Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Seattle, WA: $74,392 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Seattle, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,392 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Seattle's local price level (BEA RPP 111.1 — 11% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,940 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,574) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the licensed practical nursing field in Seattle can anticipate a starting salary around $74,392, which is understandably lower than the city’s median of $90,574. For new LPNs, this gap highlights a crucial reality in the transition from education to employment, where the initial earnings reflect limited experience. However, as entry-level nurses gain skills and experience, they can realistically expect their salaries to climb towards the 25th percentile at $85,152 within a few years. Many factors contribute to Seattle's promising job market for new nursing graduates, including its growing healthcare sector and supportive employers eager to train new hires, making it a solid choice for aspiring LPNs.
Career Earnings Timeline in Seattle
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 Seattle
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Seattle, WA typically start between $74,392 and $85,152 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,807 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,574 — 33.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Washington of $16,000 represents just 21.51% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($74,392/year) in Seattle. 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 Seattle
- 1Research the Seattle market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $74,392 to $85,152, 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Seattle's above-average cost of living (index: 111.133) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Seattle is $34,807 ( 46.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,392, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,199.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,230
2025 BLS Actual
$70,380
2026 Current Est.
$74,392
2019–2027 Growth
+63.0%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,392 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,632 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Seattle, WA grew 45.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,230 in 2019 to $70,380 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,632. New graduates entering the Seattle job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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 Seattle
Employers in Seattle hire new graduate licensed practical nurses across a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and physician offices. Skilled nursing facilities are particularly notable for their willingness to offer on-the-job training, which is especially beneficial for new nurses starting their careers. Home health agencies often provide flexible scheduling options that appeal to recent graduates, while physician offices generally seek candidates with specific clinical experiences. To enhance starting licensed practical nurse pay in WA, candidates should ensure they possess an active LPN license, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing program, and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Additional certifications such as IV therapy or wound care can be advantageous. In the early years of their careers, many new LPNs in Seattle should also consider LPN-to-RN bridge programs, as hospitals increasingly move towards higher staffing models featuring registered nurses, which can provide valuable long-term career pathways.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Seattle. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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