Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hartford, CT: $76,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Hartford, CT earns a median $76,950/year (≈ $36.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Hartford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.7), that paycheck buys what $74,893 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hartford, CT, the licensed practical nurse salary stands at a median of $76,950 for 2026. This figure reflects a competitive pay scale against the national average of $68,071, presenting a substantial premium of approximately 13.04%. Licensed practical nurses in Hartford can expect to earn between $65,397 at the low end and $84,613 at the high end, according to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data. Employment in diverse settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and clinics often dictates pay variations. The choice among these environments can significantly impact an LPN's compensation and job satisfaction, making it essential for candidates to consider their career goals and preferred workplace dynamics.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,397 | $31.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,777 | $34.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,950 | $36.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,019 | $38.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,613 | $40.68 |
Median Salary Position
13.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hartford
In Hartford, CT, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,216 (2026 est.). At $76,950, the local median is 13.04% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Hartford: You'd be above the median
How Hartford Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Hartford median: $76,950/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hartford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $78,042 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +13.04% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Hartford, CT earn a median of $76,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.04% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.40% below the Connecticut state average of $78,042.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hartford has a cost of living 2.75% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hartford, CT has a cost-of-living index of 102.746 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,950 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,893 — a 2.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,990
2025 BLS Actual
$72,800
2026 Current Est.
$76,950
2019–2027 Growth
+42.7%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Hartford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,336 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hartford metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 27.7% from $56,990 (2019) to $72,800 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,336 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,346 (42.72%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hartford 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $65,397 – $70,777 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,777 – $76,950 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,950 – $81,019 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,019 – $84,613 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Hartford
Hartford's job market for licensed practical nurses is robust, with about 3,010 LPNs actively employed in the area. The cost of living index, currently at 102.746, indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which can influence overall purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest wages, followed by hospitals and specialized settings. Variations in pay are often based on specific roles and responsibilities, such as certifications in IV therapy, shift differentials, and additional premiums for weekend and holiday shifts. To maximize their earning potential, LPNs should pursue certifications that enhance their value and explore opportunities in long-term care, as well as consider diverse employment options that align with their skills and preferences in Hartford, CT.
More salary data for Hartford, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,800 for licensed practical nursesin the Hartford metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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