Average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary in Topeka, KS
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Topeka, KS, earn an average annual salary of $61,310. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,450, indicating localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within the region. The specific pay rates in Topeka are shaped by the local job market dynamics and the overall economic environment of Kansas.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,350.
- Outlook: The job market for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Topeka, KS, shows a notable concentration, with a Location Quotient of 1.74, significantly exceeding the national average. This suggests a higher demand or a more robust presence of these professionals relative to the national landscape. With a local workforce of 800, the presence of 7.149 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a healthy and active employment sector for LPNs/LVNs in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Topeka, KS earns-4.9%below the national average.
$29.5
$1,179
$5,109
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Topeka is not provided, the nursing profession nationally has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, driven by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Topeka have mirrored this trend, likely seeing incremental increases as demand for healthcare services continues to rise within the state and local community.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Salary progression for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Topeka, KS, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, clearly signify the career advancement and earning potential available as nurses gain expertise and take on more responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $50,310 | $24.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $45,983 | $22.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $60,180 | $28.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $76,638 | $36.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $73,350 | $35.3 |
Detailed Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,310
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,310 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Topeka, KS, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of an LPN/LVN's salary in Topeka is equivalent to that of a nurse earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary translates directly to a comparable standard of living without significant financial strain due to local expenses.
Job Market Context
800
Total Jobs
7.149
Per 1K Jobs
1.74
Location Quotient
Topeka, KS has 1.7x the national concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Topeka, KS, presents a market with a strong concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.74. This indicates that the proportion of LPNs/LVNs in Topeka is 74% higher than the national average. Such a high concentration suggests a robust demand for these professionals or a well-established pool of talent, potentially leading to a competitive job market where employers actively seek qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $59,360↓ 3% | 24 mi |
| Manhattan, KS Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $61,820↑ 1% | 50 mi |
| Kansas City, MO-KS Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $63,800↑ 4% | 60 mi |
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $55,350↓ 10% | 66 mi |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $56,780↓ 7% | 68 mi |
Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
Hiring Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Topeka, KS is $61,310. This typically ranges from $50,310 for entry-level positions to $73,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 4.9% lower than the national median of $64,450.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Yes, with a caveat regarding national averages.While the average salary of $61,310 is slightly below the national average, the cost of living being exactly at the national average makes the salary's purchasing power equivalent. The high concentration of LPNs/LVNs (LQ 1.74) also suggests strong local demand.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($59,360) and Manhattan, KS.
How does the Topeka LPN/LVN salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Topeka, KS, is $61,310, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,450.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS for nurses?
The cost of living index in Topeka, KS, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is on par with the national standard.
How concentrated is the LPN/LVN job market in Topeka?
Topeka has a high concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, with a Location Quotient of 1.74, indicating a significantly larger presence of these professionals compared to the national average.
What is the total number of LPNs/LVNs in Topeka?
There are approximately 800 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses working in Topeka, KS.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 800 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 7.149 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Topeka, KS