How Much Does an LPN Make in Washington in 2026?

A typical LPN in Washington earns about $39.98 per hour ($83,150 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $6,929 a month or $1,599 a week, both calculated from the annual figure. Pay varies by city, setting, and years of experience across the state.

Washington's typical LPN pay sits 29% above the national figure of $64,400 a year, according to the same May 2025 data. That gap places Washington 1st among all 51 states and the District of Columbia for LPN pay. Roughly 6,780 LPNs work in Washington, compared with 648,410 nationwide.

Entry-level LPN positions in Washington typically offer around $30.88 per hour, or about $64,230 a year. Pay tends to move toward the state's typical wage of $83,150 within a few years of experience. New graduates and those just starting out in long-term care or outpatient settings often start near this figure before moving into higher-paying roles.

Experienced LPNs in Washington often earn upwards of $45.18 per hour ($93,970 a year), and the top 10% make over $48.54 per hour, or $100,950 a year. That leaves a spread of $36,720 between entry-level and top-tier pay. Setting, city, and years on the job tend to separate the two groups, with hospital and specialty roles generally paying more than entry-level clinic positions.

Washington's LPN pay has climbed steadily over the past decade, from $48,840 in 2015 to $83,150 in 2025. That is a gain of $34,310, or 70%, over ten years. The increase has been consistent year over year, with notable jumps between 2021 and 2023 as pay rose from $61,160 to $76,190.

That 70% rise outpaces the national LPN decade increase of 49%, meaning Washington pay has grown faster than the country as a whole. For someone starting an LPN career in Washington now, the data shows pay has moved up substantially over the past ten years. That trend reflects what has already happened, not a promise of continued gains at the same pace.

LPN pay runs highest in Tacoma, Bellevue, and Seattle, where LPNs typically earn $85,690 a year ($41.20 an hour), about 3% above the state figure. These figures cover each city's full metro area. Mount Vernon and Anacortes follow closely at $83,940 a year, while Vancouver pays $83,510 a year.

Pay runs lowest in the East Wenatchee area, at $75,560 a year ($36.33 an hour), for a spread of $10,130 between the highest- and lowest-paying areas in the state. Tacoma also carries the largest LPN workforce among Washington cities, with 3,470 workers. Higher pay in cities like Tacoma and Seattle generally tracks a higher cost of living, so the gap does not necessarily mean more money left over at the end of the month.

Washington pays LPNs more than each of its immediate neighbors. Alaska's typical LPN pay is $80,800 a year, 3% below Washington's figure, and Oregon sits at $80,470, also 3% lower. Idaho pays noticeably less, at $63,800 a year, 23% below Washington. Practical nurse licensure earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby state, which can simplify a move across these borders.

A typical LPN in Washington earns $83,150 a year, a figure that has climbed 70% over the past decade. For specific requirements, readers can check Washington's nursing licensing or registry page, and for local figures, the city-level pages covering Tacoma, Seattle, Spokane, and other Washington metro areas offer a closer look at pay in a specific area.