Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Burke, VA: $80,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Burke, VA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,461/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Burke's price premium (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $77,966 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burke, Virginia, the financial upside for seasoned licensed practical nurses is quite promising, reflecting the skills and expertise amassed through years of practice. With a top earning potential projected at $80,461 for 2026, senior licensed practical nurse pay in VA clearly illustrates the substantial rewards accessible to those who position themselves strategically within the healthcare industry. The disparity between the median annual salary of $64,057 and top-tier pay signifies an experience premium that rewards not just time in the field but also specialization and leadership roles. Achieving compensation at this level often requires a commitment to ongoing education, obtaining advanced certifications, and potentially transitioning into roles such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor in order to maximize earnings within the local market.
About the Burke Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burke
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Burke earn between $74,734 and $80,461 per year (2026 est.). This $29,950 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burke median of $64,057 sits 5.9% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Burke | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,057 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,734 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,461 | $88,196 |
In Burke, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 25.61% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Burke
Advanced Certifications in Virginia
VA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $64,057 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burke employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Burke command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,734–$80,461 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burke 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 Burke 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 Virginia 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 Burke
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurke ranks #20 of 42 Virginia cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $80,461).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Burke ($80,461) is 1.3% below the Virginia average P90 ($81,523).
2019 BLS Actual
$57,803
2025 BLS Actual
$76,122
2026 Current Est.
$80,461
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Burke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,803 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,774 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,278 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,041 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,176 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,122 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,047 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Burke saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $57,803 in 2019 to $76,122 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 $85,047 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burke 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 Burke
Compensation for experienced licensed practical nurses in Burke varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. Certain areas, such as long-term care and hospice and palliative care, may yield higher salaries due to the specialized skill sets required for those positions. Working in skilled nursing facilities generally offers higher wages compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Additionally, obtaining credentials like IV therapy certification or certification in wound care can further enhance earning potential. For those inclined towards leadership, opportunities exist through LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which provide pathways to promote into higher-paying roles like MDS coordinator or admissions coordinator. It’s worth mentioning that factors such as shift differentials, weekend/holiday premiums, and IV therapy stipends significantly contribute to non-salary compensation, making the overall package even more attractive as LPNs advance in their careers in Burke, VA.
More salary data for Burke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Burke in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Burke?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Burke?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Burke?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Burke?
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 $76,122 for licensed practical nurses in the Burke 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 Burke 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