Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Federal Way, WA: $82,697 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Federal Way, WA earns a median $82,697/year (≈ $39.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Federal Way's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $76,999 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in Federal Way, Washington, is estimated at $82,697, significantly surpassing the national median of $68,071. Salaries in this area exhibit a robust range, with the bottom 10% earning approximately $63,714, and the top 90% reaching up to $108,365. These figures stem from estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for the regional cost of living. The earning potential in Federal Way is bolstered by factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums that enhance compensation in long-term care settings. This competitive salary structure indicates a strong demand for skilled LPNs in the area.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,714 | $30.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,232 | $36.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,697 | $39.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,421 | $47.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,365 | $52.10 |
Median Salary Position
21.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Federal Way
In Federal Way, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,651 (2026 est.). At $82,697, the local median is 21.49% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Federal Way: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Federal Way Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Federal Way median: $82,697/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Federal Way Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,448 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +21.49% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Federal Way, WA earn a median of $82,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.49% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $83,448.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Federal Way has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Federal Way, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,697 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,999 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,682
2025 BLS Actual
$78,237
2026 Current Est.
$82,697
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,682 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,309 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,398 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,356 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,564 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,237 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,697 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,410 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Federal Way metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,682 (2019) to $78,237 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,410 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,728 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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) | $63,714 – $75,232 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,232 – $82,697 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,697 – $98,421 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,421 – $108,365 |
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 Federal Way
With 22 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Federal Way, the local job market shows promising growth, with an annual increase projected at 5.70%. However, the cost-of-living index of 107.4 suggests that take-home purchasing power could be impacted, as expenses in the region are higher than the national average. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most substantial pay, followed by home health agencies and hospitals. The variance in salaries often reflects the work environment and responsibilities, with positions in skilled nursing bringing higher remuneration due to the complexity involved. To optimize earning potential, LPNs in Federal Way can seek specialized certifications, explore opportunities in high-demand areas, and consider shifts that include weekend or holiday work, all of which can lead to added bonuses and higher pay.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Federal Way, WA in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Federal Way?
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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 $78,237 for licensed practical nursesin the Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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