Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse make?

The average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse is $64,371 per year in the US.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a vital role in healthcare. They provide essential care to patients in various settings. The average salary for LPNs is around $64,371 per year. This figure can vary based on experience and location.

LPNs can expect to earn more as they gain experience. Entry-level LPNs might start at around $43,000. With a few years of experience, salaries can rise to about $52,000. Those with more than ten years in the field can earn upwards of $96,000. LPNs working in metropolitan areas often see higher salaries compared to those in rural areas. This is due to the higher cost of living in cities.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Licensed Practical Nurses can find some of the best pay in cities like Santa Maria, CA, and Santa Rosa, CA. These cities offer top salaries, making them attractive for those seeking higher earnings. Other cities such as Seattle, WA, and Boston, MA, also provide competitive wages for LPNs.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Licensed Practical Nurse jobs, highlighting Santa Maria, CA with the highest at $93,964 and Salem, OR with the lowest at $75,873.
  1. Santa Maria, CA
    Average Salary: $93,964
    In Santa Maria, nurses find rewarding work with top healthcare facilities. Marian Regional Medical Center offers many opportunities. The city's warm climate makes it a pleasant place to live and work.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Santa Maria, CA


  2. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $83,972
    Santa Rosa provides a vibrant environment for nurses. Sutter Medical Center is a leading employer. The city's scenic beauty and outdoor activities make it an attractive place to work and relax.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $80,912
    Seattle offers a dynamic healthcare scene for nurses. Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason are prominent employers. The city's tech industry and natural beauty create a unique and exciting work environment.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $80,349
    Boston is a hub for healthcare professionals. Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital are top employers. The city's rich history and educational institutions add to its appeal.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Eugene, OR
    Average Salary: $77,049
    Eugene provides a peaceful setting for nursing careers. Sacred Heart Medical Center is a key employer. The city's vibrant arts scene and natural surroundings make it a great place to work and live.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Eugene, OR


  6. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $77,033
    Bend offers a blend of outdoor adventure and healthcare opportunities. St. Charles Medical Center is a major employer. The city's beautiful landscapes and recreational activities enhance its appeal.
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  7. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $76,703
    San Francisco presents a fast-paced environment for nurses. UCSF Medical Center and Zuckerberg San Francisco General are leading employers. The city's iconic landmarks and cultural diversity make it a unique place to work.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA


  8. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $76,597
    Spokane provides a supportive community for healthcare workers. Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center is a top employer. The city's outdoor activities and friendly atmosphere create a balanced work-life environment.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Spokane, WA


  9. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $76,251
    Portland offers a progressive healthcare environment. Legacy Health and Kaiser Permanente are major employers. The city's vibrant food scene and green spaces make it an attractive place to live and work.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Portland, OR


  10. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $75,873
    Salem provides a stable environment for nursing careers. Salem Health is a key employer. The city's historic charm and proximity to nature offer a balanced lifestyle for professionals.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Salem, OR

What are the best companies a Licensed Practical Nurse can work for?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Licensed Practical Nurse positions should consider Heritage Medical Associates, P.C. and Essex Group Management Inc. These companies offer competitive salaries, with Heritage Medical Associates, P.C. leading at $112,500. Essex Group Management Inc follows closely with an annual salary of $105,603. Both companies provide excellent opportunities for those seeking rewarding and well-compensated roles.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Licensed Practical Nurse jobs, highlighting Heritage Medical Associates, P.C. with the highest at $112,500 and American Health Care Systems with the lowest at $95,000.
  1. Heritage Medical Associates, P.C.
    Average Salary: $112,500
    Heritage Medical Associates, P.C. offers Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in various locations across Tennessee. They focus on providing quality healthcare services. Nurses work in clinics and hospitals, ensuring patients receive excellent care.


  2. Essex Group Management Inc
    Average Salary: $105,603
    Essex Group Management Inc. provides Licensed Practical Nurse positions in multiple states. They operate in senior living facilities, offering a supportive environment. Nurses here are key in patient care and daily operations.


  3. Your Choice Caregivers
    Average Salary: $100,488
    Your Choice Caregivers offers LPN jobs in several locations. They focus on home care services, allowing nurses to work closely with patients. This company values personalized care and a family-friendly atmosphere.


  4. Preferred Touch Home Care
    Average Salary: $96,845
    Preferred Touch Home Care provides LPN positions in various areas. They specialize in home health care, offering flexible schedules. Nurses here play a vital role in patient recovery and well-being.


  5. Slate Healthcare, LLC
    Average Salary: $96,726
    Slate Healthcare, LLC offers LPN jobs in different locations. They focus on providing skilled nursing care. Nurses work in a team-oriented environment, ensuring high-quality patient care.


  6. Always Best Care Senior Services
    Average Salary: $96,560
    Always Best Care Senior Services offers LPN positions in various locations. They provide in-home care for seniors. Nurses here are essential in delivering compassionate and professional care.


  7. The Rehab & Nursing Center at Everett
    Average Salary: $96,000
    The Rehab & Nursing Center at Everett offers LPN jobs in Everett, Washington. They focus on rehabilitation and long-term care. Nurses work in a supportive setting, helping patients recover and thrive.


  8. Integrated Healthcare Staffing, LLC
    Average Salary: $95,545
    Integrated Healthcare Staffing, LLC offers LPN positions in multiple states. They provide staffing solutions for various healthcare facilities. Nurses here are crucial in ensuring smooth operations and patient care.


  9. connectRN
    Average Salary: $95,429
    connectRN offers LPN jobs in various locations. They focus on connecting nurses with job opportunities. Nurses here benefit from a supportive network and diverse work environments.


  10. American Health Care Systems
    Average Salary: $95,000
    American Health Care Systems offers LPN jobs in different locations. They provide healthcare services in various settings. Nurses here are key in delivering quality care and ensuring patient well-being.

How to earn more as a Licensed Practical Nurse?

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on specific areas, LPNs can enhance their skills and marketability. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. One key factor is gaining experience in high-demand areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or critical care. These areas often have higher pay rates due to the specialized skills required.

Another way to earn more is by obtaining additional certifications. Certifications in areas like intravenous therapy or wound care can make an LPN more valuable to employers. These certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions. LPNs can also increase their earnings by working in different settings. For example, working in a hospital or a private clinic often pays more than a nursing home. Travel nursing is another option. LPNs who are willing to relocate can find higher pay in areas with a shortage of nursing staff. Finally, pursuing a higher education degree can lead to more job opportunities. Many LPNs choose to become Registered Nurses (RNs) by completing an associate or bachelor’s degree program. This career advancement can significantly increase their salary.

Here are five factors that can help an LPN earn more:

  1. Gain experience in high-demand areas.
  2. Obtain additional certifications.
  3. Work in different settings.
  4. Consider travel nursing.
  5. Pursue higher education to become an RN.

Currently 34,311 Licensed Practical Nurse job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Licensed Practical Nurse in the US?

Learn what a Licensed Practical Nurse does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Licensed Practical Nurse today.
Position
Overview
Licensed Practical Nurse
34,311 Job Openings