Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Tumwater, WA: $86,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Tumwater, WA earns a median $86,774/year (≈ $41.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Tumwater's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $80,795 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tumwater, Washington, the compensation for licensed practical nurses reflects the diverse settings in which they work. With a projected median salary of $86,774 for 2026, LPNs in the area can expect to earn between $66,787 and $112,847 annually. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost considerations, showcase how geographic distinctions can result in substantial discrepancies in pay. The strong demand for skilled nursing care in long-term facilities often translates to higher wages compared to roles in home health or physician offices, making choices about the work environment significantly impactful for future LPNs in Tumwater.
About the Tumwater Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,787 | $32.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,983 | $39.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,774 | $41.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,455 | $47.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,847 | $54.26 |
Median Salary Position
27.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tumwater
In Tumwater, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,060 (2026 est.). At $86,774, the local median is 27.48% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tumwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tumwater Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Tumwater median: $86,774/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tumwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,437 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +27.48% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Tumwater, WA earn a median of $86,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.48% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 4.00% above the Washington state average of $83,437.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tumwater has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tumwater, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,774 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $80,795 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,526
2025 BLS Actual
$82,095
2026 Current Est.
$86,774
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,526 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,234 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,278 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,628 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,142 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,695 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,721 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tumwater metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $60,526 (2019) to $82,095 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,721 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,195 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tumwater 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) | $66,787 – $81,983 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,983 – $86,774 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,774 – $98,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,455 – $112,847 |
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 Tumwater
The local job market shows a modest number of licensed practical nurses, with only six currently employed in Tumwater. This limited pool suggests a unique opportunity for growth, particularly as the cost of living index stands at 107.4, indicating residents face a slightly higher living expense than the national average. Those employed in skilled nursing facilities typically command better pay compared to their counterparts in home health settings or physician offices. The wide salary range is influenced by factors such as shift differentials, IV therapy certifications, and additional stipends tied to specialized skills. For aspiring LPNs aiming to maximize their earning potential in Tumwater, focusing on continuing education and seeking roles in high-demand environments, such as long-term care hospitals, can be advantageous steps forward.
More salary data for Tumwater, 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 $82,095 for licensed practical nursesin the Tumwater 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 Tumwater 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