Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Philadelphia, PA
Median pay, Philadelphia metro
$70,710/year
about $34.00 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $64,340 – $76,300
Half of licensed practical nurses in the Philadelphia metro area earn more than $70,710 a year and half earn less. That's 10% higher than the national median of $64,400, and ranks #16 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $60,620 | $29.14 |
| 25th | $64,340 | $30.93 |
| Median (50th) | $70,710 | $34.00 |
| 75th | $76,300 | $36.68 |
| 90th (top earners) | $79,690 | $38.31 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a licensed practical nurse job in the Philadelphia metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $64,340 ($30.93/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $64,340 to $76,300 ($30.93 to $36.68/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $76,300 ($36.68/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Night, weekend and holiday differentials can add a lot. Ask for the exact rates.
- Pay often differs between nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and home health, so compare like with like.
- Agency and travel LPN jobs pay more per hour but usually come with fewer benefits.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Philadelphia metro. Occupation: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.