Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Boise, ID: $93,429 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Boise, ID — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $93,429/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Boise's price premium (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,037 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior licensed practical nurses in Boise, Idaho, are positioned well in terms of compensation, with expected median annual salaries reaching $70,153 in 2026. Top earners are projected to make as much as $93,429, setting a significant benchmark for experienced professionals in the field. This notable figure reflects the higher end of the salary range and illustrates the growing demand for skilled practitioners, especially as the healthcare landscape evolves. The experience premium is evident when comparing this top-tier pay to the median; seasoned LPNs in the Boise market can significantly enhance their earnings potential by pursuing additional certifications and specializing in high-demand areas, thereby unlocking new opportunities for advanced pay.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boise
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Boise earn between $84,174 and $93,429 per year (2026 est.). This $43,643 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Boise median of $70,153 sits 3.06% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Boise | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $70,153 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,174 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $93,429 | $88,196 |
In Boise, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 33.18% 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
Advanced Certifications in Idaho
ID licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $70,153 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Boise employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Boise command premium compensation, often reaching the $84,174–$93,429 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Boise 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 Boise 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 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
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBoise ranks #1 of 16 Idaho cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $93,429).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Boise ($93,429) is 12.74% above the Idaho average P90 ($82,872).
2019 BLS Actual
$67,120
2025 BLS Actual
$88,391
2026 Current Est.
$93,429
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,408 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,575 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,961 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,391 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,429 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,755 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Boise saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $67,120 in 2019 to $88,391 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 $98,755 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 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
In Boise, specialized roles are crucial for maximizing senior licensed practical nurse pay, with areas such as long-term care, hospice and palliative care, and pediatric home care commanding higher salaries. Employer type also plays a significant part in determining compensation; skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most attractive pay packages, while home health agencies and physician offices can be more modest in comparison. Advancement opportunities abound for experienced LPNs, including positions like charge LPN or nursing supervisor, which typically require additional responsibilities and demonstrate leadership capabilities. Securing advanced credentials such as IV therapy or wound care certifications can further elevate earning potential. Benefits like shift differentials and holiday premiums also enhance overall compensation, making the senior role even more financially appealing in Boise's competitive environment.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Boise in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Boise?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Boise?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Boise?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Boise?
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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 $88,391 for licensed practical nurses in the Boise 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 Boise 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