RN vs LPN Salary in New York: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In New York, RNs earn $113,400 on average while LPNs earn $69,200, a gap of $44,200 per year. The cost of living in New York is above the national average (index: 136).
RN Average
$113,400
LPN Average
$69,200
Gap
$44,200
Cost of Living
136
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $80,000 | $54,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $113,400 | $69,200 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $157,000 | $82,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within New York depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $125,000 | $74,000 | $51,000 |
| Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk) | $118,000 | $72,000 | $46,000 |
| Albany-Schenectady | $95,000 | $60,000 | $35,000 |
| Buffalo-Niagara Falls | $88,000 | $57,000 | $31,000 |
| Rochester | $90,000 | $58,000 | $32,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New York has a cost of living index of 136 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$83,382
$113,400 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$50,882
$69,200 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
New York Scope of Practice Notes
New York is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs in New York may not initiate IV therapy but can monitor and maintain IV infusions in certain settings. New York requires all new RNs with an ADN to earn a BSN within 10 years of initial licensure (the BSN in 10 law).
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in New York
NYC Health + Hospitals
Northwell Health
NewYork-Presbyterian
Mount Sinai Health System
NYU Langone Health
New York Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
New York Board of Nursing websiteCompare With Neighboring States
New York RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in New York?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in New York earn an average of $69,200 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $54,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $82,000.
What is the average RN salary in New York?
Registered nurses (RNs) in New York earn an average of $113,400 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $44,200 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $80,000, and experienced RNs earn around $157,000.
Which New York metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major New York metros, New York City pays the most, with RNs averaging about $125,000 and LPNs about $74,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in New York?
In New York, RNs earn an average of $113,400 versus $69,200 for LPNs, a gap of about $44,200 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.