Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Little Elm, TX: $75,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Little Elm, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $75,320/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Little Elm's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $78,458 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
In Little Elm, Texas, the prospects for experienced licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are robust, particularly for those who manage to reach the higher echelons of the pay scale. Senior licensed practical nurse pay in TX reflects a strong potential for top earners, with the 2026 projections indicating a salary of $75,320 at the 90th percentile. This figure stands out against the local median annual salary of $61,647, demonstrating a significant experience premium. To achieve this level of compensation, LPNs need to accumulate substantial experience—often exceeding seven years—while pursuing specialized skills that appeal to high-demand healthcare settings. As the gap widens between the median and top-tier salaries, seasoned professionals who cultivate both clinical skills and leadership capacities are better positioned to maximize their earning potential in the local market.
About the Little Elm Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Elm
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Little Elm earn between $70,634 and $75,320 per year (2026 est.). This $28,508 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Little Elm median of $61,647 sits 9.44% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Little Elm | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,647 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,634 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $75,320 | $88,196 |
In Little Elm, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 22.18% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Little Elm
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $61,647 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Little Elm employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Little Elm command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,634–$75,320 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Little Elm 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 Little Elm 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 Texas 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 Little Elm
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLittle Elm ranks #89 of 109 Texas cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $75,320).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Little Elm ($75,320) is 6.15% below the Texas average P90 ($80,254).
2019 BLS Actual
$54,110
2025 BLS Actual
$71,258
2026 Current Est.
$75,320
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Little Elm (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,954 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,477 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,043 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,501 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,524 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,613 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Little Elm saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $54,110 in 2019 to $71,258 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 $79,613 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Elm 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 Little Elm
Compensation for senior licensed practical nurses in Little Elm varies significantly based on workplace settings and areas of specialization. LPNs focusing on high-demand specializations such as hospice and palliative care, IV therapy, or long-term care often command premium pay, which can make a notable difference in overall earnings. Employment in skilled nursing facilities and hospice care typically offers higher compensation than roles in home health agencies or physician offices due to the complexity and intensity of care required. Advancement opportunities are also plentiful for seasoned professionals, with pathways to roles such as charge LPNs, nursing supervisors, or MDS coordinators in long-term care. Continued education, including LPN-to-RN bridge programs and certifications, enhances marketability and salary prospects. Additionally, shift differentials and specialty stipends for certifications like IV therapy bolster overall remuneration, making the pursuit of advanced credentials a smart strategy in the dynamic healthcare environment of Little Elm.
More salary data for Little Elm, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Little Elm in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Little Elm?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Little Elm?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Little Elm?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Little Elm?
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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 $71,258 for licensed practical nurses in the Little Elm 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 Little Elm 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