Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Scranton, PA: $78,577 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Scranton, PA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,577/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Scranton's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,989 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, the potential for top-tier earnings as a licensed practical nurse is notable, especially at the experienced level. With a projected annual salary of $78,577 at the P90 level in 2026, the city offers a competitive landscape for seasoned professionals looking to maximize their income. The distinction between the median salary of $65,259 and the P90 figure represents a significant experience premium, illustrating the financial rewards of advanced expertise and skill within the field. To climb to these upper echelons of pay, LPNs typically need to leverage years of experience, specialized training, and effective networking in local healthcare settings, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development in Scranton’s healthcare community.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scranton
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Scranton earn between $72,901 and $78,577 per year (2026 est.). This $21,689 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Scranton median of $65,259 sits 4.13% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Scranton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,259 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,901 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,577 | $88,196 |
In Scranton, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 20.41% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Scranton
Advanced Certifications in Pennsylvania
PA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $65,259 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Scranton employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Scranton command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,901–$78,577 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Scranton metro area, which is a large LPN employment market, 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 Scranton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Pennsylvania 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 Scranton
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedScranton ranks #16 of 25 Pennsylvania cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $78,577).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Scranton ($78,577) is 3.15% below the Pennsylvania average P90 ($81,136).
2019 BLS Actual
$56,380
2025 BLS Actual
$74,340
2026 Current Est.
$78,577
2019–2027 Growth
+47.3%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,577 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,056 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Scranton saw their compensation grow 31.9% from $56,380 in 2019 to $74,340 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 $83,056 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
Senior licensed practical nurses who want to capitalize on lucrative positions must focus on high-demand specializations that attract premium compensation. Areas such as long-term care, IV therapy certification, and hospice and palliative care are particularly poised for senior-level professionals seeking enhanced compensation. The type of employer also dramatically influences pay; LPNs in skilled nursing facilities, for example, often earn higher wages than those in outpatient physician offices. Advancing to roles such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor can further increase earning potential, as can pursuing additional credentials. Maintaining an active LPN license and obtaining certifications in areas like wound care can open new pathways to greater earnings. Non-salary perks, including shift differentials and weekend premiums, can enrich the overall compensation package, making the Scranton healthcare market a promising place for seasoned LPNs to thrive.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Scranton in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Scranton?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Scranton?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Scranton?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Scranton?
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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 $74,340 for licensed practical nurses in the Scranton 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