Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lawrence, KS: $81,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Lawrence, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,632/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,458 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior licensed practical nurses looking for top-tier compensation in Lawrence, KS, can expect to see significant earnings potential, particularly for those with extensive experience and advanced qualifications. The projected 2026 figures indicate that experienced licensed practical nurse salary Lawrence could reach as high as $81,632 annually for the top 10% of earners. In contrast, the median annual salary is positioned at $65,957, illustrating a clear experience premium available for those who have honed their skills over 7+ years. Achieving this level of compensation often involves not only clinical excellence but also engaging in specialized training or certifications, enabling professionals to excel in high-demand areas.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $74,508 and $81,632 per year (2026 est.). This $26,351 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $65,957 sits 3.11% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,957 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,508 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,632 | $88,196 |
In Lawrence, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 23.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $65,957 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,508–$81,632 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #7 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $81,632).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Lawrence ($81,632) is 0.33% above the Kansas average P90 ($81,360).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,200
2025 BLS Actual
$77,230
2026 Current Est.
$81,632
2019–2027 Growth
+45.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,190 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,285 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 30.5% from $59,200 in 2019 to $77,230 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 $86,285 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
To elevate senior licensed practical nurse pay KS, certain specializations can markedly enhance income, particularly in long-term care settings and roles such as wound care or hospice. Compensation in Lawrence can vary widely depending on the employer type; skilled nursing facilities often offer the most competitive packages, while home health agencies may not match these pay levels. Opportunities for advancement include roles like charge LPN or MDS coordinator and pathways such as LPN-to-RN bridge programs that enhance marketability. To maximize earning potential, pursuing advanced credentials such as a practical nursing diploma and optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care is beneficial. Non-salary compensation, such as shift differentials and weekend premiums, can further augment overall earnings and create a more enticing package for seasoned professionals in the field.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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 $77,230 for licensed practical nurses in the Lawrence 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