Reno vs Sparks: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Reno, NV and Sparks, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reno, NV | Sparks, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,080▲ | $67,510 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.94▲ | $32.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,380▲ | $48,599 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,115▲ | $62,841 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,325▲ | $81,905 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,155▲ | $90,733 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sparks.
The salary gap between Reno and Sparks is $15,570 (23.06%). Reno's median is +22.05% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reno spans $29,775,Sparks spans $42,134. Sparks 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, Reno ($82,246 effective) pays 19.76% more than Sparks ($68,678 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,080/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,155)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,246)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Sparks if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Reno grew 28.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.3% growth in Sparks over the same period.
Reno, NV
$61,070 (2019) → $78,600 (2025)
Sparks, NV
$67,440 (2024) → $63,869 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Reno or Sparks?
What is the hourly rate difference between Reno and Sparks?
Should I relocate from Reno to Sparks 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