Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Salt Lake City, UT: $70,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Salt Lake City, UT earns a median $70,787/year (≈ $34.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Salt Lake City's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.9), that paycheck buys what $70,178 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% above the Utah state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Licensed practical nurses in Salt Lake City, Utah, can expect a median annual salary of $70,787 in 2026, which positions the city slightly above the national median of $68,071 for the same year. The salary range for LPNs spans from $38,496 at the 10th percentile to $87,192 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse roles and responsibilities that these practitioners undertake in this state. Given Utah’s specific scope of practice rules, which include authorized IV therapy and assessment capabilities, LPNs tend to command a competitive pay scale, derived from data based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys. As Salt Lake City continues to grow, the demand for skilled nursing professionals will likely drive job opportunities, making this region an appealing destination for both new and seasoned nursing professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,496 | $18.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,456 | $28.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,787 | $34.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,537 | $39.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,192 | $41.92 |
Median Salary Position
3.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salt Lake City
In Salt Lake City, UT, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,696 (2026 est.). At $70,787, the local median is 3.99% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Salt Lake City: You'd be above the median
How Salt Lake City Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Salt Lake City median: $70,787/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salt Lake City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $66,592 | +6.30% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +3.99% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Salt Lake City, UT earn a median of $70,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.99% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 6.30% above the Utah state average of $66,592.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salt Lake City has a cost of living 0.87% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salt Lake City, UT has a cost-of-living index of 100.868 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,787 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,178 — a 0.86% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,810
2025 BLS Actual
$66,970
2026 Current Est.
$70,787
2019–2027 Growth
+39.0%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Salt Lake City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,822 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 24.5% from $53,810 (2019) to $66,970 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,822 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,012 (39.05%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salt Lake 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) | $38,496 – $59,456 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,456 – $70,787 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,787 – $81,537 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,537 – $87,192 |
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 Salt Lake City
Examining the local job market reveals that approximately 570 licensed practical nurses are currently employed in the Salt Lake City area, indicating a stable demand for this profession. With a cost-of-living index of 100.868, LPNs may find their earnings to provide considerable purchasing power relative to many metropolitan areas. Among the employers in Salt Lake City, skilled nursing facilities generally offer the highest pay, reflecting the complex care needs of their residents. The disparity in compensation can be attributed to several factors, including the type of healthcare setting, shift differentials, and potential stipends for certifications like IV therapy. To maximize salary potential, LPNs should consider facilities that offer charge LPN roles and explore opportunities for additional shifts during weekends or holidays, which often come with premiums. Utilizing LPN-to-RN bridge programs can also enhance career prospects and lead to higher salaries.
More salary data for Salt Lake City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Salt Lake City, UT in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Salt Lake City?
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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 $66,970 for licensed practical nursesin the Salt Lake 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