Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lancaster, PA: $66,898 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Lancaster, PA earns a median $66,898/year (≈ $32.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Lancaster's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.3), that paycheck buys what $68,085 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the licensed practical nurse salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $66,898 in 2026, just slightly below the national median of $68,071. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning about $58,494 and the top 90% receiving up to $79,751, reflecting the various settings and responsibilities that can influence earnings. This data comes from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, which reveal how weekend and shift differentials can indeed enhance compensation for those in long-term care environments, potentially making Lancaster an attractive market for LPNs seeking improved pay structures.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,494 | $28.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,054 | $30.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,898 | $32.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,649 | $36.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,751 | $38.34 |
Median Salary Position
1.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lancaster
In Lancaster, PA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,257 (2026 est.). At $66,898, the local median is 1.72% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lancaster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lancaster Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Lancaster median: $66,898/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lancaster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $66,764 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | -1.72% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Lancaster, PA earn a median of $66,898 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.72% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 0.20% above the Pennsylvania state average of $66,764.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lancaster has a cost of living 1.74% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lancaster, PA has a cost-of-living index of 98.257 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $66,898 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,085 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,310
2025 BLS Actual
$63,290
2026 Current Est.
$66,898
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,898 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,711 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lancaster metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 33.8% from $47,310 (2019) to $63,290 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,711 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,401 (49.46%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lancaster 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) | $58,494 – $64,054 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,054 – $66,898 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,898 – $75,649 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,649 – $79,751 |
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 Lancaster
With approximately 1,740 licensed practical nurses employed in the Lancaster area, the job market shows solid demand for these healthcare professionals. The cost of living index in Lancaster, which stands at 98.257, indicates that living expenses are slightly below the national average, allowing for better take-home pay in relation to earnings. Among the highest-paying employers are skilled nursing facilities, often providing rewarding compensation that outpaces home health agencies and physician offices. The variation in salaries is influenced by shifting demands, where skilled nursing settings tend to offer higher wages, often supplemented by benefits like shift differentials and holiday pay. LPNs looking to maximize their pay should consider obtaining certifications, such as IV therapy, which can further enhance their employability and earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Lancaster, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Lancaster, PA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Lancaster?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Lancaster?
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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 $63,290 for licensed practical nursesin the Lancaster 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