Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Winona, MN: $79,063 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Winona, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,063/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Winona's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $80,267 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the experienced licensed practical nurse salary in Winona, Minnesota, is projected to reach a median of $63,859, marking a significant step for top-tier professionals in this field. For those currently at the pinnacle of their careers, the potential salary can soar up to $79,063 at the 90th percentile, creating a substantial disparity between median and top earners. This experience premium emphasizes the value placed on seasoned practitioners who have honed their skills and expertise over time. To approach this elite pay level, nurses often pursue advanced certifications and specializations in areas such as long-term care, wound care, or hospice services, showcasing their commitment to professional development and enhancing the depth of care they provide.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($59,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Winona earn between $73,802 and $79,063 per year (2026 est.). This $27,765 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Winona median of $63,859 sits 6.19% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Winona | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,859 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,802 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,063 | $88,196 |
In Winona, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 23.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Winona
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $63,859 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Winona employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Winona command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,802–$79,063 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Winona 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 Winona 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 Minnesota 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 Winona
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWinona ranks #38 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $79,063).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Winona ($79,063) is 3.21% below the Minnesota average P90 ($81,687).
2019 BLS Actual
$56,798
2025 BLS Actual
$74,799
2026 Current Est.
$79,063
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,798 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,735 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,184 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,126 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,806 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,964 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,799 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,063 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,569 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Winona saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $56,798 in 2019 to $74,799 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 $83,569 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
Senior licensed practical nurse pay in MN can vary significantly based on factors such as employer type and the specific skill sets required. For instance, long-term care facilities, which account for a major portion of LPN employment nationally, tend to offer higher compensation packages than other settings such as physician offices or home health agencies. Additionally, specialized roles like MDS coordinator or nursing supervisor can provide lucrative advancement opportunities. Advanced credentials, including IV therapy or wound care certifications, also impact earning potential positively. On top of salary figures, non-monetary benefits can enhance overall compensation, evident in settings that provide shift differentials or holiday premiums. Hence, the pathway to higher pay in Winona involves a strategic focus on skill enhancement, specialized training, and targeting the right employment environments.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Winona in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Winona?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Winona?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Winona?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Winona?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 $74,799 for licensed practical nurses in the Winona 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 Winona 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