Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Valparaiso, IN: $67,699 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Valparaiso, IN earns a median $67,699/year (≈ $32.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Valparaiso's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $74,150 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurse salaries in Valparaiso, Indiana, are expected to reach a median annual figure of $67,699, which is slightly below the national median of $68,071. The salary range for these professionals is projected to span from $52,972 at the 10th percentile to $82,493 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, and provide insight into the competitive landscape of LPN pay in Valparaiso. The structural choices between working in skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and clinic settings can significantly impact earning potential, creating distinct pay implications for those entering the field.
About the Valparaiso Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,972 | $25.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,980 | $29.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,699 | $32.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,433 | $37.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,493 | $39.66 |
Median Salary Position
0.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Valparaiso
In Valparaiso, IN, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,521 (2026 est.). At $67,699, the local median is 0.55% below the national median of $68,071.
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How Valparaiso Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Valparaiso median: $67,699/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Valparaiso Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $68,660 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -0.55% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $67,699 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.55% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $68,660.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Valparaiso has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Valparaiso, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $67,699 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,150 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,220
2025 BLS Actual
$64,048
2026 Current Est.
$67,699
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,553 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,807 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,321 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,404 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,533 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,048 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,699 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,558 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Valparaiso metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $47,220 (2019) to $64,048 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,558 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,338 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Valparaiso 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) | $52,972 – $61,980 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,980 – $67,699 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,699 – $77,433 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,433 – $82,493 |
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 Valparaiso
The local job market for licensed practical nurses in Valparaiso is relatively small, with only nine LPNs currently employed in the area. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 91.3, this suggests that while salaries may be competitive, the purchasing power of LPNs in this region is critical to consider. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher pay compared to home health agencies and physician offices. The disparity in earnings can be driven by factors such as shift differentials, stipends for IV therapy certifications, and weekend or holiday premiums commonly found in long-term care settings. To maximize their earning potential, licensed practical nurses should explore opportunities for further specialization or certification, particularly within long-term care, which continues to employ a significant portion of LPNs in the industry.
More salary data for Valparaiso, IN:
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 $64,048 for licensed practical nursesin the Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso 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