Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Independence, MO: $65,839 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Independence, MO earns a median $65,839/year (≈ $31.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Independence's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $73,481 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the 2026 median annual salary for licensed practical nurses is projected at $65,839, which is slightly lower than the national median of $68,071. With salary estimates ranging from $51,867 at the 10th percentile to $90,208 at the 90th percentile, the local compensation landscape highlights a relatively competitive pay structure given the state's regulations that allow LPNs to perform tasks like IV therapy and patient assessment. These aspects of the LPN role enhance job responsibilities and can impact earnings positively. Data derived from 2025 BLS estimates, projected forward to 2026, reflects a stable job market for LPNs in Independence, where healthcare settings ensure a demand for skilled practical nursing professionals.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,867 | $24.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,761 | $29.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,839 | $31.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,705 | $36.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,208 | $43.37 |
Median Salary Position
3.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, MO, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,341 (2026 est.). At $65,839, the local median is 3.28% 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: $65,839/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,485 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | -3.28% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Independence, MO earn a median of $65,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.28% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $64,485.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $65,839 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,481 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,924
2025 BLS Actual
$62,289
2026 Current Est.
$65,839
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 | $45,924 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,494 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,772 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,289 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,839 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,592 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $45,924 (2019) to $62,289 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,592 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,668 (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) | $51,867 – $60,761 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,761 – $65,839 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,839 – $76,705 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,705 – $90,208 |
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
The job market in Independence currently employs around 30 licensed practical nurses, indicating a concentrated demand in this healthcare role. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 89.6, suggesting that although the licensed practical nurse salary in Independence may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains relatively strong due to lower living costs. Facilities such as skilled nursing homes often offer the highest compensation for LPNs, followed by home health agencies and hospitals. The difference in pay can be attributed to various factors, including setting, shift differentials, and additional certifications such as IV therapy, which can command higher wages. For those seeking to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Independence, pursuing positions in long-term care and obtaining certifications that enhance clinical skills can prove beneficial, along with being flexible for shifts during weekends and holidays where premium rates may apply.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $62,289 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