Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $116,518 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Hillsboro, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $116,518/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Hillsboro's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $113,565 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, top-tier experienced licensed practical nurses in Hillsboro, Oregon are projected to earn a median annual salary of $90,279, with the highest earners reaching up to $116,518. This potential for high compensation considerably outweighs the national top licensed practical nurse salary of $68,071, highlighting the significant financial benefits of advanced experience in this field. The salary differential between median and top earners in this market illustrates an experience premium that underscores the value of specialized skills and long years in practice. Achieving these elevated income levels typically requires a combination of advanced certifications and targeted specializations, along with a history of successful practice in diverse healthcare settings.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hillsboro
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Hillsboro earn between $106,597 and $116,518 per year (2026 est.). This $48,242 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hillsboro median of $90,279 sits 32.62% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Hillsboro | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $90,279 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,597 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $116,518 | $88,196 |
In Hillsboro, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 29.06% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Hillsboro
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $90,279 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hillsboro employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Hillsboro command premium compensation, often reaching the $106,597–$116,518 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro 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 Oregon 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 Hillsboro
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHillsboro ranks #1 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $116,518).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Hillsboro ($116,518) is 11.16% above the Oregon average P90 ($104,817).
2019 BLS Actual
$83,707
2025 BLS Actual
$110,235
2026 Current Est.
$116,518
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,707 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,560 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,707 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,235 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,518 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,160 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Hillsboro saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $83,707 in 2019 to $110,235 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 $123,160 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
Looking at the compensation dynamics within Hillsboro's healthcare ecosystem, various specializations can substantially influence salaries. For instance, certified practitioners in long-term care, IV therapy, wound care, and hospice demonstrate the potential for premium pay, especially when aligned with specific employer types—skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies tend to offer more competitive compensation than physician offices or correctional facilities. Senior licensed practical nurses can follow various advancement paths, such as transitioning to charge LPNs, nursing supervisors, or even LPN-to-RN bridge programs for those seeking further growth. Additionally, acquiring advanced credentials like IV therapy or wound care certifications can further enhance pay. Non-salary compensation factors also play a significant role; skilled nursing settings tend to offer better shift differentials, charge LPN pay, and additional premiums for weekend or holiday shifts, making the overall compensation package more attractive for experienced professionals in the area.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Hillsboro in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Hillsboro?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Hillsboro?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Hillsboro?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Hillsboro?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 $110,235 for licensed practical nurses in the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro 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