Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kailua, HI: $80,502 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Kailua, HI earns a median $80,502/year (≈ $38.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Kailua's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $67,479 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, Hawaii, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in 2026 is $80,502, significantly higher than the national median of $68,071. This figure reflects a robust local job market often influenced by the structural choices between skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and clinic settings. The comprehensive salary range spans from $63,914 at the 10th percentile to $101,479 at the 90th percentile, based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities. The variation in compensation directly correlates to the specific work environment, which can greatly affect earning potential across different setting types, ultimately shaping the landscape of licensed practical nurse pay in Kailua, HI.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,914 | $30.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,197 | $35.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,502 | $38.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,322 | $45.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,479 | $48.79 |
Median Salary Position
18.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
In Kailua, HI, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,565 (2026 est.). At $80,502, the local median is 18.26% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kailua: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kailua Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Kailua median: $80,502/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kailua Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $81,233 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +18.26% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Kailua, HI earn a median of $80,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $81,233.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kailua has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kailua, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,502 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,479 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,151
2025 BLS Actual
$76,161
2026 Current Est.
$80,502
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,151 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,736 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,849 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,688 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,502 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,091 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kailua metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $56,151 (2019) to $76,161 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,091 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,940 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $63,914 – $74,197 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,197 – $80,502 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,502 – $94,322 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,322 – $101,479 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Kailua
The local job market currently employs only six licensed practical nurses in Kailua, indicating a tight community of professionals serving the area. With a cost-of-living index at 119.3, the economic reality means that while salaries may appear competitive, the purchasing power of these wages is nuanced by pricing pressures common to Hawaii. Skilled nursing facilities generally offer the highest compensation, particularly for LPNs with specialties such as IV therapy or those willing to take on challenging shifts that include weekends or holidays. This competitive edge can elevate salaries, as can participation in charge LPN roles or obtaining shift differentials. Practical advice for maximizing pay in the Kailua market includes actively pursuing additional certifications, considering roles in long-term care, and being flexible with availability to enhance job prospects and potential wage increases.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Kailua, HI in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Kailua?
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,161 for licensed practical nursesin the Kailua metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kailua is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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