Average Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Arizona
Licensed Practical Nurses in Arizona earn an average of $56,243 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +5.8% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$56,243
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.04
per hour
vs National
-5.8%
$59,730 national
Salary Range
$36,982
to $82,414
About Licensed Practical Nurse Careers in Arizona
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They are a critical component of healthcare delivery across hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health settings. The BLS median salary is $54,620, with strong regional variation — metro areas in California, Alaska, and Massachusetts pay significantly above the national median. With over 900,000 LPN positions in the US and projected growth of 6% through 2032, the role offers a reliable career pathway requiring only one year of post-secondary education.
In Arizona, licensed practical nurses earn an average of $56,243 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $36,982 for entry-level roles to $82,414 for the most experienced professionals — +5.8% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by state and geographic location — california and alaska lpns earn median wages 40–50% above the national median, work setting — home health and hospice lpns often earn more than facility-based roles, and the specific metro area within Arizona.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$56,243
Cost of Living Index
102
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$55,140
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Arizona's cost of living (above average), a Licensed Practical Nurse's salary of $56,243 has the purchasing power of $55,140 in an average-cost area.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City in Arizona
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | $60,070 | $28.88/hr | $39,340 | $89,980 | 621 |
| Tucson, AZ | $52,415 | $25.20/hr | $34,623 | $74,848 | 653 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Arizona vs National Average
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Arizona
There are approximately 1,274 Licensed Practical Nurses employed across 2 metro areas in Arizona.
Key Industries: Technology, Aerospace, Healthcare
State Income Tax: 2.5% flat rate
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range in Arizona
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$36,982
Starting salary for new Licensed Practical Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$56,243
Mid-career Licensed Practical Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$82,414
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Arizona
Pharmacist
$130,251
avg in AZ
+$74,008 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$117,504
avg in AZ
+$61,261 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
$87,139
avg in AZ
+$30,896 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$85,513
avg in AZ
+$29,270 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$35,669
avg in AZ
-$20,574 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Arizona with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Licensed Practical Nurse Data
More Arizona Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Arizona?
The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Arizona is $56,243 per year ($27.04/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 5.8% below the national average of $59,730.
What is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in Arizona?
Phoenix, AZ is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in Arizona, with a median salary of $60,070 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Tucson, AZ at $52,415.
What is the salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses in Arizona?
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Arizona range from $36,982 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $82,414 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $56,243 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Arizona. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.