Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Redmond, WA: $62,584 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Redmond, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,584 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redmond's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,272 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($83,372) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field in Redmond, WA, can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $62,584 in 2026. This figure represents the starting point for new nurses, particularly against the backdrop of the local median annual salary of $83,372. The gap between these two amounts highlights the opportunities for growth in the initial years of a nursing career. Within the first 3-5 years, entry-level LPNs are likely to see their salaries increase, with potential earnings reaching $74,400 and even approaching the median as they gain experience. Overall, Redmond is a promising market for new graduates, with a competitive starting licensed practical nurse salary that sits above the national median of $68,071, making it a viable option for those starting their careers.
About the Redmond Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redmond
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 Redmond
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Redmond, WA typically start between $62,584 and $74,400 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,192 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $83,372 — 22.48% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Washington of $16,000 represents just 25.57% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($62,584/year) in Redmond. 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 Redmond
- 1Research the Redmond market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $62,584 to $74,400, 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 Redmond, 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 Redmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Redmond'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 Redmond is $49,192 ( 78.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,584, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,776.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$41,139
2025 BLS Actual
$59,209
2026 Current Est.
$62,584
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Redmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,139 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,222 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,198 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,759 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,584 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,151 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Redmond, WA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $41,139 in 2019 to $59,209 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,151. New graduates entering the Redmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond 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 Redmond
In Redmond, various employers are seeking new graduate licensed practical nurses to fill essential roles within the healthcare sector. Skilled nursing facilities typically hire a large portion of entry-level LPNs, providing structured on-the-job orientation, while home health agencies often offer attractive flexible scheduling options. Physicians' offices may prefer candidates who have relevant clinic experience. To enhance starting pay in Washington, new graduates should focus on obtaining their active LPN/LVN license, completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an approved program, and passing the NCLEX-PN. Optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further boost employability and salary. Over the first one to three years, LPNs should anticipate steady growth in their salaries, especially as they consider pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs that align with evolving labor dynamics in healthcare—particularly as hospitals continue to move towards all-RN staffing models and long-term care facilities remain significant employers.
More salary data for Redmond, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Redmond in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Redmond?
Is nursing school worth it in Redmond?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Redmond?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Washington?
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 Redmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redmond 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