Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in West Virginia: $57,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across West Virginia's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median licensed practical nurse pay sits at $57,830/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2061. Because West Virginia sits at BEA RPP 86.5 (13% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $66,855 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Martinsburg ($64,596), Weirton ($58,200), Wheeling ($57,960).
In West Virginia, the average median salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in 2026 is projected to be $57,831, which is approximately 15.0% lower than the national median of $68,071. The salary range across the state varies significantly, with the highest paying city being Martinsburg at $68,278 and the lowest being Morgantown at $53,273, resulting in a salary gap of $15,005. This difference can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of living, demand for healthcare services in urban areas compared to more rural settings, and specific local economic conditions. West Virginia has specific licensing requirements for LPNs, including completion of an accredited practical nursing program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. The scope of practice laws in the state allow LPNs to perform a variety of nursing tasks under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians, which is integral in meeting healthcare needs. The demand for LPNs is supported by an expected annual growth rate of 5.70%, reflecting an ongoing need for nursing professionals in the healthcare industry. With a total of 4,229 employed LPNs, the job market outlook remains positive as healthcare facilities continue to seek skilled nursing staff across the state.
West Virginia Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range
Overall salary range in West Virginia: $45,033 (lowest entry-level) to $81,426 (highest top earner)
West Virginia vs National Average
West Virginia licensed practical nurses earn 15.04% less than the national median ($-10,241/year difference).
West Virginia Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Distribution (2026)
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in West Virginia range from $48,857 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $68,259 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $57,830. The West Virginia median is $10,241 below the US national median of $68,071. The average hourly rate is $27.80/hr. Approximately 4,229 licensed practical nurses are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,644
2025 BLS Actual
$54,712
2026 Current Est.
$57,830
2019–2027 Growth
+62.4%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in West Virginia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,644 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,694 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,729 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,252 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,461 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,864 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,712 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,127 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Virginia metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 45.3% from $37,644 (2019) to $54,712 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,127 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,483 (62.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Virginia 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in West Virginia
Lowest Paying Cities in West Virginia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Morgantown | $53,273 |
| Clarksburg | $53,468 |
| Fairmont | $53,646 |
| South Charleston | $55,224 |
| Charleston | $57,469 |
Best Value Cities for Licensed Practical Nurses in West Virginia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these West Virginia cities offer the most purchasing power for licensed practical nurses.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martinsburg | $68,278 | 86.5 | $78,934 |
| Wheeling | $61,264 | 88.323 | $69,364 |
| Parkersburg | $60,281 | 87.066 | $69,236 |
| Weirton | $61,517 | 89.024 | $69,102 |
| Beckley | $57,617 | 88.369 | $65,200 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $48,857 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $57,830 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $68,259 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across West Virginia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in West Virginia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martinsburg | $68,278 |
| 2 | Weirton | $61,517 |
| 3 | Wheeling | $61,264 |
| 4 | Parkersburg | $60,281 |
| 5 | Huntington | $57,649 |
| 6 | Beckley | $57,617 |
| 7 | Charleston | $57,469 |
| 8 | South Charleston | $55,224 |
| 9 | Fairmont | $53,646 |
| 10 | Clarksburg | $53,468 |
| 11 | Morgantown | $53,273 |
More West Virginia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore licensed practical nurse hourly pay in West Virginia cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced licensed practical nurses.
Explore More Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in West Virginia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for licensed practical nurses in West Virginia?
How does West Virginia licensed practical nurse pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in West Virginia?
How many licensed practical nurses are employed in West Virginia?
Which West Virginia city offers the best value for licensed practical nurses?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 licensed practical nurse compensation across West Virginia. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more licensed practical nursescontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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