Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Tukwila, WA: $77,135 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Tukwila, WA earns a median $77,135/year (≈ $37.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $71,820 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Amid Tukwila's healthcare landscape, licensed practical nurses can expect a median annual salary of $77,135 in 2026, reflecting a robust compensation framework that is notably above the national average of $68,071. The salary range for this role in Tukwila spans from approximately $64,770 at the lowest decile to $93,462 at the highest, demonstrating a significant potential for income variation depending on factors like employment setting and experience level. It’s worth considering that these figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, painting a favorable outlook for LPNs in this city. With a diverse mix of employers, ranging from skilled nursing facilities to home health agencies, the potential for competitive salaries in this market depends heavily on the employment structure chosen.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,770 | $31.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,562 | $34.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,135 | $37.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,323 | $42.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,462 | $44.93 |
Median Salary Position
13.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,692 (2026 est.). At $77,135, the local median is 13.32% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $77,135/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,479 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +13.32% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $77,135 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.32% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $83,479.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,135 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,820 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,802
2025 BLS Actual
$72,975
2026 Current Est.
$77,135
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,802 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,471 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,893 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,683 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,975 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,135 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,531 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $53,802 (2019) to $72,975 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,531 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,729 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $64,770 – $71,562 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,562 – $77,135 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,135 – $88,323 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,323 – $93,462 |
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 Tukwila
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Tukwila currently employs four professionals, suggesting a niche but potentially lucrative environment for LPNs. The cost-of-living index stands at 107.4, which indicates that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be affected by the higher living costs relative to the national average. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the most lucrative positions compared to home health agencies or physician offices, with additional pay opportunities available through shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and weekend and holiday premiums. The spread in pay can largely be attributed to these factors, as well as the specific demands and responsibilities associated with various work settings. For those looking to maximize their income in Tukwila, focusing on gaining certifications and seeking roles in skilled nursing environments can be strategic paths toward higher earnings.
More salary data for Tukwila, 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 $72,975 for licensed practical nursesin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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