Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $69,255 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Chattanooga, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $69,255/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Chattanooga's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $75,718 in average-cost America. The 12% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Those pursuing an advanced career in practical nursing in Chattanooga can expect impressive compensation, especially at the senior level. 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data project a top licensed practical nurse salary in Chattanooga of $69,255, which puts local professionals within reach of high earnings, particularly considering the experience premium. While the median annual salary is projected to be $61,919, the gap to the upper echelon of earners showcases the financial incentives for seasoned practitioners who have developed their skills and specializations over time. Achieving such top-tier pay typically requires not only extensive experience—over seven years—but also engagement in advanced training and a commitment to staying current with industry best practices.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Chattanooga earn between $66,834 and $69,255 per year (2026 est.). This $24,005 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Chattanooga median of $61,919 sits 9.04% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Chattanooga | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,919 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,834 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $69,255 | $88,196 |
In Chattanooga, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 11.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Chattanooga
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $61,919 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Chattanooga employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Chattanooga command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,834–$69,255 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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 Tennessee 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 Chattanooga
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedChattanooga ranks #23 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $69,255).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Chattanooga ($69,255) is 3.94% below the Tennessee average P90 ($72,099).
2019 BLS Actual
$50,980
2025 BLS Actual
$65,520
2026 Current Est.
$69,255
2019–2027 Growth
+43.6%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,300 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,255 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,202 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Chattanooga saw their compensation grow 28.5% from $50,980 in 2019 to $65,520 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 $73,202 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
Specialized knowledge significantly contributes to enhanced earnings for senior licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Tennessee. Fields such as long-term care, hospice, and palliative care are among those that offer substantial financial rewards. At the senior level, compensation can also vary widely depending on the employer type; skilled nursing facilities or long-term care settings generally provide higher wages compared to physician offices or home health agencies. Ascending to roles like nursing supervisor, charge LPN, or MDS coordinator can further elevate pay. Additional credentials, such as IV therapy or wound care certifications, can enhance an LPN's earning potential and open doors to further career advancements, while various benefits—including shift differentials and holiday premiums—can significantly boost overall compensation as experienced professionals enhance their clinical capabilities across diverse healthcare settings throughout Chattanooga.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Chattanooga in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Chattanooga?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Chattanooga?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Chattanooga?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Chattanooga?
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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 $65,520 for licensed practical nurses in the Chattanooga 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