Phoenix vs Scottsdale: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Scottsdale, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,531 | $84,592▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.68 | $40.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,295▲ | $62,281 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,548 | $75,057▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,203 | $103,212▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,094 | $112,687▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,450▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Scottsdale, AZ offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Scottsdale is $2,061 (2.50%). Scottsdale's median is +24.27% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $32,799,Scottsdale spans $50,406. Scottsdale has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Scottsdale ($85,880 effective) pays 7.51% more than Phoenix ($79,882 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Scottsdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,592/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,687)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,880)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Phoenix grew 39.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Scottsdale over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$55,960 (2019) → $78,080 (2025)
Scottsdale, AZ
$66,435 (2024) → $80,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Phoenix or Scottsdale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Scottsdale?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Scottsdale as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Phoenix vs Scottsdale?
Related Comparisons
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