Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Pendleton, OR: $80,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Pendleton, OR earns a median $80,831/year (≈ $38.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $78,783 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pendleton, Oregon, the licensed practical nurse salary is projected to reach a median of $80,831 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071, indicating a competitive local market for these essential healthcare professionals. The salary range for licensed practical nurses in Pendleton spans from $66,223 at the 10th percentile to $96,020 for those in the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying demands and responsibilities associated with this role. Given that Oregon's LPN scope of practice includes IV therapy and assessment, these capabilities can contribute to a higher compensation level compared to states with more limited practice laws. As such, Pendleton’s healthcare employers are likely looking for LPNs who are equipped with these skills, especially in settings that focus on long-term care and skilled nursing facilities.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,223 | $31.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,680 | $36.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,831 | $38.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,262 | $44.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,020 | $46.16 |
Median Salary Position
18.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,797 (2026 est.). At $80,831, the local median is 18.75% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pendleton Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $80,831/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $84,111 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +18.75% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $80,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.75% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $84,111.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,831 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,783 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,380
2025 BLS Actual
$76,472
2026 Current Est.
$80,831
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,971 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,859 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,927 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,022 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,438 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $56,380 (2019) to $76,472 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,438 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,058 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $66,223 – $75,680 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,680 – $80,831 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,831 – $93,262 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,262 – $96,020 |
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 Pendleton
In terms of the local job market, only five licensed practical nurses are currently employed in Pendleton, which suggests a combination of limited positions and strong competition among candidates. The cost-of-living index stands at 102.6, which is slightly above the national average, impacting the effective purchasing power of local salaries. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies tend to offer the highest pay, often influenced by factors such as shift differentials, IV therapy certifications, and weekend or holiday premiums. To maximize earnings in this market, LPNs should consider pursuing further certifications or specializing in areas that generally offer higher wages. Additionally, seeking opportunities in settings with a high demand for LPN services may yield better financial returns, particularly in long-term care settings where the demand for nursing staff remains robust.
More salary data for Pendleton, OR:
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 $76,472 for licensed practical nursesin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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