Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Washington — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Washington pays licensed practical nurses a median wage of $79,700 per year — that's $38.32/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 6,450 licensed practical nurses make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Washington are above the national average by approximately $16,213. Washington has no state income tax.
Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push licensed practical nurse pay higher in Washington.
Washington Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Washington after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Washington has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Washington has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Washington Licensed Practical Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Washington median of $79,700.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — Washington
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in Washington — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataLicensed Practical Nurse salaries in Washington have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Washington's healthcare and long-term care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — Washington
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $88,450 | $42.52 | +11.0% | 2,257 |
| Spokane | $84,500 | $40.62 | +6.0% | 1,806 |
| Tacoma | $82,100 | $39.47 | +3.0% | 1,161 |
| Vancouver | $76,500 | $36.78 | -4.0% | 580 |
| Bellevue | $72,550 | $34.88 | -9.0% | 387 |
| Kirkland | $69,350 | $33.34 | -13.0% | 258 |
Tip: Seattle offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in Washington at $88,450/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Washington vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Washington compares favourably for licensed practical nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Washington has no state income tax.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in Washington
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for licensed practical nurses in Washington is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Washington job market. Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push licensed practical nurse pay higher in Washington.
How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Washington
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in Washington typically adds $65,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Seattle pays licensed practical nurses $88,450/yr — +11.0% above the Washington average. Simply relocating within Washington can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in Washington. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Idaho pays licensed practical nurses $61,720/yr — -22.6% vs Washington.
Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in Washington
Live ListingsSearch current licensed practical nurse job vacancies in Washington:
🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Washington — Indeed→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Washington — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs — Seattle, WA→