RN vs LPN Salary in New York: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In New York, RNs earn $98,000 on average while LPNs earn $58,000, a gap of $40,000 per year. The cost of living in New York is above the national average (index: 136).
RN Average
$98,000
LPN Average
$58,000
Gap
$40,000
Cost of Living
136
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $76,000 | $46,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $98,000 | $58,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $118,000 | $68,000 |
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 | $108,000 | $62,000 | $46,000 |
| Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk) | $102,000 | $60,000 | $42,000 |
| Albany-Schenectady | $82,000 | $50,000 | $32,000 |
| Buffalo-Niagara Falls | $76,000 | $48,000 | $28,000 |
| Rochester | $78,000 | $49,000 | $29,000 |
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
$72,059
$98,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$42,647
$58,000 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 website