Private duty nursing (PDN) in New York City typically costs $50 to $100+ per hour for private-pay care, depending on the nurse’s credentials and the complexity of the patient’s medical needs. Registered nurses (RNs) generally run $65 to $100+ per hour, and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) run $45 to $70+ per hour. Medicaid-reimbursed rates are lower, and Medicaid may cover care that a physician certifies as medically necessary.
If your loved one needs skilled, one-on-one nursing at home, the cost depends on who provides it and how it is paid for. This 2026 guide breaks down RN and LPN hourly rates in NYC, explains who pays (private pay, Medicaid, and insurance), and includes a free calculator so you can estimate your own cost.
Key Takeaways
- Private duty nursing in NYC typically costs $50 to $100+ per hour for private-pay care, depending on the nurse’s credentials and the complexity of care.
- RN rates: about $65 to $100+ per hour private-pay (standard agency pay averages lower, around $43 to $45).
- LPN rates: about $45 to $70+ per hour private-pay (standard agency pay averages around $31 to $35).
- Medicaid rates are lower, historically around $23 to $31+ per hour, which can make it harder to staff shifts that are strictly Medicaid-reimbursed.
- Who pays: private pay, New York Medicaid when care is certified medically necessary, and long-term care insurance. Medicare does not cover continuous private duty nursing.
- Nursing costs more than a home health aide because it is licensed, skilled medical care (ventilator, trach, IV, complex monitoring).
How Much Does Private Duty Nursing Cost in NYC?
Private-pay private duty nursing in NYC ranges from $50 to $100+ per hour. Where you land depends on the nurse’s license (RN or LPN), the medical complexity of the care, and the shift timing. Skilled nursing costs more than a home health aide because it is delivered by a licensed nurse providing clinical care. For current rates, see our private-pay home care rates.
Registered Nurse (RN) Hourly Rates
A private-pay, private-duty RN in NYC generally costs $65 to $100+ per hour, and rates run higher for specialized, high-acuity, or concierge care. For context, general market and salary data put standard agency RN pay around $43 to $45 per hour, but private-pay and direct-hire rates are higher.
RNs handle the most complex care, including assessments, IV therapy, ventilator and tracheostomy management, and clinical decision-making. Learn more about our adult private duty nursing in NYC.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Hourly Rates
A private-pay private duty LPN in NYC generally costs $45 to $70+ per hour, while standard agency or salaried LPN positions average around $31 to $35 per hour. An LPN provides skilled care, including medication administration, wound care, and monitoring, under the supervision of an RN or physician.
Because an LPN often costs less than an RN, it can be the more affordable option when the level of care allows.
See our private-pay LPN nursing in NYC.
RN vs LPN Cost Comparison
Here is how the two compare in NYC:
| Nurse type | Private-pay rate | Standard agency pay |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $65 to $100+ / hour | ~$43 to $45 / hour |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $45 to $70+ / hour | ~$31 to $35 / hour |
| Medicaid-reimbursed rate | ~$23 to $31+ / hour | Set by NY fee schedule |
Medicaid Fee Schedule Rates
New York State sets Medicaid reimbursement rates for private duty nursing, and these are lower than private-pay market rates. Historically, the baseline runs roughly $23 to $31+ per hour, with enhancements for high-tech or medically fragile cases. Because these rates are below what nurses earn privately, staffing shifts that are strictly Medicaid-reimbursed can be challenging. You can review the state figures on the New York State private duty nursing reimbursement ceilings page.
Estimate Your Private Duty Nursing Cost
Use the calculator below to estimate your weekly and monthly private-pay cost based on the nurse type, hours, and schedule. It takes about ten seconds.
NYC Private Duty Nursing Cost Calculator
Estimate RN and LPN private-pay cost in seconds.
Estimates only, based on typical 2026 NYC private-pay rates. Actual cost depends on the nurse’s credentials, the complexity of care, and shift timing. Medicaid may cover care certified as medically necessary, at lower rates. For an exact quote, contact All Heart Homecare.
See what private duty nursing would cost →| Need skilled nursing at home for a loved one? Tell us about the medical care your loved one needs, and we will recommend RN or LPN care and show you exactly what it would cost. No pressure, no obligation. See what private duty nursing would cost. |
Who Pays for Private Duty Nursing in NYC?
There are four main ways private duty nursing is paid for:
- Private pay (out of pocket). Families pay agencies or nurses directly. This is common for short-term recovery, care that does not qualify for coverage, or when a family wants continuous shifts that insurance will not authorize. Explore private pay home care.
- New York Medicaid. Medicaid covers adult and pediatric private duty nursing only when a physician certifies continuous or extended skilled care as medically necessary. Approval requires detailed documentation of diagnosis severity, dependence on equipment (such as ventilators or tracheostomies), and the risk of clinical deterioration. See our Medicaid home care page.
- Long-term care insurance. Some policies cover in-home skilled nursing, depending on the elimination period and policy limits.
- Medicare. Medicare does not cover long-term, continuous private duty nursing. It only covers short-term, intermittent home health visits under strict conditions. See Does Medicare Pay for Home Health Care for Seniors?.
What Drives the Cost of Private Duty Nursing
Three factors move the rate:
- Credentials. An RN costs more than an LPN because they have a broader clinical scope and more training.
- Complexity and acuity. Ventilator care, tracheostomy management, IV therapy, and medically fragile patients command higher rates.
- Shift timing. Overnight, weekend, holiday, and short-notice shifts typically cost more.
Pediatric vs Adult Private Duty Nursing
Private duty nursing serves both children and adults.
Pediatric PDN supports medically complex children (for example, those who are technology-dependent) and is heavily funded by Medicaid; see our pediatric private duty nursing in NYC guide.
Adult PDN supports seniors and adults with complex needs after surgery, illness, or with chronic conditions; see our adult private duty nursing in NYC. Rates are similar by nurse type, while funding paths differ.
Get An Exact Private Duty Nursing Quote
Rates and calculators give you a strong estimate, but your real cost depends on nurse type, medical complexity, hours, and how care is funded. All Heart Homecare will assess the needs, recommend RN or LPN care, and build a clear, no-pressure quote, including any
Medicaid or insurance coverage you may qualify for. Start with our adult private duty nursing in NYC, compare providers in our top home care agencies in New York guide.
All Heart Homecare provides skilled RN and LPN private duty nursing across NYC, from Brooklyn and Manhattan to the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, with clear pricing and help navigating Medicaid and insurance. Tell us your needs, and we will show you the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Duty Nursing in NYC
How much does private duty nursing cost in NYC?
In New York City, private-pay private duty nursing typically costs $50 to $100+ per hour, depending on the nurse’s credentials and the complexity of care. Registered nurses (RNs) generally run $65 to $100+ per hour, and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) run $45 to $70+ per hour. Medicaid-reimbursed rates are lower, and Medicaid may cover care that is certified as medically necessary.
How much does a private duty RN cost?
A private-pay private duty registered nurse (RN) in NYC generally costs $65 to $100+ per hour, with higher rates for specialized, high-acuity, or concierge care. Standard agency pay for RNs averages lower, around $43 to $45 per hour, but private-pay and direct-hire rates run higher.
How much does a private duty LPN cost?
A private-pay private duty licensed practical nurse (LPN) in NYC generally costs $45 to $70+ per hour. Standard agency or salaried LPN positions average lower, around $31 to $35 per hour. An LPN often costs less than an RN and can handle many skilled tasks under supervision.
Who pays for private duty nursing?
Private duty nursing is paid through private pay (out of pocket), New York State Medicaid when continuous skilled care is certified as medically necessary, and long-term care insurance depending on the policy. Medicare does not cover long-term, continuous private duty nursing, only short-term intermittent home health visits.
Does Medicare or Medicaid pay for private duty nursing?
Medicare does not cover long-term or continuous private duty nursing. New York Medicaid does cover adult and pediatric private duty nursing, but only when a physician certifies that continuous or extended skilled nursing is medically necessary, with documentation of diagnosis severity, equipment dependence, and clinical risk. Medicaid rates are lower than private-pay market rates.
Can an LPN be a private duty nurse?
Yes. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) commonly work as private duty nurses, providing skilled care such as medication administration, wound care, and monitoring under the supervision of an RN or physician. An LPN typically costs less per hour than an RN, which can make care more affordable for appropriate cases.
Why is private duty nursing more expensive than a home health aide?
Private duty nursing is delivered by licensed nurses (RNs or LPNs) who provide skilled medical care, such as ventilator or tracheostomy management, IV therapy, and complex monitoring, so it costs more than a home health aide, who provides personal and companion care. The higher rate reflects clinical training, licensure, and the complexity of the care.
