Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Providence, RI: $83,492 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Providence, RI earns a median $83,492/year (≈ $40.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Providence's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.8), that paycheck buys what $82,037 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.0% above the Rhode Island state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Providence, RI, licensed practical nurses are projected to earn a median annual salary of $83,492 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. With a salary range from $66,602 at the lower 10th percentile to $95,690 at the upper 90th percentile, these figures reflect the competitive landscape for LPN compensation in the region. The ability of LPNs in Rhode Island to perform IV therapy and assessment adds to their value, impacting community health outcomes positively and enhancing their salary prospects. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys, underscores the importance of specialized skills that LPNs can bring to various healthcare settings, ultimately enriching Providence’s healthcare workforce.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,602 | $32.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,958 | $35.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,492 | $40.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,437 | $41.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,690 | $46.01 |
Median Salary Position
22.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Providence
In Providence, RI, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,088 (2026 est.). At $83,492, the local median is 22.65% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Providence: You'd be above the median
How Providence Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Providence median: $83,492/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $68,436 | +22.00% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +22.65% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Providence, RI earn a median of $83,492 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.65% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 22.00% above the Rhode Island state average of $68,436.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Providence has a cost of living 1.77% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 101.773 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,492 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $82,037 — a 1.74% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,870
2025 BLS Actual
$78,990
2026 Current Est.
$83,492
2019–2027 Growth
+52.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,492 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,251 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Providence metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 36.5% from $57,870 (2019) to $78,990 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,251 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,381 (52.50%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Providence 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) | $66,602 – $73,958 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,958 – $83,492 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,492 – $85,437 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,437 – $95,690 |
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 Providence
The local market for licensed practical nurses in Providence remains strong, with approximately 2,540 LPNs currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 101.773, indicates that expenses exceed the national average, affecting take-home pay and purchasing power. Top-paying employers in the region include skilled nursing facilities and certain hospitals, which typically offer higher wages compared to physician offices or home health agencies. The discrepancy in pay can be attributed to various factors such as the nature of the healthcare setting, available shift differentials, and any stipends for certifications like IV therapy. To maximize earning potential in Providence, LPNs may consider seeking positions in long-term care settings, pursuing certifications, and remaining flexible regarding shifts, particularly during weekends and holidays when premiums are often available.
More salary data for Providence, 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 $78,990 for licensed practical nursesin the Providence 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