Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Arecibo, PR: $26,309 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Arecibo, PR earns a median $26,309/year (≈ $12.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Puerto Rico's price level (25% below national, BEA RPP 75.0), that paycheck buys what $35,079 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Puerto Rico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Arecibo, PR, the licensed practical nurse salary stands at a median of $26,309 for 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $68,071, reflecting a disparity of approximately 61.35%. The salary range for these positions varies from $23,085 at the 10th percentile to $39,902 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad scope of compensation based on experience and specific job settings. As reported in official BLS OEWS surveys, this data highlights the diverse compensation mechanics in play, particularly with shift differentials and weekend premiums that can enhance overall earnings. In the context of Arecibo's local job market, the existing infrastructure and employer demands play critical roles in determining practical nursing pay.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,085 | $11.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23,127 | $11.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $26,309 | $12.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32,334 | $15.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39,902 | $19.18 |
Median Salary Position
61.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arecibo
In Arecibo, PR, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,817 (2026 est.). At $26,309, the local median is 61.35% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arecibo: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Arecibo Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Arecibo median: $26,309/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arecibo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico Average | $27,039 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -61.35% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Arecibo, PR earn a median of $26,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 61.35% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 2.70% below the Puerto Rico state average of $27,039.
2019 BLS Actual
$18,720
2025 BLS Actual
$24,890
2026 Current Est.
$26,309
2019–2027 Growth
+48.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Arecibo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $17,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $22,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,309 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,808 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arecibo metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 33.0% from $18,720 (2019) to $24,890 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $27,808 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,088 (48.55%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arecibo 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) | $23,085 – $23,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $23,127 – $26,309 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $26,309 – $32,334 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $32,334 – $39,902 |
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 Arecibo
With 160 licensed practical nurses employed in Arecibo, the job market shows a stable demand for these professionals. However, the cost of living in Puerto Rico impacts real earnings, often leading to salary adjustments in healthcare positions. Employers in skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay compared to home health agencies and physician offices due to the intense demands of long-term care. The variation in pay reflects factors such as positions requiring specialized skill sets, shift differentials, and weekend or holiday pay, which are common in long-term care settings. For aspiring and current LPNs, pursuing certifications such as IV therapy may enhance marketability. Additionally, looking for roles in facilities that consistently offer shift differentials or charge LPN positions can be strategic for maximizing earned income in the Arecibo area.
More salary data for Arecibo, PR:
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 $24,890 for licensed practical nursesin the Arecibo 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