Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Rawlins, WY: $77,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Rawlins, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $77,789/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Rawlins's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $81,199 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A senior licensed practical nurse in Rawlins, Wyoming, has the potential to earn between $68,970 and $77,789 annually in 2026, reflecting the higher end of the salary spectrum often reserved for top earners in this field. This represents a significant experience premium compared to the median salary of $61,806, showcasing that seasoned professionals with over seven years of experience can leverage their expertise for superior compensation. Achieving this top-tier pay typically requires specialized skills, advanced certifications, and a history of excellence in patient care. Those aiming for the highest earnings in Rawlins will likely focus on developing niche competencies and pursuing roles that command a premium in this relatively compact workforce.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rawlins
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Rawlins earn between $68,970 and $77,789 per year (2026 est.). This $28,794 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rawlins median of $61,806 sits 9.2% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Rawlins | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,806 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,970 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $77,789 | $88,196 |
In Rawlins, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 25.86% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Rawlins
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $61,806 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rawlins employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Rawlins command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,970–$77,789 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rawlins 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 Rawlins 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 Wyoming 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 Rawlins
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRawlins ranks #3 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $77,789).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Rawlins ($77,789) is 1.13% below the Wyoming average P90 ($78,678).
2019 BLS Actual
$55,883
2025 BLS Actual
$73,594
2026 Current Est.
$77,789
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,883 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,263 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,077 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,796 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,594 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,223 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Rawlins saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $55,883 in 2019 to $73,594 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 $82,223 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Compensation strategies for experienced licensed practical nurses in Rawlins vary significantly depending on the specialization and type of employer. Areas like long-term care, hospice, and advanced certifications such as IV therapy or wound care often allow for higher pay rates, as these positions hold critical responsibilities that can greatly affect patient outcomes. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer better compensation compared to home health agencies or outpatient settings, largely due to the intensity and continuity of care involved. Career advancement opportunities also play a role in senior licensed practical nurse pay in WY; positions such as nursing supervisor or MDS coordinator present pathways to higher salaries and greater responsibilities. It's essential to consider non-salary benefits as well, such as shift differentials or premium pay for weekends, which can enhance overall income in this field. Overall, advancing in this professional trajectory not only improves one's financial outlook but also enriches the evolving landscape of healthcare in Rawlins.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Rawlins in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Rawlins?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Rawlins?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Rawlins?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Rawlins?
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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 $73,594 for licensed practical nurses in the Rawlins 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 Rawlins 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