Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Ithaca, NY: $77,362 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Ithaca, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $77,362/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Ithaca's price premium (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $74,878 in average-cost America. The 13% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ithaca, NY, achieving a senior licensed practical nurse pay that reaches the top tier is certainly within reach for experienced professionals. In 2026, the salary for the highest earners in this field is projected at $77,362, with those in the 75th percentile earning around $74,666. This premium reflects the substantial experience gap between the median annual salary of $68,420 and the earnings of top-tier professionals. To attain such compensation in this market, seasoned LPNs typically amass more than seven years of practical experience, often specializing in high-demand areas such as long-term care or hospice. Pursuing additional certifications, like IV therapy, can further elevate earning potential and set a candidate apart from peers.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ithaca
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Ithaca earn between $74,666 and $77,362 per year (2026 est.). This $19,100 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ithaca median of $68,420 sits 0.51% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Ithaca | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,420 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,666 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $77,362 | $88,196 |
In Ithaca, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 13.07% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Ithaca
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $68,420 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ithaca employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Ithaca command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,666–$77,362 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 New York 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 Ithaca
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedIthaca ranks #27 of 39 New York cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $77,362).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Ithaca ($77,362) is 11.94% below the New York average P90 ($87,853).
2019 BLS Actual
$50,130
2025 BLS Actual
$73,190
2026 Current Est.
$77,362
2019–2027 Growth
+63.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,362 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,771 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Ithaca saw their compensation grow 46.0% from $50,130 in 2019 to $73,190 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 $81,771 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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 Ithaca
Salaries for seasoned licensed practical nurses hinge significantly on specialization and the type of care environment. In Ithaca, LPNs who have expertise in specialized areas such as wound care, hospice, and palliative care often command a pay premium. Additionally, employment settings play a crucial role in determining compensation; skilled nursing facilities and long-term care offer higher salaries compared to home health agencies and physician offices. Advancement opportunities are ripe for experienced LPNs, with potential paths leading to roles such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor. Moreover, pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs can enhance career progression and salary potential. Advanced credentials, including state board certification and optional IV therapy or wound care certifications, also serve to increase marketability. Non-salary benefits, such as shift differentials or charge pay in long-term care, are compelling incentives that enhance the overall value of senior licensed practical nurse roles in Ithaca.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Ithaca in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Ithaca?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Ithaca?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Ithaca?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Ithaca?
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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 $73,190 for licensed practical nurses in the Ithaca 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