Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kalispell, MT: $63,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Kalispell, MT earns a median $63,716/year (≈ $30.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $66,233 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Kalispell, MT, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $63,716, which is slightly below the national median of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs in the area spans from $51,325 at the lower end to $75,104 at the upper end, reflecting the varying levels of experience and settings in which one may work. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional pricing adjustments. The scope of practice for LPNs in Montana, which includes tasks like IV therapy and patient assessment, can influence compensation levels, enabling LPNs to provide critical care alongside RNs and thus commanding competitive wages in specific healthcare settings. Kalispell's job market is relatively tight, with only four licensed practical nurses currently employed, highlighting the potential for career growth and demand for skilled nursing professionals.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,325 | $24.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,170 | $28.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,716 | $30.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,658 | $34.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,104 | $36.11 |
Median Salary Position
6.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,779 (2026 est.). At $63,716, the local median is 6.4% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be above the median
How Kalispell Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $63,716/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $66,718 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -6.40% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $63,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.40% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $66,718.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $63,716 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,233 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,442
2025 BLS Actual
$60,280
2026 Current Est.
$63,716
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,442 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,697 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,995 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,126 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,909 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,348 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $44,442 (2019) to $60,280 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,348 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,906 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $51,325 – $59,170 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,170 – $63,716 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,716 – $71,658 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,658 – $75,104 |
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 Kalispell
Bridging the gap between lower and higher salaries can depend on several factors in Kalispell. The local cost of living, indexed at 96.2, suggests that while salaries may be lower compared to national averages, purchasing power remains favorable. Employers like skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher wages compared to home health agencies or physician offices, in part due to the complexity of care required in long-term environments. To enhance earning potential, LPNs should consider positions in skilled nursing, where the pay structure might include shift differentials, weekend premiums, and stipends for specialties such as IV therapy. These incentives can significantly impact overall compensation. As the local healthcare landscape evolves, pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge pathways may provide further financial benefits and greater career advancement opportunities within Kalispell's healthcare system.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $60,280 for licensed practical nursesin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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