Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Liberty, MO: $30.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Liberty, MO runs $30.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,577 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,149 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Liberty, Missouri, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.57, which is slightly lower than the national median of $32.73. This rate translates into significant earning potential for part-time and per-diem positions, often found in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician office exam rooms. Opportunities for flexible schedules make this profession attractive for those seeking to balance work and other commitments, particularly since LPNs may find themselves working around 24 hours per week in part-time roles. The hourly compensation ranges from $23.87 for entry-level positions to $37.19 for those at the higher end of the pay scale, reflecting the varied responsibilities and experience levels within the field in Liberty.
About the Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.87 | $190.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.95 | $223.58 |
| Median (P50) | $30.57 | $244.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.92 | $279.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.19 | $297.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberty
Based on $30.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.57/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberty, MO can expect to earn approximately $63,582 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,682. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,222.74 | $5,299 | $63,582 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.64 | $3,179 | $38,149 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.10 | $2,119 | $25,433 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Liberty) | $30.57 |
| 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 Liberty, MO earn a median of $63,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.60% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.50% below the Missouri state average of $64,546.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.57/hr = $38,149/year (purchasing power: $42,577).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,582/year (purchasing power: $70,962).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Liberty grew 35.6% from $21.32/hr (2019) to $28.92/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.31/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 Liberty 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 Liberty
For LPNs considering part-time or per-diem work, it's essential to recognize how earnings can accumulate differently compared to full-time roles. A licensed practical nurse working three days a week could earn approximately $38,000 annually, focusing on flexibility without the commitments of a full-time schedule. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Liberty typically falls between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency positions, which are often in high demand during staffing shortages, can command rates as high as $45 to $60 per hour. The type of employer significantly influences pay; LPNs in long-term care or hospice settings may find lower hourly rates than those in correctional facilities or hospitals, where the demands are higher but may also offer more comprehensive benefits. Negotiating health insurance versus pay is another balancing act many LPNs face, as those who accept lower hourly wages may do so in exchange for more robust benefits. Understanding these options is crucial for making informed career decisions that align with both financial needs and professional goals.
More salary data for Liberty, MO:
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 Liberty. 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 Liberty 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