Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lee's Summit, MO: $86,207 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Lee's Summit, MO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,207/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Lee's Summit's price premium (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $96,213 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the earning potential for senior licensed practical nurses in Lee's Summit, MO is notably robust, with top-tier pay reaching $86,207 for the highest earners. The median annual salary stands at $63,947, showcasing a significant experience premium that emphasizes the financial advantages of accumulating years in the field. Achieving this upper salary range is linked to several factors, including specialized training, advanced certifications, and the willingness to take on leadership roles within healthcare settings. As the employment landscape grows, particularly in arenas such as long-term care and specialized settings, experienced licensed practical nurses can capitalize on these opportunities to command impressive salaries, positioning themselves favorably against national benchmarks.
About the Lee's Summit Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lee's Summit
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Lee's Summit earn between $77,539 and $86,207 per year (2026 est.). This $36,914 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lee's Summit median of $63,947 sits 6.06% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Lee's Summit | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,947 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,539 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,207 | $88,196 |
In Lee's Summit, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 34.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Lee's Summit
Advanced Certifications in Missouri
MO licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $63,947 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lee's Summit employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Lee's Summit command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,539–$86,207 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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 Missouri 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 Lee's Summit
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLee's Summit ranks #3 of 33 Missouri cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $86,207).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Lee's Summit ($86,207) is 4.76% above the Missouri average P90 ($82,287).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,931
2025 BLS Actual
$81,558
2026 Current Est.
$86,207
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,931 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,042 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,351 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,011 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,114 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,061 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,558 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,207 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,121 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Lee's Summit saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $61,931 in 2019 to $81,558 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 $91,121 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
To maximize earning potential, senior licensed practical nurses in Lee's Summit can explore various specializations that command premium pay, such as wound care, hospice and palliative care, or IV therapy certification. Compensation varies considerably across different employer types; for instance, skilled nursing facilities typically offer competitive salaries, while home health agencies may provide more flexible scheduling but lower pay scales. Career advancement opportunities are also promising, with paths leading to roles such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor, particularly in LPN-led facilities. Further educational avenues, like LPN-to-RN bridge programs, can enhance one’s expertise and earning power. Beyond salary, factors such as shift differentials, charge LPN pay premiums, and additional stipends for specialized certifications can significantly impact overall compensation in this field. In the competitive healthcare market of Lee's Summit, MO, advanced credentials and strategic career moves underscore the potential for a rewarding income trajectory.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Lee's Summit in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Lee's Summit?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Lee's Summit?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Lee's Summit?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Lee's Summit?
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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 $81,558 for licensed practical nurses in the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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