Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Covington, WA: $78,340 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Covington, WA earns a median $78,340/year (≈ $37.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Covington's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $72,942 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.1% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurses in Covington, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $78,340 in 2026, reflecting a competitive remuneration rate in the healthcare sector. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $68,071, indicating a premium for local LPNs in the market. The projected salary range for LPNs spans from $61,163 at the 10th percentile to $96,996 at the 90th percentile, encompassing a diverse spectrum of compensation based on experience and specialization. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, reveal how the state's scope-of-practice regulations—such as authorized IV therapy and patient assessment—impact earnings. With a small number of licensed practical nurses (only five currently employed in the area), this suggests a specialized job market that may present additional opportunities for growth and professional development in Covington.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,163 | $29.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,170 | $35.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,340 | $37.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,219 | $43.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,996 | $46.63 |
Median Salary Position
15.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Covington
In Covington, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,833 (2026 est.). At $78,340, the local median is 15.09% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Covington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Covington Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Covington median: $78,340/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Covington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,429 | -6.10% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +15.09% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Covington, WA earn a median of $78,340 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.09% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 6.10% below the Washington state average of $83,429.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Covington has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Covington, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,340 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,942 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,643
2025 BLS Actual
$74,115
2026 Current Est.
$78,340
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Covington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,643 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,185 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,860 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,741 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,340 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,805 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Covington metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $54,643 (2019) to $74,115 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,805 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,162 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Covington 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) | $61,163 – $74,170 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,170 – $78,340 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,340 – $91,219 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,219 – $96,996 |
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 Covington
Looking closely at the Covington job market, the cost of living index sits at 107.4, indicating that residents face higher living expenses compared to the national average. This factor demands careful consideration for LPNs in terms of salary negotiation and job selection. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings typically offer the highest wages, with home health agencies and physician offices lagging behind. Variability in pay can often be attributed to factors such as certification stipends for IV therapy, shift differentials, and weekend or holiday premiums. These elements can significantly influence total compensation. To maximize earnings in Covington, LPNs should consider pursuing specialized certifications, seeking employment in long-term care environments, and negotiating for higher pay for difficult shifts. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring licensed practical nurses navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Covington, 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 $74,115 for licensed practical nursesin the Covington 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 Covington 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