Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Derby, KS: $61,016 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Derby, KS earns a median $61,016/year (≈ $29.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Derby's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $67,124 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, the projected median salary for a licensed practical nurse in 2026 is $61,016, which positions it approximately 10.36% below the national median of $68,071. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $47,968 at the lower end to $76,471 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied opportunities available in the area. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight compensation that is heavily influenced by the role's complexity, particularly in settings where shift differentials and weekend premiums are commonly offered. This affects the appeal of licensed practical nurse pay in Derby, KS, making it crucial for potential candidates to consider the employment landscape as they seek opportunities.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,968 | $23.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,839 | $26.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,016 | $29.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,082 | $34.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,471 | $36.76 |
Median Salary Position
10.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
In Derby, KS, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,503 (2026 est.). At $61,016, the local median is 10.36% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Derby: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Derby Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Derby median: $61,016/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Derby Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $61,883 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -10.36% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Derby, KS earn a median of $61,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 1.40% below the Kansas state average of $61,883.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Derby has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Derby, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $61,016 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,124 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,559
2025 BLS Actual
$57,726
2026 Current Est.
$61,016
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,559 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,761 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,088 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,611 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,726 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,016 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,494 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Derby metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $42,559 (2019) to $57,726 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,494 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,935 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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) | $47,968 – $55,839 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,839 – $61,016 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,016 – $71,082 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,082 – $76,471 |
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 Derby
With only four licensed practical nurses currently employed in Derby, the job market appears selective but presents unique compensation strategies that affect take-home pay. The cost of living index in Derby sits at 90.9, indicating a below-average cost of living compared to national norms, which can enhance purchasing power for nursing professionals. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings tend to offer the highest salaries due to the demand for specialized care and the availability of additional incentives such as IV therapy certification stipends and weekend/holiday premiums. Understanding the pay structure in Derby, Kansas, suggests that maximizing earning potential may require targeting these environments and pursuing certifications that bolster professional qualifications. Additionally, considering LPN-to-RN bridge pathways can lead to further financial and career growth opportunities in this evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Derby, KS in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Derby?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Derby?
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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 $57,726 for licensed practical nursesin the Derby 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 Derby 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