Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Washington
A licensed practical nurse in Washington earns an estimated $75,990 a year ($36.53/hr) — about 18% above the U.S. average, with most between $69,620 and $89,720. State figures are estimates based on national pay for the role and local cost of living — a starting point, not a guaranteed local wage.
Licensed Practical Nurse — Washington
EstimatedMedian annual pay
$75,990
+18% vs nationalHourly
$36.53/hr
- Typical range
- $69,620–$89,720
- What most nurses earn
- High end
- $98,460
- Top earners
- Entry level
- $58,690
- Newer nurses
Licensed Practical Nurse pay by city in Washington
Estimated pay in the state's largest metro areas.
| City | Est. annual | Est. hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $78,570 | $37.77 |
| Spokane | $69,550 | $33.44 |
Licensed Practical Nurse pay in nearby-paying states
How Washington compares to states with similar licensed practical nurse pay.
Other nursing roles in Washington
Compare estimated pay for related roles in this state.
What affects licensed practical nurse pay in Washington
Among the highest pay; strong Seattle market. For a licensed practical nurse specifically, pay is shaped by the metro labor market, hospital vs clinic vs long-term-care setting, union presence, shift differentials, unit acuity, and years of experience. Certifications and a move into charge or advanced-practice roles raise pay further. Use the calculator to estimate your own.
How this estimate was calculated
The Washington figure adjusts the national RN average of $64,400 for local pay levels — a factor of 1.18× (about 18% above the U.S. average). It is a starting point — not an official Washington wage — until verified local figures and nurse submissions are loaded.
Local pay can vary well beyond this by specialty, shift, union status, employer type, overtime, and care setting. When official state wage data is loaded, this number updates to a verified value automatically.
Use this state estimate as a starting point
- It’s a starting point for Washington, based on national pay and local cost of living until official state data is loaded — not a guaranteed local wage.
- Your actual pay shifts with role and specialty, care setting, shift, overtime, union status, and years of experience — so compare a role-specific page and personalize the calculator.
- Reviewed salary submissions from nurses in Washington make this page more precise over time.
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Washington — FAQ
- How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Washington?
- A licensed practical nurse in Washington earns an estimated $75,990 a year — about $36.53 an hour, with most between $69,620 and $89,720. That's about 18% above the national average. This is an estimate based on national pay for the role and Washington's local pay level, not a guaranteed local wage.
- Is Washington a good state for licensed practical nurses?
- For pay, Washington sits about 18% above the national average for licensed practical nurses. A higher number often comes with a higher cost of living, so weigh the estimated $75,990 against local housing and expenses rather than the headline figure alone.
- Which city in Washington pays licensed practical nurses the most?
- Among Washington metros we track, Seattle tends to have the highest estimated pay for licensed practical nurses, at roughly $78,570 a year. City figures are estimates based on the role's national pay and local cost of living.
- How does Washington licensed practical nurse pay compare to the national average?
- The national figure for a licensed practical nurse is about $64,400 a year, versus an estimated $75,990 in Washington — about 18% above the national average. Use the calculator to factor in your experience, specialty, and shift.
- Why are some figures verified and others estimates?
- National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.
Source & confidence— An estimate based on national nurse pay and local cost of living. A ballpark to start from, not an exact figure.
Modeled estimate (BLS national × state wage index)
Washington figures are estimated by adjusting the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median for local pay levels (a state adjustment of 1.18×).
Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 3, 2026. Full methodology
Estimated figure — national licensed practical nurse pay adjusted for Washington. Last reviewed July 3, 2026.