Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in High Point, NC: $89,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in High Point, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $89,675/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back High Point's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,807 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In High Point, NC, the financial landscape for experienced licensed practical nurses is particularly promising, with top earners poised to make $89,675 in 2026. This figure marks a significant leap from the median salary of $66,200 for senior licensed practical nurses in the area. The gap between median and top-tier pay emphasizes the value placed on extensive experience and specialized skills in this profession. To ascend to these high compensation levels, LPNs typically must cultivate advanced expertise through dedicated specializations and exceed seven years of practical nursing experience. Skills in long-term care or obtaining certifications in IV therapy can drastically enhance earning potential and appeal to employers seeking seasoned professionals.
About the High Point Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in High Point
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in High Point earn between $80,528 and $89,675 per year (2026 est.). This $38,313 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The High Point median of $66,200 sits 2.75% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | High Point | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,200 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,528 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $89,675 | $88,196 |
In High Point, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 35.46% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in High Point
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $66,200 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by High Point employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in High Point command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,528–$89,675 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the High Point 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 High Point 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 North Carolina 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 High Point
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHigh Point ranks #5 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $89,675).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in High Point ($89,675) is 13.19% above the North Carolina average P90 ($79,227).
2019 BLS Actual
$64,422
2025 BLS Actual
$84,839
2026 Current Est.
$89,675
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,422 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,619 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,868 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,786 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in High Point saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $64,422 in 2019 to $84,839 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 $94,786 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the High Point 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 High Point
Compensation for senior licensed practical nurses in High Point varies significantly based on the type of employer and specialization. Those working in long-term care settings often command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in home health agencies or physician offices. Expertise in specialized areas like wound care, hospice and palliative care, or pediatric home care can lead to lucrative opportunities and appeal to high-demand sectors. Advancement is also attainable, with realistic paths that include roles such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor, and options for LPN-to-RN bridge programs to further enhance credentials. Additional financial incentives, including shift differentials and stipends for certifications in IV therapy or wound care, further bolster the overall compensation package, making it imperative for seasoned professionals to explore various avenues for growth within this vital field in North Carolina.
More salary data for High Point, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in High Point in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in High Point?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in High Point?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in High Point?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in High Point?
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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 $84,839 for licensed practical nurses in the High Point 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 High Point 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