Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Salem, VA: $62,895 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Salem, VA earns a median $62,895/year (≈ $30.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $60,945 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the anticipated licensed practical nurse salary in Salem, Virginia, stands at $62,895 annually, reflecting local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and accounting for regional price adjustments. This salary places local compensation approximately 7.60% below the national median of $68,071, with earnings ranging from $47,610 at the 10th percentile to $76,590 at the 90th percentile. Essential to understanding these figures is Virginia's nursing practice scope, which permits LPNs to perform tasks like IV therapy and comprehensive assessments. This expanded skill set not only broadens career opportunities but also influences pay structures, particularly in settings where such qualifications are valued.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,610 | $22.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,096 | $28.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,895 | $30.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,051 | $34.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,590 | $36.83 |
Median Salary Position
7.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,980 (2026 est.). At $62,895, the local median is 7.6% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be above the median
How Salem Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Salem median: $62,895/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $64,840 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -7.60% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Salem, VA earn a median of $62,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.60% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $64,840.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,895 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,945 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,870
2025 BLS Actual
$59,503
2026 Current Est.
$62,895
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,108 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,467 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,188 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,503 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,895 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,480 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $43,870 (2019) to $59,503 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,480 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,610 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $47,610 – $60,096 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,096 – $62,895 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,895 – $72,051 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,051 – $76,590 |
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 Salem
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently six licensed practical nurses employed in Salem. The cost-of-living index in the area is 103.2, slightly above the national average, impacting the purchasing power of LPN salaries. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest wages among local employers, followed closely by hospitals, though a trend has emerged wherein many hospitals are prioritizing RN staffing models. The pay spread for LPN positions can be significant, driven by various factors including the setting—where skilled nursing typically outpaces home health and physician offices—and additional considerations like shift differentials and certification stipends for IV therapy. To maximize earnings in the Salem market, LPNs should seek positions in higher-paying environments and consider taking on additional shifts or pursuing further certifications that enhance their qualifications.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Salem, VA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Salem?
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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 $59,503 for licensed practical nursesin the Salem 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 Salem 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