Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Johnston, RI: $66,154 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Johnston, RI earns a median $66,154/year (≈ $31.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $65,825 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a projected median annual salary of $66,154 in 2026, licensed practical nurse salaries in Johnston, Rhode Island, reflect a competitive landscape in healthcare compensation. The salary range spans from $55,316 at the 10th percentile to $84,297 at the 90th percentile, indicating that while some entry-level LPNs may earn on the lower end, experienced professionals can achieve salaries well above the median. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, alongside regional cost adjustments, which account for Johnston’s slightly above-average cost of living with an index of 100.5. The potential for gainful employment in the area is buoyed by the need for skilled nursing care, particularly in settings where shift differentials and weekend premiums may enhance earnings.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($67,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,316 | $26.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,515 | $29.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,154 | $31.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,112 | $37.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,297 | $40.53 |
Median Salary Position
2.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, RI, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,981 (2026 est.). At $66,154, the local median is 2.82% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Johnston median: $66,154/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $68,412 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -2.82% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Johnston, RI earn a median of $66,154 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $68,412.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,154 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,825 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,143
2025 BLS Actual
$62,587
2026 Current Est.
$66,154
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,143 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,446 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,082 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,048 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,114 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,154 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,925 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $46,143 (2019) to $62,587 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,925 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,782 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $55,316 – $61,515 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,515 – $66,154 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,154 – $78,112 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,112 – $84,297 |
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 Johnston
Currently, with only eight licensed practical nurses employed in Johnston, the job market remains niche but stable. This limited workforce also emphasizes the demand for LPNs in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, which tend to offer more competitive pay compared to physician offices or assisted living communities. Given that Johnston’s cost of living slightly exceeds the national average, understanding the interplay between employer type and pay structures becomes essential for maximizing earnings. Skilled nursing roles usually provide the highest compensation, often supplemented by weekend and holiday premiums as well as bonuses for specialized certifications like IV therapy. For those seeking to optimize their compensation in Johnston, pursuing additional certifications and being open to varying shift schedules will be crucial strategies for enhancing their overall licensed practical nurse pay in Johnston, RI.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
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 $62,587 for licensed practical nursesin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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