Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Bristol, VA: $58,445 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Bristol, VA earns a median $58,445/year (≈ $28.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $56,633 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.9% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, VA, the licensed practical nurse pay reflects both the state's advanced scope-of-practice rules, including authority for IV therapy and patient assessment, and the economic landscape of the region. In 2026, the median annual salary for licensed practical nurses is projected to be $58,445, which marks a significant disparity of 14.14% below the national median of $68,071. Salaries in Bristol will typically range from $48,049 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $71,545 at the upper end (90th percentile). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for the local cost of living, which is slightly above the national average at an index of 103.2, suggesting that while the pay may be lower than the national standard, the cost of living remains manageable.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,049 | $23.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,795 | $26.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,445 | $28.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,548 | $32.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,545 | $34.39 |
Median Salary Position
14.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,496 (2026 est.). At $58,445, the local median is 14.14% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Bristol median: $58,445/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $64,866 | -9.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -14.14% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Bristol, VA earn a median of $58,445 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.14% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 9.90% below the Virginia state average of $64,866.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,445 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,633 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,766
2025 BLS Actual
$55,293
2026 Current Est.
$58,445
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,766 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,916 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,272 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,283 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,582 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,293 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,445 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,776 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $40,766 (2019) to $55,293 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,776 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,010 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $48,049 – $54,795 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,795 – $58,445 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,445 – $67,548 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,548 – $71,545 |
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 Bristol
Analyzing the local job market reveals that only six licensed practical nurses are currently employed in Bristol, highlighting a tightly-knit community with niche opportunities. The cost of living index at 103.2 indicates that while salaries are below the national average, the real purchasing power for LPNs may be more favorable when considering local expenses. Among the various employers in the region, skilled nursing facilities generally provide the highest pay, followed closely by home health agencies and hospitals. Factors influencing the remuneration range include the work setting, availability of shift differentials, and any IV therapy certification stipends. To maximize potential earnings in Bristol, practical nurses should consider working in long-term care settings, where pay is often superior, and remaining open to opportunities offering weekend or holiday premiums can enhance their overall compensation, creating a path toward financial stability in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Bristol?
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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 $55,293 for licensed practical nursesin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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