Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $40.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Bellingham, WA runs $40.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,228 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,942 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bellingham, Washington, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) earn a median hourly rate of $40.02, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This competitive pay offers a substantial opportunity for those considering part-time or per-diem roles in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health care, physician's offices, and hospice care. For LPNs working three days a week, the pay translates well into a reliable income stream, while those in per-diem positions benefit from flexibility without committing to consistent hours. The hourly range spans from entry-level positions, starting at $32.37, to top earners making $49.00 per hour, according to official BLS projections for 2026, showcasing the potential for enhanced earnings based on experience and work settings.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.37 | $258.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.77 | $294.18 |
| Median (P50) | $40.02 | $320.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.25 | $346.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.00 | $392.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $40.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.02/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $83,237 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,022. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,600.72 | $6,936 | $83,237 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $960.43 | $4,162 | $49,942 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $640.29 | $2,775 | $33,295 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Bellingham) | $40.02 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Bellingham, WA earn a median of $83,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.27% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.30% below the Washington state average of $83,479.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.02/hr = $49,942/year (purchasing power: $48,331).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,237/year (purchasing power: $80,552).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+78.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Bellingham grew 59.5% from $23.73/hr (2019) to $37.86/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.30/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Bellingham
Part-time licensed practical nurses in Bellingham can expect to take home a noteworthy income compared to their full-time counterparts, especially those working 24 hours a week, who may enjoy an annual take-home equivalent to that of a full-time role in many settings. The per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Bellingham often ranges between $28 and $42 per hour, depending on the facility's needs and budget constraints. However, agency LPNs stepping in at critical staffing shortages can often command rates upwards of $45 to $60 per hour. Hourly wages can also vary significantly based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and home health roles generally offering more competitive salaries compared to physician offices. While some LPNs might opt for higher pay with fewer benefits, others may prefer lower hourly rates that include health insurance and other perks. Negotiating pay becomes essential, where understanding local pay standards, unique skills, and the demand for LPN services in Bellingham can provide leverage in discussions.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Bellingham?
Are licensed practical nurses in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Bellingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov