Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kansas City, KS: $68,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Kansas City, KS earns a median $68,525/year (≈ $32.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Kansas City's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $75,385 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.7% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kansas City, KS, licensed practical nurses can expect a median annual salary of $68,525 in 2026, outperforming the national average of $68,071 by a small margin. The salary range for LPNs in the area extends from $50,130 at the 10th percentile to $88,878 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse earning potential based on experience, specialization, and practice settings. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight the significant variations in pay tied to work environments. For instance, LPNs employed in skilled nursing facilities typically earn more than their counterparts in home health agencies or physician offices, which can greatly influence overall compensation in Kansas City's healthcare job market.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,130 | $24.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,321 | $29.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,525 | $32.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,011 | $38.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,878 | $42.73 |
Median Salary Position
0.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kansas City
In Kansas City, KS, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,748 (2026 est.). At $68,525, the local median is 0.67% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kansas City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kansas City Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Kansas City median: $68,525/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kansas City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $61,902 | +10.70% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +0.67% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Kansas City, KS earn a median of $68,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.67% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 10.70% above the Kansas state average of $61,902.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kansas City 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.
Kansas City, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $68,525 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,385 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,797
2025 BLS Actual
$64,830
2026 Current Est.
$68,525
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,797 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,146 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,391 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,129 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,044 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,431 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas City metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $47,797 (2019) to $64,830 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,431 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,634 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas City 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) | $50,130 – $60,321 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,321 – $68,525 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,525 – $81,011 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,011 – $88,878 |
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 Kansas City
A total of 25 licensed practical nurses are currently employed in the Kansas City area, indicating a growing demand in the local healthcare sector despite a cost-of-living index of 90.9, which suggests that living expenses are below the national average. This can enhance the purchasing power for LPNs, making the overall compensation more attractive. Among the top echelons of employers, skilled nursing and long-term care facilities tend to offer the most competitive pay, particularly for those with specialized skills, such as IV therapy certification or weekend shift availability. Factors driving the wage disparity in Kansas City include employer practices, shift differentials, and the increased responsibilities often assigned to LPNs in various settings. To maximize earning potential in this market, LPNs should consider obtaining additional certifications, pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs, and seeking positions that provide premium pay for evening and holiday shifts, aligning their career trajectories with the demands of the region.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Kansas City, KS in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Kansas City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Kansas City?
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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
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 $64,830 for licensed practical nursesin the Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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