Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lee's Summit, MO: $49,293 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Lee's Summit, MO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,293 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lee's Summit's local price level (BEA RPP 89.6 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,015 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,947) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new licensed practical nurses (LPNs) entering the workforce in Lee's Summit, Missouri, the projected starting salary in 2026 is estimated at $49,293 annually, which represents an initial wage that may feel modest compared to the city median of $63,947. This gap highlights the financial trajectory LPNs can anticipate as they gain experience in their first few years; an increase to around $58,193 at the 25th percentile is conceivable as they enhance their skills and expertise. Furthermore, within three to five years, these entry-level nurses may reach the median salary range, which reflects not only their growing competence but also the dynamic healthcare landscape in Lee's Summit, creating a favorable environment for new graduates seeking stable employment in nursing.
About the Lee's Summit Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lee's Summit
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lee's Summit
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Lee's Summit, MO typically start between $49,293 and $58,193 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,914 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,947 — 6.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Missouri of $10,000 represents just 20.29% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($49,293/year) in Lee's Summit. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Lee's Summit
- 1Research the Lee's Summit market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $49,293 to $58,193, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in MO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lee's Summit, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Lee's Summit for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lee's Summit's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Lee's Summit is $36,914 ( 74.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,293, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,207.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,403
2025 BLS Actual
$46,635
2026 Current Est.
$49,293
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,403 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,831 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,962 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,819 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,462 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,635 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,293 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,103 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Lee's Summit, MO grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,403 in 2019 to $46,635 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,103. New graduates entering the Lee's Summit job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lee's Summit metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Lee's Summit
In Lee's Summit, several healthcare employers actively recruit new grad licensed practical nurses, predominantly including skilled nursing facilities that often provide robust onboarding training. Additionally, home health agencies offer opportunities that feature flexible scheduling, appealing to those entering the field. For LPNs aiming to enhance their starting licensed practical nurse pay in MO, obtaining an active LPN/LVN license and completing a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program are essential first steps, along with passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Continuing education, such as IV therapy or wound care certifications, can also increase initial salary prospects. As LPNs navigate their careers over the first few years, practical nursing roles often evolve into positions that complement a potential bridge to registered nursing, particularly important in an evolving sector where hospitals are increasingly opting for all-RN staffing models. During the initial years, entry-level LPNs can expect a gradual salary increase, aligning with the growth trends in the local healthcare market.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Lee's Summit. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lee's Summit is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov