Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Auburn, NY: $63,168 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Auburn, NY earns a median $63,168/year (≈ $30.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $54,502 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Licensed practical nurse salaries in Auburn, NY are projected to reach a median annual salary of $63,168 by 2026, reflecting both local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments. The salary range for licensed practical nurses spans from $50,969 at the 10th percentile to $80,590 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a diverse compensation structure that can vary based on factors such as experience, workplace setting, and specific certifications. Notably, LPNs in New York benefit from a defined scope of practice that includes IV therapy and assessment authority, which can influence earning potential. This framework makes the local job market quite competitive, particularly for those seeking roles in skilled nursing facilities or other healthcare settings where their expanded skill set can command higher salaries.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,969 | $24.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,824 | $28.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,168 | $30.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,599 | $35.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,590 | $38.75 |
Median Salary Position
7.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, NY, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,621 (2026 est.). At $63,168, the local median is 7.2% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Auburn median: $63,168/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $66,493 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -7.20% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Auburn, NY earn a median of $63,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.20% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 5.00% below the New York state average of $66,493.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,168 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,502 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,061
2025 BLS Actual
$59,762
2026 Current Est.
$63,168
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,061 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,304 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,608 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,686 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,428 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,294 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,762 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,168 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,769 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $44,061 (2019) to $59,762 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,769 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,708 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $50,969 – $58,824 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,824 – $63,168 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,168 – $74,599 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,599 – $80,590 |
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 Auburn
In the labor market, Auburn employs only four licensed practical nurses, indicating a tightly-knit community with limited positions available. The cost-of-living index stands at 115.9, which suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power might be affected, making it essential for practitioners to consider their financial planning carefully. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities often offer the highest pay, with variation attributed to factors like shift differentials, weekend/holiday premiums, and IV therapy stipends. To maximize earning potential in this specific area, LPNs should consider targeting positions in long-term care, gaining additional certifications, and negotiating for benefits that enhance overall compensation. Understanding the dynamics of licensed practical nurse pay in Auburn, NY helps aspiring nurses strategize career paths that align with both their financial and professional goals.
More salary data for Auburn, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Auburn?
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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 $59,762 for licensed practical nursesin the Auburn 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
Salary data for Auburn 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