Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Burlington, VT: $96,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $96,124/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,220 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 2026, the earning potential for seasoned professionals within the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field in Burlington, Vermont, is projected to reach impressive heights. Senior licensed practical nurses can command salaries that range up to $96,124, with a significant portion earning around $86,748 annually. This reflects a substantial experience premium, as these figures reveal a compelling gap between the median annual salary of $80,247 and the highest earners in the market. Achieving top-tier pay typically requires extensive hands-on experience, specialized training, and successful navigation through career advancement opportunities, particularly within healthcare environments that prioritize high-quality patient care and operational efficiency.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $86,748 and $96,124 per year (2026 est.). This $34,501 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $80,247 sits 17.89% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,247 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,748 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $96,124 | $88,196 |
In Burlington, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 19.79% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $80,247 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $86,748–$96,124 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Vermont 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 Burlington
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #2 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $96,124).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Burlington ($96,124) is 1.45% above the Vermont average P90 ($94,749).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,580
2025 BLS Actual
$90,940
2026 Current Est.
$96,124
2019–2027 Growth
+59.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,603 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 43.0% from $63,580 in 2019 to $90,940 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 $101,603 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Salaries for experienced licensed practical nurses vary based on their specialization and the type of healthcare setting in which they work. Those specializing in areas like long-term care, hospice and palliative care, or possess certifications in IV therapy and wound care often see compensation increases. For instance, employment within skilled nursing facilities generally offers more robust pay compared to roles in home health agencies or physician offices. Moreover, positions that involve leadership or managerial duties, such as charge LPN, nursing supervisor, or MDS coordinator, provide pathways for enhanced compensation. Advanced credentials—including a current LPN license, completion of a practical nursing diploma, and passing the NCLEX-PN—further boost earning potential. Burlington's healthcare employers also factor in non-salary compensation elements, such as shift differentials and premium pay for weekends and holidays, which can significantly enhance the overall remuneration package for senior licensed practical nurses in VT.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Burlington?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Burlington?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Burlington?
Related Pages
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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 $90,940 for licensed practical nurses in the Burlington 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