Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Forest Grove, OR: $63,217 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Forest Grove, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,217 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Forest Grove's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,615 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,150) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the licensed practical nurse field in Forest Grove, Oregon, can expect a starting salary averaging around $63,217. This entry-level pay is noticeably below the city median of $82,150, indicating a substantial gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate as they build their skills. However, the growth trajectory within the field is favorable; over the first three to five years, they may advance toward the 25th percentile earnings of $74,171, and potentially even the median salary as they gain valuable clinical experience. This supportive environment suggests that Forest Grove is a promising market for new LPNs entering the workforce.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Forest Grove
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 Forest Grove
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Forest Grove, OR typically start between $63,217 and $74,171 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,135 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,150 — 20.68% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Oregon of $16,000 represents just 25.31% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($63,217/year) in Forest Grove. 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 Forest Grove
- 1Research the Forest Grove market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $63,217 to $74,171, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Forest Grove, 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 Forest Grove for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Forest Grove's moderate 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 Forest Grove is $38,135 ( 60.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,217, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,352.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,555
2025 BLS Actual
$59,808
2026 Current Est.
$63,217
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,555 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,686 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,204 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,808 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,217 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,820 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Forest Grove, OR grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,555 in 2019 to $59,808 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,820. New graduates entering the Forest Grove job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove
Several employers actively recruit new grad licensed practical nurses in Forest Grove, particularly skilled nursing facilities that provide structured orientation programs for newcomers. Home health agencies are also a popular option, offering flexibility in scheduling, which can be appealing for those just starting their careers. To enhance starting salary potential in Oregon, new LPNs should maintain their active LPN/LVN licenses, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and pass the NCLEX-PN. Pursuing optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further elevate their earning capacity. In the first three years, LPNs should strategically consider LPN-to-RN bridge pathways, especially since a significant portion of LPNs work in long-term care settings. The potential for salary growth in this vibrant market illustrates a pathway for sustained professional development and financial advancement.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Forest Grove in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Forest Grove?
Is nursing school worth it in Forest Grove?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Forest Grove?
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Related Pages
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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 Forest Grove. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Forest Grove 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