Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Texarkana, AR: $76,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Texarkana, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,157/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Texarkana's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $87,638 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced licensed practical nurses in Texarkana, AR, can anticipate a median annual salary of $60,133, with top earners (P90) potentially reaching $76,157. This level of compensation represents a significant opportunity for LPNs who have honed their skills over seven or more years, illustrating the experience premium in this profession. The gap between the median and top-tier salaries highlights the potential for growth, emphasizing that dedicated professionals who further their education and specialize in high-demand areas can achieve considerable financial rewards. Positioning oneself as a leader or an expert in specific fields can strongly influence earning potential in Texarkana, where local salaries fall slightly below the national median of $68,071.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($47,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Texarkana
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Texarkana earn between $70,536 and $76,157 per year (2026 est.). This $26,400 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Texarkana median of $60,133 sits 11.66% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Texarkana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,133 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,536 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,157 | $88,196 |
In Texarkana, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 26.65% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Texarkana
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $60,133 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Texarkana employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Texarkana command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,536–$76,157 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Texarkana metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Texarkana with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Texarkana
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTexarkana ranks #5 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $76,157).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Texarkana ($76,157) is 7.35% above the Arkansas average P90 ($70,939).
2019 BLS Actual
$54,711
2025 BLS Actual
$72,050
2026 Current Est.
$76,157
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,711 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,576 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,082 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,733 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,597 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,498 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Texarkana saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $54,711 in 2019 to $72,050 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $80,498 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Texarkana
Compensation for senior licensed practical nurses often varies depending on the specialization and employment setting. In Texarkana, areas such as long-term care, hospice and palliative care, and IV therapy certification command premium pay, reflecting the urgent needs of the healthcare sector. Typically, those employed in skilled nursing facilities are likely to earn more than those in home health agencies or physician offices, indicating a clear benefit to choosing the right environment for practice. Career advancements to roles such as nursing supervisor or MDS coordinator are realistic for seasoned professionals seeking to increase their earning capacity. Advanced credentials, including passing the NCLEX-PN and maintaining an active LPN/LVN license, alongside optional certifications, can elevate overall compensation. Additionally, factors like shift differentials and weekend premiums can further enhance wages, making this a nuanced field for experienced individuals aiming for the highest compensation within the senior licensed practical nurse pay structure in AR.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Texarkana in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Texarkana?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Texarkana?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Texarkana?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Texarkana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $72,050 for licensed practical nurses in the Texarkana metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Texarkana 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