Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kennesaw, GA: $76,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Kennesaw, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,008/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Kennesaw's price premium (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $81,641 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Kennesaw presents a favorable environment for senior licensed practical nurses, as evidenced by the potential for top licensure earnings projected at $76,008 in 2026. This figure, combined with a 75th percentile salary of $70,675, showcases a significant opportunity for experienced LPNs in this region to enjoy salaries that markedly exceed the median annual figure of $60,707. This experience premium reflects the advanced skills and clinical expertise that seasoned LPNs, often with over seven years in the field, bring to their roles. To achieve such top-tier pay, nurses typically engage in continual professional development, specializing further in areas such as long-term care or gaining advanced certifications, thus positioning themselves as essential assets in the healthcare delivery system.
About the Kennesaw Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($53,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kennesaw
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Kennesaw earn between $70,675 and $76,008 per year (2026 est.). This $26,521 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kennesaw median of $60,707 sits 10.82% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Kennesaw | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,707 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,675 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,008 | $88,196 |
In Kennesaw, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 25.20% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Kennesaw
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $60,707 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kennesaw employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Kennesaw command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,675–$76,008 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw 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 Georgia 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 Kennesaw
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKennesaw ranks #27 of 40 Georgia cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $76,008).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Kennesaw ($76,008) is 6.11% below the Georgia average P90 ($80,951).
2019 BLS Actual
$54,604
2025 BLS Actual
$71,909
2026 Current Est.
$76,008
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kennesaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,604 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,465 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,975 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,109 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,788 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,909 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,340 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Kennesaw saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $54,604 in 2019 to $71,909 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 $80,340 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw
Compensation for experienced licensed practical nurses in Kennesaw varies significantly across different work settings, which directly impacts senior licensed practical nurse pay GA. For example, those in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings often command higher salaries, while positions in home health care or physician offices may offer lower compensation. Specialized skill sets, particularly in pediatric home care, hospice and palliative care, and IV therapy certification, are not only desirable but also crucial for increasing earning potential. Career advancement opportunities further enhance income, allowing LPNs to transition into roles such as nursing supervisor or MDS coordinator. In addition, establishing advanced credentials, which may include optional certifications in disciplines like wound care, directly correlates with higher salaries. Other non-salary compensation incentives, such as shift differentials and weekend premiums, can also provide strategic financial benefits for those pursuing a senior-level career in the nursing domain.
More salary data for Kennesaw, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Kennesaw in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Kennesaw?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Kennesaw?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Kennesaw?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Kennesaw?
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
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 $71,909 for licensed practical nurses in the Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw 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