Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in McLean, VA: $63,504 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in McLean, VA earns a median $63,504/year (≈ $30.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in McLean's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McLean, Virginia, licensed practical nurse salaries are projected to reach a median annual figure of $63,504 by 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $68,071. This salary range varies significantly, as evidenced by the 10th percentile earning approximately $49,085 and the 90th percentile at around $78,484. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and take into account local cost adjustments. Virginia's scope-of-practice rules enhance the role of the LPN by including IV therapy and assessment capabilities, which can influence compensation levels. Understanding this context is vital for prospective LPNs in McLean, as it shapes the job market dynamics and sets expectations for career advancement.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,085 | $23.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,545 | $27.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,504 | $30.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,451 | $35.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,484 | $37.73 |
Median Salary Position
6.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McLean
In McLean, VA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,399 (2026 est.). At $63,504, the local median is 6.71% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McLean: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McLean Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
McLean median: $63,504/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McLean Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $64,866 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -6.71% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in McLean, VA earn a median of $63,504 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.71% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $64,866.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McLean has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McLean, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,504 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,535 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,294
2025 BLS Actual
$60,079
2026 Current Est.
$63,504
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,294 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,544 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,845 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,955 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,722 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,566 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,079 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,504 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,123 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the McLean metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $44,294 (2019) to $60,079 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,123 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,829 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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) | $49,085 – $57,545 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,545 – $63,504 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,504 – $73,451 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,451 – $78,484 |
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 McLean
The job market for licensed practical nurses in McLean is relatively small, with only 11 LPNs currently employed in the area, pointing to a close-knit healthcare community. The cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, indicating that expenses are above the national average, which could impact the purchasing power of LPN salaries. While skilled nursing facilities and long-term care environments tend to offer the highest compensation, home health agencies and physician offices generally pay less. Contributing factors to salary variability include shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and the demand for weekend or holiday availability in long-term care settings. For LPNs looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing certification in specialties such as IV therapy and considering work in higher-paying environments like skilled nursing facilities could prove beneficial in the McLean VA market.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in McLean, VA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in McLean?
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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 $60,079 for licensed practical nursesin the McLean 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 McLean 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