Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Independence, KY: $64,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Independence, KY earns a median $64,774/year (≈ $31.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Independence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $72,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurses in Independence, Kentucky, can expect a median annual salary of $64,774 in 2026, reflecting the local market conditions and cost adjustments. With a salary range from $51,581 at the 10th percentile to $81,954 at the 90th percentile, LPN pay in Independence is slightly behind the national median of $68,071. These estimates, derived from the 2025 BLS data and regional price parities, indicate that Independence's employment conditions may vary based on the type of healthcare setting, such as skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies. The competitive landscape in Independence suggests that LPNs with specialized skills may command higher wages, especially those adept in long-term care environments where demand remains robust.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($51,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,581 | $24.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,764 | $28.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,774 | $31.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,932 | $36.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,954 | $39.40 |
Median Salary Position
4.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, KY, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,373 (2026 est.). At $64,774, the local median is 4.84% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Independence median: $64,774/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $65,296 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -4.84% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Independence, KY earn a median of $64,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.84% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $65,296.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $64,774 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,535 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,180
2025 BLS Actual
$61,281
2026 Current Est.
$64,774
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,456 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,742 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,975 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,837 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,182 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,281 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,466 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $45,180 (2019) to $61,281 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,466 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,286 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $51,581 – $59,764 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,764 – $64,774 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,774 – $75,932 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,932 – $81,954 |
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 Independence
In Independence, the job market for licensed practical nurses is relatively small, with only five LPNs employed in the area. The cost of living index is calculated at 89.3, which indicates lower living expenses compared to the national average. This affordability can positively influence the take-home purchasing power for nursing professionals. Within the local healthcare industry, skilled nursing facilities typically offer some of the highest salaries, surpassing those found in home health or physician offices. Factors such as shift differentials, certification stipends for IV therapy, and compensation for weekend and holiday shifts contribute to the broad salary range LPNs experience. Aspiring LPNs or those already in the field should focus on gaining certifications related to their specialty to enhance their earning potential in this regional market.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Independence, KY in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Independence?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Independence?
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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 $61,281 for licensed practical nursesin the Independence 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 Independence 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