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Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in West Virginia — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

West Virginia pays licensed practical nurses a median wage of $49,850 per year — that's $23.97/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 6,330 licensed practical nurses make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in West Virginia are below the national average by approximately $13,637. West Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 6.5%.

West Virginia's economy continues to add licensed practical nurse jobs as population and businesses grow.

West Virginia Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in West Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. West Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 6.5%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$49,850
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$39,886

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. West Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 6.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — West Virginia Licensed Practical Nurse Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the West Virginia median of $49,850.

Your annual salary ($)

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — West Virginia

Entry Level (0–2 years)$30,900/yr · $14.86/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in West Virginia.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$44,366/yr · $21.33/hr
Established professional working independently in West Virginia. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$55,333/yr · $26.60/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in West Virginia.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$71,800+/yr · $34.52/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in West Virginia.
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Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in West Virginia — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for licensed practical nurses in West Virginia: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in West Virginia's healthcare and long-term care.

2021
$43,768
2022
$46,310
+5.8%
2023
$48,454
+4.6%
2024
$49,251
+1.6%
2026
$49,850
+1.2%

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — West Virginia

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Charleston$55,350$26.61+11.0%2,215
Huntington$52,850$25.41+6.0%1,772
Morgantown$51,350$24.69+3.0%1,139
Parkersburg$47,850$23.00-4.0%569
Wheeling$45,350$21.80-9.0%379
Weirton$43,350$20.84-13.0%253

Tip: Charleston offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in West Virginia at $55,350/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

West Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, West Virginia sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.

West Virginia — 6.5% state income tax$49,850 gross~$39,886 take-home
Ohio — 3.75%$60,990 gross+22.3% vs WV
Pennsylvania — 3.07%$62,010 gross+24.4% vs WV
Maryland — 5.75%$69,870 gross+40.2% vs WV

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. West Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 6.5%.

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Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in West Virginia

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
6,330Currently employed
633+New jobs projected

Employment for licensed practical nurses in West Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the West Virginia job market. West Virginia's economy continues to add licensed practical nurse jobs as population and businesses grow.

How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in West Virginia

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in West Virginia typically adds $40,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Charleston pays licensed practical nurses $55,350/yr — +11.0% above the West Virginia average. Simply relocating within West Virginia 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 West Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Ohio pays licensed practical nurses $60,990/yr — 22.3% vs West Virginia.

Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in West Virginia

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a licensed practical nurse earn in West Virginia on average?
The average licensed practical nurse salary in West Virginia is $49,850 per year, or $23.97 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $30,900 while experienced professionals earn $71,800 or more.
What city in West Virginia pays licensed practical nurses the most?
Charleston pays licensed practical nurses the most in West Virginia at an average of $55,350 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does West Virginia stack up nationally for licensed practical nurse pay?
West Virginia licensed practical nurse salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $13,637. West Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 6.5%.
How much do licensed practical nurses actually take home after taxes in West Virginia?
A licensed practical nurse earning the West Virginia average of $49,850 takes home approximately $39,886 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. West Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 6.5%.
Should you become a licensed practical nurse in West Virginia?
Yes. Licensed Practical Nurse is a strong career choice in West Virginia with steady demand projected over the next decade. West Virginia's economy continues to add licensed practical nurse jobs as population and businesses grow.
What's the licensing process for licensed practical nurses in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, licensed practical nurses are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.