Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $79,607 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $79,607/year (≈ $38.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $74,122 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Ellensburg, Washington, can anticipate a median annual salary of $79,607, which stands significantly higher than the national average of $68,071, reflecting a 16.95% premium for local practitioners. Salaries for LPNs in the region range from $64,342 at the 10th percentile to $96,422 at the 90th percentile, indicating that compensation varies widely based on experience and specific job settings. These figures, driven by estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for local cost of living, provide insights into how the local demand for skilled nursing—particularly in long-term care—affects pay. Ellensburg's scope-of-practice regulations, including IV therapy and assessment capabilities, also play a role in determining the financial landscape for LPNs in the area.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,342 | $30.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,833 | $35.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,607 | $38.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,131 | $43.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,422 | $46.36 |
Median Salary Position
16.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,080 (2026 est.). At $79,607, the local median is 16.95% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellensburg Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $79,607/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,445 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +16.95% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $79,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.95% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $83,445.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,607 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,122 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,527
2025 BLS Actual
$75,314
2026 Current Est.
$79,607
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,527 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,217 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,877 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,853 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,767 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,314 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,607 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,144 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $55,527 (2019) to $75,314 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,144 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,617 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $64,342 – $73,833 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,833 – $79,607 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,607 – $91,131 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,131 – $96,422 |
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 Ellensburg
The local job market for licensed practical nurses is relatively modest, with only six LPNs employed in the Ellensburg area. The cost-of-living index for this city sits at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may not stretch as far as in regions with lower living costs. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, followed by home health agencies and hospitals. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors such as workplace setting, shift differentials, and bonuses for certifications like IV therapy. To enhance earning potential in Ellensburg, LPNs should consider opportunities in long-term care environments that provide additional premiums for weekend and holiday shifts. Pursuing specialized skills and credentials can also lead to improved strategies for maximizing licensed practical nurse pay in Ellensburg WA.
More salary data for Ellensburg, 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 $75,314 for licensed practical nursesin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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