Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Camas, WA: $63,445 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,445 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,074 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,188) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the licensed practical nursing field in Camas, Washington, a new grad can expect an entry-level licensed practical nurse salary of around $63,445 in 2026. This starting figure reflects the lower tenth percentile of salaries for the profession, creating a noticeable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $79,188. However, growth potential for early-career LPNs is promising, as they can anticipate salary increases moving through the twenty-fifth percentile at $73,596 within a few years, ultimately aiming for the median salary as they gain experience and advance in their roles. Given the city's strong projected growth rate of 5.70%, Camas appears to be a favorable market for new nursing graduates.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
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 Camas
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Camas, WA typically start between $63,445 and $73,596 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,596 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,188 — 16.33% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Washington of $16,000 represents just 25.22% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($63,445/year) in Camas. 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 Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $63,445 to $73,596, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camas, 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 Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas'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 Camas is $37,596 ( 59.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,445, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,041.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,705
2025 BLS Actual
$60,024
2026 Current Est.
$63,445
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,705 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,831 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,862 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,113 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,562 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,445 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,062 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,705 in 2019 to $60,024 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,062. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
In terms of employment opportunities, several healthcare providers in Camas are open to hiring new LPN graduates. Skilled nursing facilities often provide comprehensive on-the-job orientation, making them a significant avenue for recent graduates. Home health agencies may also present flexible scheduling options, attracting new LPNs seeking work-life balance. To enhance their earning potential in Washington, candidates should prioritize obtaining an active LPN/LVN license from the state board of nursing, completing a 12 to 18-month practical nursing diploma, and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Additionally, certifications such as IV therapy or wound care can further boost starting pay. A strategic career path for newly licensed practical nurses often includes exploring LPN-to-RN bridge programs within the first few years, as many LPNs move toward nursing roles with greater responsibilities, especially given the trend of hospitals focusing on all-RN staffing models. While income may grow steadily in the initial years, those dedicated to further education and specialization will find more substantial salary increases as they progress.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Camas in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Camas?
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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 Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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