Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Tacoma, WA: $89,064 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Tacoma, WA earns a median $89,064/year (≈ $42.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $82,927 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in 2026 is set at $89,064, reflecting a robust labor market where LPNs enjoy a higher compensation rate than the national median of $68,071. The local salary ranges from $66,866 at the 10th percentile to $123,657 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant pay variation based on experience and specialization. This disparity can be attributed to state-specific scope-of-practice regulations that allow LPNs in Washington to perform tasks such as IV therapy and patient assessments, crucial skills that enhance their value in various healthcare settings. With 56 licensed practical nurses employed in Tacoma and the competitive nature of the local job market, those considering a career in practical nursing can anticipate a lucrative and rewarding financial outlook.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,866 | $32.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,084 | $38.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,064 | $42.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,817 | $52.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,657 | $59.45 |
Median Salary Position
30.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,791 (2026 est.). At $89,064, the local median is 30.84% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $89,064/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,471 | +6.70% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +30.84% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $89,064 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.84% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 6.70% above the Washington state average of $83,471.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,064 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $82,927 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,123
2025 BLS Actual
$84,261
2026 Current Est.
$89,064
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,123 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,895 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,465 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,151 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,319 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,261 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,064 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,141 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $62,123 (2019) to $84,261 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,141 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,018 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $66,866 – $80,084 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,084 – $89,064 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,064 – $109,817 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,817 – $123,657 |
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 Tacoma
The cost of living in Tacoma, measured by a higher-than-average index of 107.4, impacts take-home pay for licensed practical nurses. This means that while salaries are competitive, the increased cost of living must also be considered when evaluating financial sustainability. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings typically offer the highest pay, followed by hospitals and home health agencies. The variation in earnings is influenced by factors such as payment differentials for night shifts, IV therapy certification stipends, and additional compensation for weekend or holiday shifts in long-term care. To maximize earnings in Tacoma, LPNs should seek opportunities in these lucrative settings, consider pursuing advanced certifications, and explore potential transition pathways into nursing leadership roles. Understanding the local job dynamics and strategically planning for skill enhancement can lead to significant career advancement in this field.
More salary data for Tacoma, 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 $84,261 for licensed practical nursesin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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