Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in San Marcos, TX: $69,853 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in San Marcos, TX earns a median $69,853/year (≈ $33.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in San Marcos's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $72,764 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.0% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurse salaries in San Marcos, Texas, are projected to reach a median annual figure of $69,853, slightly above the national median of $68,071. The salary range varies significantly, from a lower end of $53,733 to $88,644 at the higher end, reflecting the diverse settings in which LPNs are employed. Factors such as working in skilled nursing versus home health or clinic environments can greatly influence pay, with skilled nursing typically offering higher wages. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and account for regional price adjustments, revealing a competitive job market for LPNs in the area.
About the San Marcos Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,733 | $25.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,523 | $30.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,853 | $33.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,660 | $39.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,644 | $42.62 |
Median Salary Position
2.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Marcos
In San Marcos, TX, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,911 (2026 est.). At $69,853, the local median is 2.62% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Marcos: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Marcos Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
San Marcos median: $69,853/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Marcos Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $63,503 | +10.00% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +2.62% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in San Marcos, TX earn a median of $69,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.62% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 10.00% above the Texas state average of $63,503.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Marcos has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Marcos, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $69,853 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,764 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,723
2025 BLS Actual
$66,086
2026 Current Est.
$69,853
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,328 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,294 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,464 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,853 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Marcos metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $48,723 (2019) to $66,086 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,112 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Marcos 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) | $53,733 – $63,523 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,523 – $69,853 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,853 – $81,660 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,660 – $88,644 |
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 San Marcos
With only 13 licensed practical nurses currently employed in San Marcos, the local job market offers limited opportunities, presenting unique challenges and advantages for these healthcare professionals. The cost of living index at 96 indicates that San Marcos is slightly below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further than in more expensive regions. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals generally pay more than home health agencies or physician offices, primarily due to varied staffing needs and the skills required. Pay disparities often arise from different work settings, with long-term care roles offering potential for shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and additional compensation for weekend and holiday shifts. To maximize earnings, LPNs should consider pursuing certifications and seeking positions in skilled nursing environments, along with exploring bridge programs for transitioning to RN roles, which can enhance their long-term career prospects in San Marcos, TX.
More salary data for San Marcos, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in San Marcos?
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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 $66,086 for licensed practical nursesin the San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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