Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $38.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Ellensburg, WA runs $38.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,607 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ellensburg, Washington, licensed practical nurses can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $38.27 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This advantageous pay rate allows LPNs to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, whether they are working in full-time positions or electing for part-time roles, such as a three-day work week. In typical settings—ranging from skilled nursing facilities and home health visits to hospice care and correctional facilities—part-time and per-diem workers can find a good balance between earning potential and flexibility. Hourly incomes vary, with entry-level positions typically starting around $30.94, while experienced LPNs may command rates as high as $46.36, demonstrating the potential for significant income progression in this field in Ellensburg.
About the Ellensburg 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) | $30.94 | $247.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.49 | $283.95 |
| Median (P50) | $38.27 | $306.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.81 | $350.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.36 | $370.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $38.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.27/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,610 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,929. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,530.96 | $6,634 | $79,610 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $918.58 | $3,980 | $47,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $612.38 | $2,654 | $31,844 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Ellensburg) | $38.27 |
| 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 Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $79,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.95% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $83,445.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.27/hr = $47,766/year (purchasing power: $44,475).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,610/year (purchasing power: $74,125).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Ellensburg grew 35.6% from $26.70/hr (2019) to $36.21/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.46/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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
When considering the benefits of part-time or per-diem work, LPNs often weigh the trade-offs between consistent hourly earnings and the need for health insurance. For those who work three days a week, totaling 24 hours, the annual salary can still be quite respectable, although less than a full-time commitment. Per diem licensed practical nurses in Ellensburg typically bill between $28 to $42 per hour, while agency LPNs working in understaffed facilities may reach hourly rates from $45 to $60. Additionally, hourly compensation can vary depending on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals often offering different rates. This creates an important consideration for LPNs negotiating their pay in Ellensburg. Many choose to accept lower hourly rates for positions that provide health benefits, creating a balance between immediate pay and long-term security in their career paths.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Ellensburg in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Ellensburg?
Are licensed practical nurses in Ellensburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Ellensburg?
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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 Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg 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