Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Matthews, NC: $80,984 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Matthews, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,984/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Matthews's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $86,521 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier earnings as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Matthews, NC, is very much a possibility for those with extensive experience. By 2026, the potential for senior licensed practical nurse pay in Matthews can reach as high as $80,984, putting those at the top of the compensation spectrum well above the median salary of $66,233. This significant salary differential highlights the premium associated with possessing over seven years of practical nursing experience. For individuals aiming for this level of compensation, it often requires a blend of advanced clinical skills, possibly through specialized certifications, along with a proven track record of outstanding patient care and effective teamwork within healthcare settings.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Matthews
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Matthews earn between $75,925 and $80,984 per year (2026 est.). This $28,924 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Matthews median of $66,233 sits 2.7% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Matthews | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,233 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,925 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,984 | $88,196 |
In Matthews, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 22.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Matthews
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $66,233 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Matthews employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Matthews command premium compensation, often reaching the $75,925–$80,984 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Matthews 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 Matthews 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 Matthews
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMatthews ranks #23 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $80,984).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Matthews ($80,984) is 2.22% above the North Carolina average P90 ($79,227).
2019 BLS Actual
$58,179
2025 BLS Actual
$76,617
2026 Current Est.
$80,984
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,179 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,162 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,574 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,709 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,015 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,617 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,984 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,600 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Matthews saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $58,179 in 2019 to $76,617 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 $85,600 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Matthews 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 Matthews
To effectively leverage their expertise, experienced licensed practical nurses in Matthews should consider focusing on high-demand specializations that command premium pay, such as long-term care, hospice, and palliative care. The type of employer can greatly influence senior compensation as well, with skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings generally offering more competitive salaries than home health or physician offices. Advancing to roles like charge LPN or nursing supervisor offers pathways for increased responsibility and higher pay, as does obtaining advanced credentials like IV therapy certification. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors, such as shift differentials, weekend premiums in long-term care settings, and bonuses for specialized training, further enhance the earning potential for senior-level LPNs in Matthews. Armed with these strategic insights, seasoned professionals can navigate their career trajectory toward the top licensed practical nurse salary in the area while capitalizing on the ongoing demand for skilled nursing professionals.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Matthews in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Matthews?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Matthews?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Matthews?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Matthews?
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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 $76,617 for licensed practical nurses in the Matthews 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 Matthews 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