New Albany vs South Bend: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between New Albany, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Albany, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,250 | $68,959▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.85 | $33.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,930 | $54,932▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,461 | $64,308▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,987▲ | $77,214 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,356▲ | $82,108 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 610▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Albany.
The salary gap between New Albany and South Bend is $2,709 (4.09%). South Bend's median is +1.30% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Albany spans $31,426,South Bend spans $27,176. New Albany 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, South Bend ($74,263 effective) pays 2.34% more than New Albany ($72,563 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,356)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,959/year)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,263)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in New Albany grew 29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in South Bend over the same period.
New Albany, IN
$48,473 (2024) → $62,677 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$47,710 (2019) → $65,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Albany, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: New Albany or South Bend?
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Should I relocate from New Albany to South Bend as a licensed practical nurse?
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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