Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Seattle, WA: $90,574 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Seattle, WA earns a median $90,574/year (≈ $43.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Seattle's price level (11% above national, BEA RPP 111.1), that paycheck buys what $81,501 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.5% above the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, licensed practical nurses are projected to earn a median annual salary of $90,574 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. Salary estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data indicate a diverse compensation range, with newcomers at the lower end making around $74,392, while experienced LPNs in more advanced positions can earn up to $109,199 annually. The city's healthcare framework, which includes a mix of skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and clinics, heavily influences earning potential. Those seeking stable, full-time employment in long-term care settings tend to yield better pay compared to their counterparts in home health or physician offices, reflecting the city's demand for comprehensive nursing services.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,392 | $35.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,152 | $40.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,574 | $43.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,127 | $49.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,199 | $52.50 |
Median Salary Position
33.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Seattle
In Seattle, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,807 (2026 est.). At $90,574, the local median is 33.06% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Seattle: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Seattle Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Seattle median: $90,574/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Seattle Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,479 | +8.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +33.06% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Seattle, WA earn a median of $90,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.06% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 8.50% above the Washington state average of $83,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Seattle has a cost of living 11.13% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Seattle, WA has a cost-of-living index of 111.133 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $90,574 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $81,501 — a 10.02% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,860
2025 BLS Actual
$85,690
2026 Current Est.
$90,574
2019–2027 Growth
+59.9%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,574 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,737 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Seattle metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 43.2% from $59,860 (2019) to $85,690 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,737 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,877 (59.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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) | $74,392 – $85,152 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,152 – $90,574 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,574 – $102,127 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,127 – $109,199 |
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 Seattle
As of now, approximately 3,470 licensed practical nurses operate within Seattle's healthcare system, providing robust job opportunities. However, the cost of living index at 111.133 indicates that the income must stretch further to cover basic expenses. Skilled nursing facilities generally offer the most competitive salaries, particularly for those who can work additional shifts or have specialized training, such as IV therapy certification. The discrepancies in pay can be linked to various factors, including weekend and holiday premium rates in long-term care. For those looking to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Seattle, seeking positions in high-demand sectors, being flexible with shift availability, and considering continuing education through LPN-to-RN bridge programs can enhance both career advancement and salary potential.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $85,690 for licensed practical nursesin the Seattle 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