Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Burien, WA: $110,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Burien, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $110,737/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Burien's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $103,107 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, the senior licensed practical nurse pay indicates a significant earning potential for seasoned professionals in 2026. Top-tier salaries reach as high as $110,737 annually, with the upper quartile (P75) earning approximately $100,299. When compared to the national average, which stands at $68,071, these figures illustrate a commanding regional advantage, highlighting the competitive nature of the market. The substantial gap between the median annual salary of $83,062 and the top earners also emphasizes the experience premium that seasoned nurses can achieve. Attaining such high-level compensation often requires a mix of extensive clinical experience, advanced certifications, and a focus on specialized care areas.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Burien earn between $100,299 and $110,737 per year (2026 est.). This $44,664 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burien median of $83,062 sits 22.02% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Burien | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $83,062 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,299 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $110,737 | $88,196 |
In Burien, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 33.32% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Burien
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $83,062 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burien employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Burien command premium compensation, often reaching the $100,299–$110,737 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burien 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 Burien 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 Washington 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 Burien
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurien ranks #10 of 50 Washington cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $110,737).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Burien ($110,737) is 3.68% above the Washington average P90 ($106,804).
2019 BLS Actual
$79,553
2025 BLS Actual
$104,765
2026 Current Est.
$110,737
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,553 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,265 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,093 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,217 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,771 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,049 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Burien saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $79,553 in 2019 to $104,765 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 $117,049 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
To capitalize on the opportunity for increased compensation, experienced licensed practical nurses in Burien should consider specializations that command higher pay, such as wound care, pediatric home care, and hospice services. The type of employer can also influence salary, as skilled nursing facilities and long-term care settings tend to offer more competitive pay than home health agencies or physician offices. Senior roles such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor often come with significant pay increases, and pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs can present additional advancement opportunities. Holding advanced credentials, like IV therapy certification or specialized training, can further enhance earning potential. Besides salary, other compensation drivers include shift differentials and stipends for specialized skills, ensuring that top licensed practical nurse salary in Burien reflects both the market demand and the unique qualifications of these healthcare professionals.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Burien in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Burien?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Burien?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Burien?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Burien?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $104,765 for licensed practical nurses in the Burien 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 Burien 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