Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Waterbury, CT: $36.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Waterbury, CT runs $36.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,945 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Waterbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.8, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,563 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Waterbury, CT, is projected to reach a median of $36.51 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $32.73. This hourly wage provides a solid opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and assisted living communities. LPNs working three days a week can capitalize on this pay structure, earning competitive rates that support their financial goals, whether through regular shifts or flexible per-diem assignments. The hourly rate spectrum for Waterbury's licensed practical nurses ranges from $32.02 at the entry level to $39.90 for the most experienced, reflecting the official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which underlines the diverse earning potential in this vital role.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.02 | $256.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.24 | $265.94 |
| Median (P50) | $36.51 | $292.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.23 | $305.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.90 | $319.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterbury
Based on $36.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.51/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterbury, CT can expect to earn approximately $75,938 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,811. With a cost-of-living index of 99.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,460.35 | $6,328 | $75,938 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $876.21 | $3,797 | $45,563 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.14 | $2,531 | $30,375 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Waterbury) | $36.51 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Waterbury, CT earn a median of $75,945 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.57% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.70% below the Connecticut state average of $78,053.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.51/hr = $45,563/year (purchasing power: $45,664).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,938/year (purchasing power: $76,107).
CoL index: 99.778 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Waterbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Waterbury grew 28.7% from $26.84/hr (2019) to $34.54/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.59/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterbury metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Waterbury
When exploring part-time structures, a licensed practical nurse working 24 hours a week in Waterbury can expect a significantly different financial landscape than full-time counterparts. Annually, a 3-day workweek allows for a take-home that's firmly aligned with maintaining a balanced lifestyle, effectively supporting both personal and professional commitments. For those considering per diem or agency work, the reality of earning potential can vary widely, with rates typically between $28 and $42 per hour, and some agency LPNs in Eden facilities managing to secure up to $60 hourly due to high demand. The differences among employer types further add to the mix, as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may offer varied rates compared to outpatient services. It's essential for licensed practical nurses in Waterbury to carefully weigh benefit packages against hourly wages, as some positions with lower pay provide essential health insurance that higher-paying roles may not. As negotiations unfold, emphasis on prevailing regional pay rates and exploiting competitive offers can empower LPNs as they seek positions that align best with their financial and professional objectives.
More salary data for Waterbury, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Waterbury. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov