Lincoln vs Scottsbluff: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lincoln, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Scottsbluff, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,665▲ | $59,772 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.05▲ | $28.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,579▲ | $47,073 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,486▲ | $58,235 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,960▲ | $67,579 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,357▲ | $71,031 |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scottsbluff.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Scottsbluff is $6,893 (11.53%). Lincoln's median is -2.07% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $27,778,Scottsbluff spans $23,958. Lincoln 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, Lincoln ($72,793 effective) pays 11.43% more than Scottsbluff ($65,325 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,665/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,357)
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,793)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Scottsbluff if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lincoln grew 42.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Scottsbluff over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$44,140 (2019) → $63,070 (2025)
Scottsbluff, NE
$46,539 (2024) → $56,549 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Scottsbluff, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lincoln or Scottsbluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Scottsbluff?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Scottsbluff as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lincoln vs Scottsbluff?
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