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Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Pennsylvania — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Pennsylvania? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $62,010/yr ($29.81/hr), with around 31,140 people working in this field statewide.

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Pennsylvania are below the national average by approximately $1,477. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Access to major East Coast metros gives Pennsylvania licensed practical nurses access to higher-paying employers.

Pennsylvania Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Pennsylvania after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$62,010
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$49,893

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Pennsylvania Licensed Practical Nurse Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Pennsylvania median of $62,010.

Your annual salary ($)

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — Pennsylvania

Entry Level (0–2 years)$38,400/yr · $18.46/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Pennsylvania.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$55,188/yr · $26.53/hr
Established professional working independently in Pennsylvania. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$68,831/yr · $33.09/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Pennsylvania.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$89,300+/yr · $42.93/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Pennsylvania.
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Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in Pennsylvania — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Pennsylvania have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Pennsylvania's healthcare and long-term care.

2021
$54,444
2022
$57,607
+5.8%
2023
$60,273
+4.6%
2024
$61,265
+1.6%
2026
$62,010
+1.2%

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — Pennsylvania

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Philadelphia$68,850$33.10+11.0%10,899
Pittsburgh$65,750$31.61+6.0%8,719
Allentown$63,850$30.70+3.0%5,605
Erie$59,550$28.63-4.0%2,802
Reading$56,450$27.14-9.0%1,868
Scranton$53,950$25.94-13.0%1,245

Tip: Philadelphia offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in Pennsylvania at $68,850/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Pennsylvania vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Pennsylvania sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.

Pennsylvania — 3.07% state income tax$62,010 gross~$49,893 take-home
New York — 10.9%$64,030 gross+3.3% vs PA
New Jersey — 10.75%$71,180 gross+14.8% vs PA
Delaware — 6.6%$66,090 gross+6.6% vs PA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

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Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
31,140Currently employed
3,114+New jobs projected

Employment for licensed practical nurses in Pennsylvania is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Pennsylvania job market. Access to major East Coast metros gives Pennsylvania licensed practical nurses access to higher-paying employers.

How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Pennsylvania

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in Pennsylvania typically adds $50,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Philadelphia pays licensed practical nurses $68,850/yr — +11.0% above the Pennsylvania average. Simply relocating within Pennsylvania can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in Pennsylvania. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays licensed practical nurses $64,030/yr — 3.3% vs Pennsylvania.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a licensed practical nurse earn in Pennsylvania on average?
The average licensed practical nurse salary in Pennsylvania is $62,010 per year, or $29.81 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $38,400 while experienced professionals earn $89,300 or more.
Which Pennsylvania city has the highest licensed practical nurse salary?
Philadelphia pays licensed practical nurses the most in Pennsylvania at an average of $68,850 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Pennsylvania licensed practical nurse salary compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania licensed practical nurse salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $1,477. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
How much do licensed practical nurses actually take home after taxes in Pennsylvania?
A licensed practical nurse earning the Pennsylvania average of $62,010 takes home approximately $49,893 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Is licensed practical nurse a good career in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Licensed Practical Nurse is a strong career choice in Pennsylvania with steady demand projected over the next decade. Access to major East Coast metros gives Pennsylvania licensed practical nurses access to higher-paying employers.
How do you become a licensed licensed practical nurse in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, licensed practical nurses are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.