Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Billings, MT: $76,802 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Billings, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,802/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Billings's price premium (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $82,118 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Salaries for experienced licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Billings, Montana, reflect a considerable potential for top earnings within the field. In 2026, top earners can expect to command a remarkable annual salary of $76,802, indicating that senior licensed practical nurse pay in MT can be significantly high. With a median annual salary positioned at $63,948, those with over seven years of experience can leverage their expertise to bridge the gap towards this upper echelon of compensation. Achieving such heights often necessitates not only extensive experience but also additional certifications and specialization in areas like long-term care or wound management, both of which are in high demand in Billings.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Billings earn between $67,859 and $76,802 per year (2026 est.). This $34,966 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billings median of $63,948 sits 6.06% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Billings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,948 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,859 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,802 | $88,196 |
In Billings, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 20.10% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Billings
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $63,948 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billings employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Billings command premium compensation, often reaching the $67,859–$76,802 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billings 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 Billings with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Montana 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 Billings
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillings ranks #6 of 7 Montana cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $76,802).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Billings ($76,802) is 2.24% below the Montana average P90 ($78,565).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,460
2025 BLS Actual
$72,660
2026 Current Est.
$76,802
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,802 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,179 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Billings saw their compensation grow 22.2% from $59,460 in 2019 to $72,660 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 $81,179 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
For those in advanced roles, the premium for specialized skills becomes evident in the nuanced landscape of compensation across different employer types. Senior LPNs in Billings can find varied compensation based on the setting; skilled nursing facilities and long-term care provide typically higher pay than home health agencies or physician offices. Furthermore, certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further elevate earning potential due to their specialized nature. The career ladder offers several opportunities for growth, such as moving into charge LPN roles, nursing supervisory positions, or pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs. Non-salary benefits, including shift differentials or weekend premiums, can significantly enhance overall compensation for seasoned professionals, making the landscape for top licensed practical nurse salary in Billings both lucrative and diverse.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Billings in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Billings?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Billings?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Billings?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Billings?
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 $72,660 for licensed practical nurses in the Billings 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