Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Washington, DC: $80,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Washington, DC earns a median $80,184/year (≈ $38.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Washington's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.9), that paycheck buys what $73,642 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the District of Columbia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Washington, DC, the 2026 median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) is projected to be $80,184, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. This market advantage reflects differences in employment settings and job functions; LPNs working in skilled nursing facilities typically earn more compared to those in home health or physician offices. The salary range for LPNs in the region extends from $65,407 at the 10th percentile to $92,456 at the 90th percentile, showcasing ample earning potential for skilled practitioners. These figures are derived from comprehensive surveys conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), indicating a robust demand for LPNs in Washington's healthcare landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,407 | $31.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,445 | $33.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,184 | $38.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,437 | $41.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,456 | $44.45 |
Median Salary Position
17.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Washington
In Washington, DC, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,049 (2026 est.). At $80,184, the local median is 17.79% above the national median of $68,071.
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How Washington Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Washington median: $80,184/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Washington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia Average | $79,627 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +17.79% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Washington, DC earn a median of $80,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.79% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.70% above the District of Columbia state average of $79,627.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Washington has a cost of living 8.88% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Washington, DC has a cost-of-living index of 108.884 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,184 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,642 — a 8.16% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,570
2025 BLS Actual
$75,860
2026 Current Est.
$80,184
2019–2027 Growth
+61.2%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,755 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 44.3% from $52,570 (2019) to $75,860 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,755 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,185 (61.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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) | $65,407 – $69,445 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,445 – $80,184 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,184 – $85,437 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,437 – $92,456 |
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 Washington
With approximately 7,170 licensed practical nurses currently employed locally, Washington's job market presents numerous opportunities for aspiring and current LPNs. The cost of living index sits at 108.884, higher than the national average, suggesting that healthcare professionals need to maximize their earning potential to maintain purchasing power in the region. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay rates, often supplemented by various incentives such as shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and additional compensation for weekend and holiday shifts. For LPNs looking to boost their salaries, pursuing certifications and seeking employment in high-demand settings, particularly long-term care, are effective strategies in Washington, DC. Additionally, maintaining awareness of market trends and considering LPN-to-RN bridge programs can enhance career growth and open pathways to higher paying positions.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $75,860 for licensed practical nursesin the Washington 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
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