Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Longview, WA: $100,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Longview, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,288/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Longview's price premium (BEA RPP 97.5, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $102,812 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, experienced licensed practical nurses in Longview, Washington, have the potential to earn a top salary reflecting their considerable expertise. Those at the 90th percentile can expect to take home up to $100,288, while the 75th percentile’s earnings reach $84,201. This represents a significant gap compared to the median annual salary of $82,383, illustrating the notable premium that seasoned professionals can command in this sector. To access this top-tier pay, LPNs often pursue specializations, obtain advanced certifications, and gain substantial experience in areas such as long-term care and IV therapy. It’s clear that achieving this level of compensation requires strategic career moves and ongoing professional development, particularly in a market where senior positions are increasingly competitive.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longview
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Longview earn between $84,201 and $100,288 per year (2026 est.). This $26,150 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Longview median of $82,383 sits 21.03% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Longview | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $82,383 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,201 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,288 | $88,196 |
In Longview, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 21.73% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Longview
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $82,383 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Longview employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Longview command premium compensation, often reaching the $84,201–$100,288 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Longview 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 Longview 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 Longview
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLongview ranks #40 of 50 Washington cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $100,288).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Longview ($100,288) is 6.1% below the Washington average P90 ($106,804).
2019 BLS Actual
$75,450
2025 BLS Actual
$94,880
2026 Current Est.
$100,288
2019–2027 Growth
+40.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Longview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,005 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Longview saw their compensation grow 25.8% from $75,450 in 2019 to $94,880 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 $106,005 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longview 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 Longview
Longview's competitive environment for licensed practical nurses at the senior level often hinges on specialized training and varied employer types. Certain fields, including long-term care, wound care, and hospice, typically offer enhanced compensation for LPNs who meet specialized requirements. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies generally provide better financial rewards compared to physician offices or assisted living communities. Advancement opportunities abound for seasoned LPNs, with pathways leading to roles such as nursing supervisor or admissions coordinator. Boosting one’s qualifications through LPN-to-RN bridge programs and acquiring advanced certifications can also significantly enhance pay and job duties within the healthcare system. Moreover, senior-level compensation is further influenced by factors such as shift differentials and optional stipends, ensuring that the most experienced professionals benefit from both financial and non-monetary incentives in their caregiving roles across Longview and beyond.
More salary data for Longview, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Longview in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Longview?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Longview?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Longview?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Longview?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $94,880 for licensed practical nurses in the Longview 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