Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Dodge City, KS: $72,285 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Dodge City, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $72,285/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Dodge City's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $79,521 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dodge City, Kansas, experienced licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect to earn a median annual salary of $58,539 in 2026, with potential earnings for top-tier professionals (P90) reaching up to $72,285. This figure demonstrates a notable gap between the overall median and the highest earners, indicating that adept and seasoned LPNs can significantly enhance their earnings through specialization and advanced skills. Those aiming for the top licensed practical nurse salary in Dodge City will often pursue additional certifications and roles, which could elevate their earning potential and skill set in the competitive healthcare landscape.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dodge City
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Dodge City earn between $67,537 and $72,285 per year (2026 est.). This $25,423 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dodge City median of $58,539 sits 14% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Dodge City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,539 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,537 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $72,285 | $88,196 |
In Dodge City, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 23.48% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Dodge City
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $58,539 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dodge City employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Dodge City command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,537–$72,285 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dodge City 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 Dodge City 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 Kansas 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 Dodge City
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDodge City ranks #18 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $72,285).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Dodge City ($72,285) is 11.15% below the Kansas average P90 ($81,360).
2019 BLS Actual
$51,930
2025 BLS Actual
$68,387
2026 Current Est.
$72,285
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,282 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,544 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,822 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,037 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,387 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,285 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,405 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Dodge City saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $51,930 in 2019 to $68,387 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 $76,405 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge 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 Dodge City
Compensation for senior licensed practical nurses varies significantly depending on the specialization and employer type, with roles such as IV therapy certified nurses, MDS coordinators, and hospice care professionals commanding premium pay. LPNs in long-term care settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, may find themselves earning more than their counterparts in home health agencies or physician offices, particularly given the increasing demand for specialized services. Advancement opportunities abound for those willing to take on leadership roles, such as nursing supervisors or charge LPNs, along with pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs that further enhance career trajectories. Moreover, factors like shift differentials, certification stipends, and premiums for weekend or holiday shifts can also enrich the overall compensation package for those in the field, reflecting the multifaceted nature of senior licensed practical nurse pay in KS.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Dodge City in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Dodge City?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Dodge City?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Dodge City?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Dodge City?
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 $68,387 for licensed practical nurses in the Dodge 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
Salary data for Dodge City 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