Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in West Haven, CT: $76,261 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in West Haven, CT earns a median $76,261/year (≈ $36.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in West Haven's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $70,677 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Haven, Connecticut, the anticipated median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is set at $76,261 for 2026, marking a significant increase compared to the national median of $68,071. The salary range reflects a diverse employment landscape, with starting salaries at around $60,673 (P10) and those reaching up to $98,705 (P90) for experienced professionals. This financial outlook takes into account local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, showcasing West Haven's competitive compensation structure. The presence of shift differentials and weekend premiums play a vital role in attracting talent to long-term care facilities, enabling them to effectively retain skilled LPNs who are crucial in managing patient care in challenging environments.
About the West Haven Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,673 | $29.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,625 | $33.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,261 | $36.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,543 | $43.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,705 | $47.46 |
Median Salary Position
12.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Haven
In West Haven, CT, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,032 (2026 est.). At $76,261, the local median is 12.03% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Haven: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Haven Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
West Haven median: $76,261/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Haven Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $78,057 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +12.03% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in West Haven, CT earn a median of $76,261 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.03% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $78,057.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Haven has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Haven, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,261 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,677 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,193
2025 BLS Actual
$72,149
2026 Current Est.
$76,261
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in West Haven (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,193 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,694 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,192 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,149 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,261 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,608 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Haven metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $53,193 (2019) to $72,149 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,608 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,415 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Haven 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,673 – $70,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,625 – $76,261 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,261 – $90,543 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,543 – $98,705 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in West Haven
Analyzing the local job market reveals that only 10 licensed practical nurses are employed in West Haven, which may indicate a tighter labor pool that could benefit current and prospective LPNs looking to maximize their earning potential. The cost of living in this area, with a CoL index of 107.9, suggests that while salaries are above the national average, it may also reflect higher everyday expenses. Among various employment settings, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest wages compared to home health agencies, physician offices, and assisted living communities. The disparity in pay within these environments often hinges on factors like the responsibility level, the presence of shift differentials, and the availability of specialized certifications such as IV therapy. To enhance compensation in West Haven, practical nursing professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications, focusing on long-term care roles, and being open to flexible work schedules that include evenings and weekends.
More salary data for West Haven, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in West Haven?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,149 for licensed practical nursesin the West Haven metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for West Haven 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