Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Branson, MO: $59,952 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Branson, MO earns a median $59,952/year (≈ $28.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Branson's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $66,911 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The earning potential for licensed practical nurses in Branson, MO, reflects the specialized skill set required in this field, with a projected median annual salary of $59,952 for 2026. The local salary range extends from $50,620 at the 10th percentile to $73,237 at the 90th percentile, offering insight into the compensation variability based on experience and workplace setting. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost factors, illuminate how significantly LPN duties, particularly in states like Missouri that authorize IV therapy and assessments, can influence compensation. Given Branson's unique healthcare landscape, the job market appears to be stable for LPNs, with opportunities concentrated in long-term care settings and niche specialties.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,620 | $24.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,367 | $27.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,952 | $28.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,016 | $33.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,237 | $35.21 |
Median Salary Position
11.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Branson
In Branson, MO, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,617 (2026 est.). At $59,952, the local median is 11.93% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Branson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Branson Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Branson median: $59,952/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Branson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,534 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -11.93% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Branson, MO earn a median of $59,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.93% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $64,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Branson has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Branson, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $59,952 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,911 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,817
2025 BLS Actual
$56,719
2026 Current Est.
$59,952
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,817 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,997 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,337 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,105 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,606 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,297 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,952 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,369 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Branson metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $41,817 (2019) to $56,719 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,369 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,552 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Branson 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) | $50,620 – $57,367 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,367 – $59,952 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,952 – $69,016 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,016 – $73,237 |
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 Branson
Despite the relatively modest number of licensed practical nurses working in Branson—only four reported in the area—these professionals benefit from a cost of living index of 89.6, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living can enhance the purchasing power of LPN salaries, though it doesn’t entirely offset the differences when compared to national standards. Long-term care facilities typically offer the highest salaries due to the demands associated with skilled nursing, while home health agencies and physician offices tend to pay lower salaries. The variation in pay can also be influenced by factors such as shift differentials, specialty certifications, and premium rates for weekend and holiday work. For those seeking to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Branson, pursuing additional certifications in IV therapy and seeking positions within skilled nursing settings may prove especially beneficial.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Branson?
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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 $56,719 for licensed practical nursesin the Branson 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 Branson 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