Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Gary, IN: $33.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Gary, IN runs $33.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,719 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Gary's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,236 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Gary, Indiana, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $33.04, slightly above the national median of $32.73. This competitive rate is indicative of the opportunities available in various care settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and outpatient care clinics. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, the hourly dynamics shift significantly. Part-time nurses working three days a week can enjoy flexibility while still earning an hourly rate between $24.92 and $44.35, tailored to their experience and the setting. This spectrum allows entry-level LPNs to find suitable opportunities, while seasoned professionals can command higher pay, reflecting their expertise and the demand for their services in different healthcare environments.
About the Gary Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.92 | $199.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.57 | $236.60 |
| Median (P50) | $33.04 | $264.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.20 | $305.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.35 | $354.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gary
Based on $33.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.04/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gary, IN can expect to earn approximately $68,727 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,650. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,321.67 | $5,727 | $68,727 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $793.00 | $3,436 | $41,236 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $528.67 | $2,291 | $27,491 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Gary) | $33.04 |
| 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 Gary, IN earn a median of $68,719 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.95% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.10% above the Indiana state average of $68,650.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.04/hr = $41,236/year (purchasing power: $45,166).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,727/year (purchasing power: $75,276).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Gary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Gary grew 35.6% from $23.05/hr (2019) to $31.26/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.93/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 Gary 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 Gary
Focusing on the financial landscape for those pursuing part-time or per-diem opportunities, a licensed practical nurse in Gary working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $41,686 annually, compared to full-time peers. The per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Gary typically ranges from $28 to $42 per hour, with agency-employed LPNs in high-demand settings able to leverage rates from $45 to $60 per hour. In Gary, the typical hourly wages can differ based on the employer type—skilled nursing facilities often pay lower rates compared to hospitals and correctional facilities. Practical nurses sometimes accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance benefits, while others may prioritize higher payment without benefits for increased take-home pay. To negotiate effectively in this market, LPNs should emphasize their specific skills and any additional certifications they may hold, as these can significantly impact their hourly rate.
More salary data for Gary, IN:
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 Gary. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gary is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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