Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Leavenworth, KS: $78,582 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Leavenworth, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,582/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Leavenworth's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $86,449 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Leavenworth, Kansas, have significant earning potential, with top earners (P90) making around $78,582 annually. This high figure contrasts with the city's median salary of $60,512, reflecting the considerable experience premium available to seasoned professionals. The earning gap underscores the tremendous opportunity for those who pursue advanced skills and certifications within their field, especially given that the P75 salary level is projected at $69,894. Achieving this top-tier pay in the Kansas market often requires not only years of experience but also specialized knowledge and credentials, which can enable LPNs to excel in critical areas of healthcare.
About the Leavenworth Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leavenworth
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Leavenworth earn between $69,894 and $78,582 per year (2026 est.). This $32,105 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Leavenworth median of $60,512 sits 11.1% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Leavenworth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,512 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,894 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,582 | $88,196 |
In Leavenworth, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 29.86% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Leavenworth
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $60,512 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Leavenworth employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Leavenworth command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,894–$78,582 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLeavenworth ranks #10 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $78,582).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Leavenworth ($78,582) is 3.42% below the Kansas average P90 ($81,360).
2019 BLS Actual
$56,453
2025 BLS Actual
$74,344
2026 Current Est.
$78,582
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Leavenworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,453 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,378 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,842 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,344 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,582 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,061 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Leavenworth saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $56,453 in 2019 to $74,344 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 $83,061 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth
Higher wages in Leavenworth are particularly associated with specializations in fields like long-term care, IV therapy, hospice, and palliative care. Compensation often varies significantly depending on the employer type; skilled nursing facilities tend to offer more competitive pay compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Advancing into leadership roles, such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor, represents viable pathways for experienced professionals aiming to elevate their careers and salaries. Additionally, pursuing further qualifications, such as IV therapy or wound care certifications, can yield higher pay in Kansas. Beyond salary, experienced LPNs can benefit from compensation drivers like shift differentials and weekend premiums, making senior licensed practical nurse pay in KS more appealing to those looking to enhance their career prospects.
More salary data for Leavenworth, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Leavenworth in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Leavenworth?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Leavenworth?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Leavenworth?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Leavenworth?
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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 $74,344 for licensed practical nurses in the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth 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