Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Auburn, WA: $39.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Auburn, WA runs $39.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,487 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,494 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Washington, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $39.66 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This robust figure offers attractive earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers, allowing them to thrive in a variety of settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and assisted living communities. With a range from $29.05 at the 10th percentile to $52.19 for top earners, the hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled nursing professionals, especially in a region where the cost of living is slightly above the national average. The projections are based on 2025 BLS data, suggesting that even entry-level positions can still yield a reasonable wage that supports a sustainable living.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.05 | $232.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.39 | $291.14 |
| Median (P50) | $39.66 | $317.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.58 | $380.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.19 | $417.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $39.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.66/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, WA can expect to earn approximately $82,490 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,590. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,586.35 | $6,874 | $82,490 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $951.81 | $4,124 | $49,494 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.54 | $2,750 | $32,996 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Auburn) | $39.66 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Auburn, WA earn a median of $82,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.18% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $83,489.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.66/hr = $49,494/year (purchasing power: $46,084).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,490/year (purchasing power: $76,806).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Auburn grew 35.6% from $27.66/hr (2019) to $37.52/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.92/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Auburn
When examining the earning potential of part-time LPNs who may work three days a week, it's evident that income can vary greatly compared to full-time positions. For instance, working 24 hours per week, a LPN could still earn a respectable income—albeit less than full-time nurses—though the annual take-home might be significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts. In per diem roles, licensed practical nurses typically command rates between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency positions at understaffed facilities might reach $45 to $60 per hour. Despite these attractive hourly rates, LPNs must consider the trade-offs involved with employment types that offer benefits versus those with higher pay but no health insurance. For those seeking contracts or per-diem opportunities, negotiating the hourly wage can be vital. Understanding the salary dynamics in Auburn, with variances across settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities, provides strategic insight for LPNs aiming to maximize their earnings in WA.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Auburn in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Auburn. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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