Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kenmore, WA: $65,414 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Kenmore, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,414 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenmore's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,907 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,346) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kenmore, Washington, the starting licensed practical nurse salary reflects the city's promising job market for new graduates in 2026. With entry-level positions offering a pay range starting at $65,414, new LPNs can expect competitive compensation as they enter the workforce. Although this figure is below the city median of $78,346, it represents a solid foundation for early-career nurses. New graduates have the potential to advance their earnings through experience and skill development over the first few years, moving from the entry-level threshold to a more substantial compensation at the 25th percentile of approximately $74,183. The anticipated 5.70% growth rate in salaries suggests that entering the LPN profession in Kenmore is a strategic choice, providing opportunities for upward mobility in a supportive healthcare environment.
About the Kenmore Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenmore
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 Kenmore
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Kenmore, WA typically start between $65,414 and $74,183 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,790 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,346 — 15.09% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Washington of $16,000 represents just 24.46% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($65,414/year) in Kenmore. 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 Kenmore
- 1Research the Kenmore market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $65,414 to $74,183, 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 Kenmore, 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 Kenmore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenmore'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 Kenmore is $31,790 ( 48.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,414, experienced hygienists can earn up to $97,204.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,999
2025 BLS Actual
$61,886
2026 Current Est.
$65,414
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kenmore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,999 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,222 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,377 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,822 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,381 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,886 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,414 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,142 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Kenmore, WA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,999 in 2019 to $61,886 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,142. New graduates entering the Kenmore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenmore 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 Kenmore
In Kenmore, several local employers are known to hire new graduates for licensed practical nursing roles, with skilled nursing facilities being the primary source of entry-level jobs, often providing new hires with valuable on-the-job training. Home health agencies attract new LPNs with more flexible scheduling options, while physician offices may prefer candidates who already possess clinical experience. To enhance their earning potential, aspiring nurses should ensure they hold an active LPN/LVN license, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing program accredited by the state, and pass the NCLEX-PN. Additional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can further differentiate candidates in the competitive job market. As LPN scope of practice can vary, understanding local regulatory environments is vital for new nurses aiming to climb the career ladder, with many pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs to achieve higher salaries and increased responsibilities.
More salary data for Kenmore, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Kenmore in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Kenmore?
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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 Kenmore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenmore 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