled nursing facilities, which often offer additional incentives like IV therapy certification stipends and weekend/holiday premiums. The disparity in licensed practical nurse pay in Carson City, NV, is influenced by various factors, including work setting, shift differentials, and charge LPN roles. To maximize earnings, LPNs might consider targeting skilled nursing positions, pursuing certifications, and being open to flexible hours, which can significantly enhance take-home pay. Understanding these dynamics can better equip current nursing students and licensed practical nurses to navigate their careers effectively in Carson City's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Carson City, NV:
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 $78,790 for licensed practical nursesin the Carson City 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