Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Andover, MN: $82,471 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Andover, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,471/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Andover's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,727 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Andover, Minnesota, senior licensed practical nurses can anticipate highly competitive compensation in 2026, with a median annual salary reaching $64,936. The potential for top earners is particularly significant in this area, as the 90th percentile salary climbs to $82,471, highlighting a substantial income gap compared to the median figure. This experience premium is indicative of the skills and advanced competencies that seasoned professionals develop over time. Those aiming for top licensed practical nurse salary in Andover must often pursue additional training, certifications, or specializations, such as IV therapy or wound care, thereby setting themselves apart in a growing healthcare market that rewards expertise.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($59,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Andover earn between $76,311 and $82,471 per year (2026 est.). This $28,543 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Andover median of $64,936 sits 4.61% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Andover | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,936 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,311 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,471 | $88,196 |
In Andover, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 27.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Andover
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $64,936 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Andover employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Andover command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,311–$82,471 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Andover 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 Andover 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 Minnesota 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 Andover
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAndover ranks #25 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $82,471).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Andover ($82,471) is 0.96% above the Minnesota average P90 ($81,687).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,247
2025 BLS Actual
$78,024
2026 Current Est.
$82,471
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,247 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,934 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,816 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,901 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,471 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,172 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Andover saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $59,247 in 2019 to $78,024 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 $87,172 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
Senior-level positions for licensed practical nurses in Andover often correlate with specific areas of specialization, driving higher salaries and added responsibilities. For example, specialties like long-term care and hospice and palliative care can command premiums due to the complexity and level of care required. Compensation varies by the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities may offer greater pay than home health agencies or physician offices, due to the intensity of care and regulatory requirements in long-term settings. Advancement pathways, such as moving into roles like charge LPN, nursing supervisor, or even transitioning to RN through LPN-to-RN bridge programs, present further opportunities for career growth and financial gain. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials like IV therapy certification or wound care expertise can significantly influence pay rates in Minnesota. Non-salary drivers of compensation, such as shift differentials and specialty stipends, are also essential factors that enhance the total reward package for experienced licensed practical nurses in this region.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Andover in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Andover?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Andover?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Andover?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Andover?
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 $78,024 for licensed practical nurses in the Andover 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 Andover 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