Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Derby, KS: $76,471 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Derby, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,471/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Derby's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,127 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derby, Kansas, the potential for experienced licensed practical nurses to earn a competitive salary is notable. Those who have dedicated over seven years to the profession can reach top-tier earnings, with the 2026 projected salary for the 90th percentile sitting at $76,471. This figure positions Derby's top earners slightly below the national median of $68,071, reflecting a 10.36% gap that showcases the experience premium available to senior licensed practical nurses in the area. Achieving this level of pay typically involves a combination of specialized training and accumulated expertise, along with a clear understanding of the unique healthcare needs within the Derby community.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Derby earn between $71,082 and $76,471 per year (2026 est.). This $28,503 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Derby median of $61,016 sits 10.36% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Derby | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,016 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,082 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,471 | $88,196 |
In Derby, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 25.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Derby
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $61,016 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Derby employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Derby command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,082–$76,471 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Derby metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Derby with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Kansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Derby
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDerby ranks #12 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $76,471).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Derby ($76,471) is 6.01% below the Kansas average P90 ($81,360).
2019 BLS Actual
$54,937
2025 BLS Actual
$72,347
2026 Current Est.
$76,471
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,937 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,809 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,309 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,991 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,518 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,228 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,471 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,830 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Derby saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $54,937 in 2019 to $72,347 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $80,830 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Derby
Specializations can significantly influence senior licensed practical nurse pay in Derby, where roles in long-term care, IV therapy certification, wound care, and hospice services are in demand. Compensation structures also vary across different employer types; for instance, skilled nursing facilities tend to provide more robust benefits than home health agencies and physician offices. Career advancement opportunities abound for seasoned professionals, offering paths to positions such as charge LPN, nursing supervisor, or even roles like MDS coordinator in long-term care settings. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials, such as IV therapy or wound care certifications, further enhances earning potential. Senior licensed practical nurses can also benefit from non-salary compensation such as shift differentials, premium pay for weekends and holidays in long-term care settings, as well as stipends for specialized skills, deepening their financial incentives and career satisfaction in this evolving field.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Derby in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Derby?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Derby?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Derby?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Derby?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $72,347 for licensed practical nurses in the Derby metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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