Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Montpelier, VT: $78,194 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Montpelier, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,194/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Montpelier's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $75,550 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an impressive top-tier earning potential of $78,194 in 2026, experienced licensed practical nurses in Montpelier enjoy a significant salary premium compared to their peers. The median salary for senior licensed practical nurses stands at $64,888, which highlights a substantial gap between those at the center of the pay scale and the highest earners in the region. To reach this pinnacle of compensation, LPNs need to cultivate extensive experience, often upwards of seven years, and may also pursue advanced certifications or specializations within their field. Positions requiring advanced skills can elevate an LPN's role and, consequently, their pay, positioning them favorably within the broader healthcare landscape of Vermont.
About the Montpelier Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($59,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Montpelier
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Montpelier earn between $74,034 and $78,194 per year (2026 est.). This $24,096 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Montpelier median of $64,888 sits 4.68% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Montpelier | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,888 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,034 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,194 | $88,196 |
In Montpelier, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 20.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Montpelier
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $64,888 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Montpelier employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Montpelier command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,034–$78,194 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Montpelier 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 Montpelier 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 Vermont 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 Montpelier
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMontpelier ranks #9 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $78,194).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Montpelier ($78,194) is 17.47% below the Vermont average P90 ($94,749).
2019 BLS Actual
$56,174
2025 BLS Actual
$73,977
2026 Current Est.
$78,194
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Montpelier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,174 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,089 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,411 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,039 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,553 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,977 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,194 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,651 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Montpelier saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $56,174 in 2019 to $73,977 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 $82,651 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montpelier 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 Montpelier
Diving deeper into compensation factors for seasoned practitioners, certain specializations are particularly lucrative in Montpelier. Areas like long-term care, hospice, and palliative care, as well as advanced skills in IV therapy and wound care, command premium salaries. Compensation can also vary widely based on the type of employer—senior licensed practical nurses in skilled nursing facilities often see higher pay compared to those in physician offices or home health agencies. Career advancement options, such as moving from charge LPN roles to nursing supervisors or pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs, can further enhance earning potential. Obtaining relevant credentials, like an active LPN/LVN license and certifications for specialized skills, can bolster a nurse's financial outlook. Additional compensation drivers include shift differentials and weekend premiums, which can further improve the top licensed practical nurse salary in Montpelier.
More salary data for Montpelier, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Montpelier in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Montpelier?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Montpelier?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Montpelier?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Montpelier?
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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 $73,977 for licensed practical nurses in the Montpelier 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 Montpelier 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