Position
Salary

How much does a Licensed Vocational Nurse make?

The average salary for a Licensed Vocational Nurse is $68,519 per year in the US.

Licensed Vocational Nurses, or LVNs, play a vital role in healthcare. They often work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. LVNs assist doctors and nurses in patient care, making sure patients are comfortable and getting the care they need. This important work comes with a good salary. The average yearly salary for an LVN is around $68,519. This provides a stable income and can lead to job satisfaction.

LVNs can earn different amounts based on where they work and how many years of experience they have. Here are some average yearly salaries for LVNs in different percentiles:

  • 10th percentile: $45,050
  • 25th percentile: $50,409
  • 50th percentile: $61,127
  • 75th percentile: $77,205
  • 90th percentile: $98,641
With experience, LVNs can move up to higher-paying positions or specialties.

View Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs nearby

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

Licensed Vocational Nurses can find top pay in several cities. Seattle, Washington, leads with an average salary of $92,639. Salinas, California, and San Francisco, California, follow closely with average salaries around $86,818 and $81,904 respectively. Exploring other cities, Santa Rosa and San Jose in California, along with Boston, Massachusetts, and Portland, Oregon, offer competitive pay for LVNs. Vallejo, California, Denver, Colorado, and Lincoln, Nebraska, also provide attractive salaries, making these places appealing for job seekers in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $92,639 and Lincoln, NE with the lowest at $76,315.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $92,639
    In Seattle, nurses enjoy working in modern healthcare facilities. The city’s top hospitals, like Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason, offer great career growth. Seattle’s high standard of living makes it an appealing place to work.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $86,818
    Salinas offers a warm community feel in healthcare settings. Nurses here work in hospitals such as Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. The city’s laid-back lifestyle balances well with a rewarding nursing career.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA


  3. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $81,904
    San Francisco provides a dynamic healthcare environment. Nurses work in renowned institutions like UCSF Health. The city’s diverse culture enhances professional and personal growth opportunities.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $81,665
    Santa Rosa offers a peaceful setting for nursing careers. Local hospitals, such as Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital, provide excellent patient care. The city’s beautiful landscapes offer a great work-life balance.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $81,092
    Boston is rich in medical history and offers many opportunities. Nurses work in leading hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital. The city’s academic environment fosters continuous learning and development.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $80,863
    Portland combines urban living with a supportive work environment. Nurses find employment in places like Oregon Health & Science University. The city’s vibrant culture adds to the rewarding experience.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Portland, OR


  7. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $79,472
    Vallejo’s healthcare facilities offer a nurturing environment for nurses. Local employers like Kaiser Permanente provide strong support. The area’s scenic beauty complements a fulfilling nursing career.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Vallejo, CA


  8. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $78,423
    Denver offers a high standard of healthcare with many opportunities for nurses. Hospitals such as UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital provide excellent patient care. The city’s outdoor lifestyle enhances job satisfaction.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Denver, CO


  9. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $77,981
    San Jose’s healthcare sector is growing rapidly. Nurses find jobs in top facilities like Stanford Health Care. The city’s tech-driven economy offers a unique and dynamic work environment.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA


  10. Lincoln, NE
    Average Salary: $76,315
    Lincoln provides a stable and supportive environment for nursing careers. Local hospitals such as Bryan Health offer excellent opportunities. The city’s friendly atmosphere and lower cost of living add to the appeal.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Lincoln, NE

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

NURSES DIRECT, LLC leads the way for Licensed Vocational Nurses with the highest average salary at $132,619. This company values its nursing staff and offers competitive pay. Another top employer is Blize Healthcare, where LVNs earn around $108,915 on average, indicating a commitment to nurse compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs, highlighting NURSES DIRECT, LLC with the highest at $132,619 and Advanced Home Health & Hospice, an Excelin Company with the lowest at $91,729.
  1. NURSES DIRECT, LLC
    Average Salary: $132,619
    NURSES DIRECT, LLC offers a variety of settings for Licensed Vocational Nurses, including hospitals, clinics, and private homes. They operate in major cities across the United States. Their comprehensive benefits and training programs make them a top choice for many nurses.


  2. Blize Healthcare
    Average Salary: $108,915
    Blize Healthcare provides diverse opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities across multiple states. Blize Healthcare emphasizes career growth and offers competitive pay.


  3. Hollywood Home Health Services
    Average Salary: $103,667
    Hollywood Home Health Services focuses on home health care services. Licensed Vocational Nurses at this company work with patients in their homes, providing personalized care. They operate in several cities in California and Texas.


  4. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $103,292
    At the University of California - San Francisco, Licensed Vocational Nurses work in a cutting-edge medical environment. They collaborate with top-tier medical professionals. The university is located in San Francisco and provides various locations for patient care.


  5. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $102,622
    El Camino Health offers positions in hospitals and outpatient centers. They focus on patient-centered care. The company operates in several locations in the Bay Area, providing diverse experiences for nurses.


  6. Alameda Health System
    Average Salary: $96,268
    Alameda Health System provides a range of healthcare services, including nursing care. They operate multiple hospitals and clinics in the Bay Area. They emphasize teamwork and continuous learning.


  7. Health Link Home Health Agency
    Average Salary: $95,373
    Health Link Home Health Agency offers home health services to patients. Licensed Vocational Nurses provide essential care in patients' homes. They operate in several cities in California and Arizona.


  8. Westways Staffing Services
    Average Salary: $93,256
    Westways Staffing Services places nurses in various healthcare settings. They work with hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The company has locations in several states, offering diverse experiences.


  9. Nurturing Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $93,250
    Nurturing Home Health Care focuses on home health services. They provide personalized care to patients in their homes. The company operates in several cities in California.


  10. Advanced Home Health & Hospice, an Excelin Company
    Average Salary: $91,729
    Advanced Home Health & Hospice offers home health and hospice care. Licensed Vocational Nurses work with patients and families in their homes. They have locations in several states, providing diverse experiences.

How to earn more as a Licensed Vocational Nurse?

Becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) can be both rewarding and lucrative. While starting out, many nurses wonder how they can increase their earnings. Here are several strategies that can help LVNs earn more.

First, gaining experience plays a key role. As an LVN, working in various healthcare settings provides valuable experience. This experience can make a nurse more skilled and knowledgeable. Hospitals, clinics, and private practices all offer different opportunities. Each setting can enhance an LVN’s abilities and understanding of patient care. Over time, more experience can lead to higher pay.

Second, earning additional certifications can also boost earnings. Special certifications in areas like pediatrics, gerontology, or critical care can set an LVN apart. These certifications show a commitment to professional growth. They can also make a nurse more marketable to employers. Many healthcare facilities are willing to pay more for specialized skills.

Other ways to increase income include:

  • Working overtime or night shifts
  • Taking on a leadership role
  • Pursuing a bachelor’s degree to become an RN

Each of these steps can help an LVN earn more. With dedication and the right choices, an LVN can achieve a higher salary and more fulfilling career.

Currently 4,150 Licensed Vocational Nurse job openings, nationwide.

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

Learn what a Licensed Vocational Nurse does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse today.
Position
Overview
Licensed Vocational Nurse
4,150 Job Openings