Average Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in WashingtonNo State Income Tax
Licensed Practical Nurses in Washington earn an average of $74,620 per year across 1 metro area. This is +24.9% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$74,620
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.88
per hour
vs National
+24.9%
$59,730 national
Salary Range
$49,625
to $105,394
About Licensed Practical Nurse Careers in Washington
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs), also called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They are a critical component of healthcare delivery across hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health settings. The BLS median salary is $54,620, with strong regional variation — metro areas in California, Alaska, and Massachusetts pay significantly above the national median. With over 900,000 LPN positions in the US and projected growth of 6% through 2032, the role offers a reliable career pathway requiring only one year of post-secondary education.
In Washington, licensed practical nurses earn an average of $74,620 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $49,625 for entry-level roles to $105,394 for the most experienced professionals — +24.9% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by state and geographic location — california and alaska lpns earn median wages 40–50% above the national median, work setting — home health and hospice lpns often earn more than facility-based roles, and the specific metro area within Washington.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$74,620
Cost of Living Index
118
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$63,237
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Washington's cost of living (above average), a Licensed Practical Nurse's salary of $74,620 has the purchasing power of $63,237 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Washington has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City in Washington
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $74,620 | $35.88/hr | $49,625 | $105,394 | 807 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Washington vs National Average
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Washington
There are approximately 807 Licensed Practical Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Washington.
Key Industries: Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range in Washington
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$49,625
Starting salary for new Licensed Practical Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$74,620
Mid-career Licensed Practical Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$105,394
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Washington
Pharmacist
$162,031
avg in WA
+$87,411 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$150,052
avg in WA
+$75,432 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
$112,456
avg in WA
+$37,836 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$111,817
avg in WA
+$37,197 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$47,837
avg in WA
-$26,783 vs Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Washington with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Licensed Practical Nurse Data
More Washington Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Washington?
The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Washington is $74,620 per year ($35.88/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 24.9% above the national average of $59,730.
What is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in Washington?
Seattle, WA is the highest paying city for Licensed Practical Nurses in Washington, with a median salary of $74,620 per year.
What is the salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses in Washington?
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Washington range from $49,625 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $105,394 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $74,620 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Washington. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.