Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Reno, NV: $83,080 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Reno, NV earns a median $83,080/year (≈ $39.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Reno's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.0), that paycheck buys what $82,246 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 24.2% above the Nevada state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Reno, NV, can expect a median annual salary of $83,080, which marks a significant increase compared to the national median of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs varies considerably, with the lower 10% earning around $66,380 and the top 90% making approximately $96,155 annually. These figures, derived from BLS OEWS surveys, reflect the competitive compensation being offered in the region. Factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums contribute to effective long-term care compensation, making the licensed practical nurse pay in Reno an appealing prospect for professionals in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,380 | $31.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,115 | $34.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,080 | $39.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,325 | $41.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,155 | $46.23 |
Median Salary Position
22.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reno
In Reno, NV, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,775 (2026 est.). At $83,080, the local median is 22.05% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Reno: You'd be above the median
How Reno Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Reno median: $83,080/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reno Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Average | $66,892 | +24.20% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +22.05% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Reno, NV earn a median of $83,080 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.05% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 24.20% above the Nevada state average of $66,892.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reno has a cost of living 1.01% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reno, NV has a cost-of-living index of 101.014 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,080 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $82,246 — a 1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,070
2025 BLS Actual
$78,600
2026 Current Est.
$83,080
2019–2027 Growth
+43.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Reno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,080 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,816 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reno metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 28.7% from $61,070 (2019) to $78,600 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,816 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,746 (43.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reno 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) | $66,380 – $71,115 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,115 – $83,080 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,080 – $86,325 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,325 – $96,155 |
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 Reno
Employment opportunities for LPNs in Reno remain robust, with around 510 licensed practical nurses currently practicing in the area. The cost of living index in Reno stands at 101.014, slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest salaries for LPNs, followed closely by hospitals, although hospitals increasingly prefer RN staffing models. The pay disparity between entry-level positions and those in specialized settings reflects differences in responsibilities and certifications, such as IV therapy and charge nursing roles. To maximize earnings in the Reno market, LPNs should consider obtaining additional certifications and seek opportunities in high-demand settings, strategically negotiating for added incentives that can enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Reno, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Reno, NV in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Reno?
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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 $78,600 for licensed practical nursesin the Reno 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