Arlington vs Austin: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Arlington, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,665 | $68,261▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.05 | $32.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,904 | $54,636▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,245 | $62,765▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,389▲ | $77,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,736▲ | $82,731 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 3,620▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Austin is $1,596 (2.39%). Austin's median is +0.28% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $41,832,Austin spans $28,095. Arlington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($69,607 effective) pays 0.24% more than Arlington ($69,443 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,736)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,261/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,607)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Arlington grew 14.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Austin over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$55,308 (2024) → $63,070 (2025)
Austin, TX
$49,310 (2019) → $64,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Arlington or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Austin?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Austin as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Arlington vs Austin?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov