Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Medford, OR: $99,569 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Medford, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $99,569/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Medford's price premium (BEA RPP 101.4, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,162 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, experienced licensed practical nurses in Medford, Oregon can anticipate a substantial top-tier earning potential, with a projected P90 salary of $99,569. This figure marks a significant advancement compared to the national top licensed practical nurse salary of $68,071, highlighting Medford's competitive landscape for senior practitioners. The experience premium is notable, as the median annual salary for seasoned professionals reaches $83,672, illustrating the considerable gap between median earnings and those achieved by top earners. To reach such impressive pay levels, a combination of extensive hands-on experience, advanced certifications, and specialization in high-demand areas is often essential, enabling senior licensed practical nurses to command higher salaries than their less experienced counterparts.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Medford earn between $88,756 and $99,569 per year (2026 est.). This $33,760 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Medford median of $83,672 sits 22.92% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Medford | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $83,672 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,756 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $99,569 | $88,196 |
In Medford, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 19.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Medford
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $83,672 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Medford employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Medford command premium compensation, often reaching the $88,756–$99,569 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Medford 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 Medford 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 Medford
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMedford ranks #25 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $99,569).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Medford ($99,569) is 5.01% below the Oregon average P90 ($104,817).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,530
2025 BLS Actual
$94,200
2026 Current Est.
$99,569
2019–2027 Growth
+65.7%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,569 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,245 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Medford saw their compensation grow 48.3% from $63,530 in 2019 to $94,200 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 $105,245 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
For those pursuing senior licensed practical nurse pay in Medford, certain specializations can notably enhance compensation. Fields like long-term care, IV therapy, and hospice and palliative care are particularly lucrative, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals paying a premium for qualified staff. Compensation varies across employer types; for instance, skilled nursing facilities often provide better pay compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Leadership roles, such as charge LPNs and nursing supervisors, are also viable career advancement paths that can lead to higher earnings. Additionally, the pursuit of credentials such as an active LPN license and specialized certifications in areas like wound care or IV therapy can facilitate higher wages. Non-salary compensation factors, including weekend premiums or shift differentials, further enhance overall earning potential, making Medford an attractive market for senior licensed practical nurses aiming to grow their income and career trajectory.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Medford in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Medford?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Medford?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Medford?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Medford?
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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 $94,200 for licensed practical nurses in the Medford 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