Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 1K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$75,740
$36.41/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
+13.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $87K
1K employed in District of Columbia
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in District of Columbia averages $75,740 annually, positioning the region favorably in the healthcare employment market. This figure represents a 13% premium over the national average, reflecting the higher cost of living and increased demand for healthcare services in the nation's capital. With 1,040 Licensed Practical Nurses employed throughout the district, the field remains a stable career option for medical professionals.
Compensation for Licensed Practical Nurses in this region varies based on several key factors, including employer type, work setting, and individual experience level. Healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics may offer different salary ranges, with specialty units typically commanding higher wages. Geographic proximity to major medical centers and the competitive nature of DC's healthcare market also influence earning potential for practitioners in this field.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,880 |
| 25th percentile | $63,960 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,740 |
| 75th percentile | $81,400 |
| 90th percentile | $87,470 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,540 |
| 2023 | $67,700 |
| 2024 | $70,420 |
| 2025 | $75,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,284 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,540 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $67,700 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $70,420 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $75,740 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,284 | $70,744 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,960 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,740 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,400 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $87,470 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($75,740 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +320.1% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +250.9% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +208.1% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +194.8% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +167.5% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +141.7% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +140.9% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +104.8% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +102.5% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +81.2% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +79.4% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +78.4% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Washington DC?
- Licensed practical nurses in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $75,740 per year, or $36 per hour. This is 13.5% higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for LPNs in DC?
- The salary range for licensed practical nurses in District of Columbia spans from $62,880 to $87,470 per year, depending on experience, employer, and other factors.
Is being an LPN in Washington DC better paid than the national average?
- Yes, licensed practical nurses in District of Columbia earn 13.5% more than the national average, with a median salary of $75,740 compared to lower national figures.
How many licensed practical nurses work in DC?
- There are approximately 1,040 licensed practical nurses currently employed in District of Columbia.