Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Auburn, WA: $82,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Auburn, WA earns a median $82,487/year (≈ $39.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $76,804 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Washington, licensed practical nurses can expect a competitive median annual salary of $82,487 in 2026. This exceeds the national median of $68,071 by a significant margin, indicating favorable compensation for LPNs in the region. The salary range for this occupation spans from $60,421 at the lower end (P10) to $108,557 at the high end (P90). These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflect the influence of state-specific scope-of-practice regulations allowing LPNs in Washington to perform procedures like IV therapy and comprehensive patient assessments. Such responsibilities contribute to the attractive salary averages and highlight the skilled nature of LPN work in the local healthcare landscape.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,421 | $29.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,693 | $36.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,487 | $39.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,948 | $47.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,557 | $52.19 |
Median Salary Position
21.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,136 (2026 est.). At $82,487, the local median is 21.18% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Auburn median: $82,487/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,489 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +21.18% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Auburn, WA earn a median of $82,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.18% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $83,489.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,487 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,804 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,536
2025 BLS Actual
$78,039
2026 Current Est.
$82,487
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,536 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,188 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,435 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,039 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,189 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,536 (2019) to $78,039 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,189 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,653 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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) | $60,421 – $75,693 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,693 – $82,487 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,487 – $98,948 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,948 – $108,557 |
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 Auburn
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Auburn is relatively stable, with 23 individuals employed in this field. However, the cost of living index of 107.4 suggests that higher salaries can be essential for maintaining purchasing power in the area. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and long-term care providers typically offer the most competitive pay, while home health agencies and physician offices may provide lower salaries. The variation between pay levels can often be attributed to factors such as work setting, shift differentials, and special certifications like IV therapy. Newer LPNs keen on maximizing their earnings should consider seeking roles in skilled nursing or pursuing additional certifications, as these pathways can enhance their overall compensation within Auburn's market.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
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 $78,039 for licensed practical nursesin the Auburn 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 Auburn 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