Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$75,860/year
about $36.47 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $65,700 – $80,830
Half of licensed practical nurses in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $75,860 a year and half earn less. That's 18% higher than the national median of $64,400, and ranks #13 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $61,880 | $29.75 |
| 25th | $65,700 | $31.59 |
| Median (50th) | $75,860 | $36.47 |
| 75th | $80,830 | $38.86 |
| 90th (top earners) | $87,470 | $42.05 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a licensed practical nurse job in the Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $65,700 ($31.59/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $65,700 to $80,830 ($31.59 to $38.86/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $80,830 ($38.86/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Night, weekend and holiday differentials can add a lot. Ask for the exact rates.
- Pay often differs between nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and home health, so compare like with like.
- Agency and travel LPN jobs pay more per hour but usually come with fewer benefits.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.