Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Boise City, ID: $83,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Boise City, ID — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,535/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Boise City's price premium (BEA RPP 98.4, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,901 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boise City, the potential for experienced licensed practical nurses to earn a lucrative salary is quite substantial. With top earners reaching an impressive $83,535 in 2026, the earnings gap between mid-career professionals and those at the pinnacle of their field is significant. The median salary for this role is projected to be $70,766, illustrating the opportunity for advanced experience to translate into a meaningful financial reward. To achieve such top-tier pay, LPNs often pursue specialized training and certifications, enhance their professional skills, and seek leadership or supervisory positions within healthcare settings. As the demand for skilled LPNs grows, especially those with experience in high-demand areas, Boise City has emerged as a competitive market for senior licensed practical nurse pay in ID, reflecting a growing appreciation for the expertise they bring.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boise City
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Boise City earn between $81,199 and $83,535 per year (2026 est.). This $27,863 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Boise City median of $70,766 sits 3.96% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Boise City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $70,766 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,199 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,535 | $88,196 |
In Boise City, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 18.04% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Boise City
Advanced Certifications in Idaho
ID licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $70,766 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Boise City employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Boise City command premium compensation, often reaching the $81,199–$83,535 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Boise City metro area, which is a large LPN employment market, 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 Boise City with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Idaho 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 Boise City
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBoise City ranks #8 of 16 Idaho cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $83,535).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Boise City ($83,535) is 0.8% above the Idaho average P90 ($82,872).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,400
2025 BLS Actual
$79,030
2026 Current Est.
$83,535
2019–2027 Growth
+46.2%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Boise City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,210 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,296 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Boise City saw their compensation grow 30.8% from $60,400 in 2019 to $79,030 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 $88,296 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise City 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 Boise City
Advancement and specialization are key components of maximizing senior licensed practical nurse salary in Boise City. Those who focus on areas such as long-term care, IV therapy, wound care, and hospice often command higher wages, reflecting the increased complexity and responsibility associated with these roles. Different employer types also influence compensation; skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities typically offer higher pay compared to physician offices or home health agencies. Career advancement for experienced LPNs can lead to roles such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor, and many choose to leverage LPN-to-RN bridge programs to further enhance their credentials and salary potential. Obtaining specialized certifications, like those in IV therapy or wound care, complements an active LPN license and can provide additional financial benefits. Non-salary compensation also plays a role, with factors such as weekend/holiday premiums and shift differentials contributing to overall earnings, making this a compelling career path for those in the nursing field.
More salary data for Boise City, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Boise City in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Boise City?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Boise City?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Boise City?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Boise City?
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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 $79,030 for licensed practical nurses in the Boise City 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
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