Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Bellingham, WA: $83,228 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Bellingham, WA earns a median $83,228/year (≈ $40.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Bellingham's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $80,543 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Licensed practical nurses in Bellingham, Washington, find themselves in a robust job market, with a projected median annual salary of $83,228 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. The salary range for this role varies widely, from approximately $67,320 at the lower end (P10) to $101,916 for those on the higher end of the spectrum (P90). This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys, reflects the local healthcare landscape, which encompasses settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and clinics. With long-term care settings traditionally offering higher compensation compared to other areas, the demand for LPNs remains strong in Bellingham, pointing to a competitive environment for both employers and prospective nurses.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,320 | $32.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,495 | $36.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,228 | $40.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,972 | $43.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,916 | $49.00 |
Median Salary Position
22.27% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellingham
In Bellingham, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,596 (2026 est.). At $83,228, the local median is 22.27% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellingham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellingham Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Bellingham median: $83,228/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,479 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +22.27% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Bellingham, WA earn a median of $83,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.27% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $83,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellingham has a cost of living 3.33% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellingham, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.334 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,228 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $80,543 — a 3.23% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,350
2025 BLS Actual
$78,740
2026 Current Est.
$83,228
2019–2027 Growth
+78.3%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,228 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,972 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellingham metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 59.6% from $49,350 (2019) to $78,740 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,972 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,622 (78.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham 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) | $67,320 – $76,495 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,495 – $83,228 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,228 – $89,972 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,972 – $101,916 |
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 Bellingham
The local job market shows that around 220 licensed practical nurses are currently employed in Bellingham, contributing to the area's growth rate of 5.70% annually. The cost of living index in Bellingham stands at 103.334, suggesting that while salaries are strong, the increased expenses associated with urban living may impact take-home purchasing power for these professionals. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay, whereas home health agencies and physician offices often pay less. Factors influencing the variation in pay include shift differentials, certifications in IV therapy, charge nurse roles, and weekend premiums. For LPNs seeking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing additional certifications and considering roles in environments known for higher pay, such as long-term care, can provide a strategic advantage in the Bellingham market.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Bellingham, WA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Bellingham?
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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 $78,740 for licensed practical nursesin the Bellingham 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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