Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Burien, WA: $83,062 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Burien, WA earns a median $83,062/year (≈ $39.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Burien's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $77,339 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, WA, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect to earn a median annual salary of $83,062 in 2026, reflecting the different pay structures across various healthcare settings. With a salary range from $66,073 at the 10th percentile to $110,737 at the 90th percentile, factors such as shift differentials and certifications can greatly influence earning potential. These figures are reflective of local labor conditions, which are modeled on 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for the region's cost of living. In this competitive environment, LPNs working in skilled nursing facilities typically earn higher wages than those in home health or physician offices, making Burien's job market particularly attractive for nursing professionals.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,073 | $31.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,915 | $36.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,062 | $39.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,299 | $48.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,737 | $53.24 |
Median Salary Position
22.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
In Burien, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,664 (2026 est.). At $83,062, the local median is 22.02% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burien: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burien Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Burien median: $83,062/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burien Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,480 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +22.02% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Burien, WA earn a median of $83,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.02% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $83,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burien has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burien, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,062 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,339 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,937
2025 BLS Actual
$78,583
2026 Current Est.
$83,062
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,937 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,572 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,657 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,968 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,583 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,062 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,797 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burien metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,937 (2019) to $78,583 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,797 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,860 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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) | $66,073 – $76,915 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,915 – $83,062 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,062 – $100,299 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,299 – $110,737 |
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 Burien
The local job market for licensed practical nurses remains stable, with eight LPNs employed in Burien. However, the cost-of-living index stands at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries are comparatively high, the purchasing power for LPNs may be impacted by higher living expenses. Those looking to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Burien, WA, may find opportunities in skilled nursing facilities, which consistently offer better pay compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Additional compensation can be achieved through certifications in IV therapy and by working weekends or holidays, where premiums are often offered. Understanding these dynamics allows for strategic career decisions, such as pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge pathways or seeking positions in sectors that prioritize long-term care, thereby enhancing one’s overall earnings and professional development.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $78,583 for licensed practical nursesin the Burien 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 Burien 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