US
Joplin, MO
Missouri salary market
$64.4K
Avg / Year
+3% vs U.S.
vs National
380
Employment
$5.4K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Joplin, MO (2026)

The Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Joplin, MO for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Joplin, MO market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets. Official BLS and O*NET title: "Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses".

Official BLS baseline: 2024Joplin, MO city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$64.4K
per year
Entry Level
$52.5K
starting range
Senior Level
$69.3K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$65.7K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$5.4K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$27
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Overview in Joplin, MO

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Licensed Practical Nurse pay in Joplin, MO at about $64,424.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $46,280.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $68,450.0.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Joplin, Mo-Ks metropolitan area.

If you’re comparing Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Joplin, MO, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Joplin, MO vs. U.S. National Average

Joplin, MO pays +3% vs u.s. for Licensed Practical Nurse roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$62.3K
all U.S. markets combined
+3%
Joplin, MO Premium
Joplin, MO City Average
$64.4K
Licensed Practical Nurse
MarketProjected Salaryvs Joplin, MOMarket Maturity
Joplin, MO (this guide)$64,424.0BaselineLocal market
United States$62,340.0-3% vs U.S.National baseline
Kansas City, MO$62,700.0-3% vs U.S.Comparable city
St. Louis, MO$62,540.0-3% vs U.S.Comparable city
Columbia, MO$59,700.0-7% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Joplin, MO pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Joplin, MO

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Joplin, MO, this breakdown shows how aLicensed Practical Nurse can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$55.8K
$31/hr median equivalent
$52.5K - $64.4K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$64.4K
$31/hr median equivalent
$55.8K - $69.3K
Senior
6-10 years
$69.3K
$31/hr median equivalent
$64.4K - $77.6K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$77.6K
$31/hr median equivalent
$69.3K - $94.7K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse0-2 years$55,781.0$52,492.0 - $64,424.0-11% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Licensed Practical Nurse3-5 years$64,424.0$55,781.0 - $69,313.0+3% vs U.S.
Senior Licensed Practical Nurse6-10 years$69,313.0$64,424.0 - $77,638.0+11% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Licensed Practical Nurse10+ years$77,638.0$69,313.0 - $94,718.0+25% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Joplin, MO

Nearby metro areas help show how Licensed Practical Nurse pay changes around Joplin, MO. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Joplin, MO
$64.4K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Joplin, Mo-Ks metropolitan area.
This guide
#2
Kansas City, MO
$62.7K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Licensed Practical Nurse salaries around Joplin, MO.
-3% vs U.S.
#3
St. Louis, MO
$62.5K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Licensed Practical Nurse salaries around Joplin, MO.
-3% vs U.S.
#4
Columbia, MO
$59.7K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Licensed Practical Nurse salaries around Joplin, MO.
-7% vs U.S.
#5
St. Joseph, MO
$58.0K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Licensed Practical Nurse salaries around Joplin, MO.
-10% vs U.S.

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Industry in Joplin, MO

Industry premiums in Joplin, MO usually come from employers that place the Licensed Practical Nurse role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services$75,730.0$46,670.0 - $99,150.0Stronger salary
Finance and Insurance$67,030.0$46,610.0 - $97,650.0Stronger salary
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$66,490.0$50,580.0 - $85,030.0Stronger salary
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$66,370.0$49,980.0 - $81,990.0Competitive
Management of Companies and Enterprises$63,450.0$47,700.0 - $83,870.0Competitive
Health Care and Social Assistance$61,990.0$48,160.0 - $79,450.0Competitive
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$61,390.0$43,760.0 - $80,180.0Competitive
Retail Trade$61,360.0$44,650.0 - $83,180.0Competitive

Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Joplin, MO

Entry-level Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Joplin, MO are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Licensed Practical Nurse salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Licensed Practical Nurse roles in Joplin, MO is about $55,781.0.
Preparation pathJob Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Typical education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Training signal: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Remote vs Onsite Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Joplin, MO

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Licensed Practical Nurse candidates in Joplin, MO. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$64,424.0
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$65,712.5
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$63,135.5Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$65,712.5Metro dependentJoplin, MO employersMedium
Onsite$64,424.0Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Joplin, MO

A salary in Joplin, MO should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$859.0
$1.2K
$1.5K
Transport / commute
$187.9
$214.7
$241.6
Food and groceries
$402.7
$429.5
$483.2
Utilities and internet
$187.9
$214.7
$241.6
Estimated remainder
$1.8K
$2.8K
$3.4K
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Top Employers Hiring Licensed Practical Nurses in Joplin, MO

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Licensed Practical Nurse pay tends to be strongest in Joplin, MO, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Administrative, Support, Waste Management, and Remediation Services employers
$75.7K
Industry benchmark for Licensed Practical Nurse roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Finance and Insurance employers
$67.0K
Industry benchmark for Licensed Practical Nurse roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employers
$66.5K
Industry benchmark for Licensed Practical Nurse roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service employers
$66.4K
Industry benchmark for Licensed Practical Nurse roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Management of Companies and Enterprises employers
$63.5K
Industry benchmark for Licensed Practical Nurse roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Health Care and Social Assistance employers
$62.0K
Industry benchmark for Licensed Practical Nurse roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Joplin, MO Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherJoplin, MO is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Licensed Practical Nurse work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Joplin, MO
This guide
$64.4K
Baseline
Kansas City, MO
Nearby U.S. market
$62.7K
-3% vs U.S.
St. Louis, MO
Nearby U.S. market
$62.5K
-3% vs U.S.
Columbia, MO
Nearby U.S. market
$59.7K
-7% vs U.S.
St. Joseph, MO
Nearby U.S. market
$58.0K
-10% vs U.S.
Cape Girardeau, MO
Nearby U.S. market
$57.8K
-10% vs U.S.
Springfield, MO
Nearby U.S. market
$57.8K
-10% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Joplin, MO

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$36.2K - $48.6K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$44.9K - $59.2K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$56.1K - $69.8K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$67.3K - $87.3K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$79.8K - $101K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$93.5K - $128K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by 2.6% from 2024 to 2034.
About averageAnnual openings: 54.4 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment651.4k → 668.5k
Typical educationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related experiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Local market anchor380 jobs with a median of $64,424.0

Factors Affecting Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Joplin, MO

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Joplin, MO

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Joplin, MO: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Licensed Practical Nurse" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses salary?
The latest national baseline for Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses is about $62,300 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses salary?
Entry-level estimates for Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $48,000 per year nationally.
How much can senior Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses professionals earn?
Senior Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $73,200 per year nationally.
Does location affect Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Licensed Practical & Licensed Vocational Nurses salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
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