How much does a Licensed Vocational Nurse make?
Licensed Vocational Nurses, or LVNs, work in healthcare settings and often provide essential patient care. They support doctors and registered nurses. The average yearly salary for LVNs is around $67,980. This salary can change based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
LVNs can find jobs in many places. These include hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Salaries may be higher in busy urban areas. LVNs with more experience usually earn more. Some might also get extra pay for working overtime or on weekends. As healthcare needs grow, so might opportunities for LVNs. This can lead to better job stability and higher salaries over time.
What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Vocational Nurse?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $88,396
Seattle offers a dynamic environment for nurses. The city's healthcare facilities, including Swedish Medical Center, provide excellent opportunities. Nurses can expect competitive pay and robust benefits.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $85,092
In Salinas, nurses can find fulfilling roles at institutions like Natividad Medical Center. The community-focused healthcare system offers a supportive environment. Competitive salaries and benefits are standard here.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $81,474
Santa Rosa provides a range of opportunities for nurses. Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital is a prominent employer. The city values its healthcare professionals, offering good salaries and benefits.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $81,463
Boston's healthcare sector is robust, with top employers like Massachusetts General Hospital. Nurses can expect high-quality facilities and competitive compensation. The city’s healthcare environment is dynamic and supportive.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $81,433
San Francisco is home to several leading healthcare providers. Nurses here benefit from a vibrant professional community. Salaries and benefits are competitive, making it an attractive place for healthcare workers.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $81,256
Portland offers a variety of nursing opportunities at institutions like Kaiser Permanente. The city’s progressive healthcare system provides a supportive work environment. Competitive pay packages are common here.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $80,176
Vallejo's healthcare facilities, including Kaiser Permanente, offer rewarding nursing positions. The city’s healthcare system values its staff, providing good salaries and benefits. It’s a great place for nurses to thrive.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $77,908
San Jose's healthcare sector is thriving, with top employers like Stanford Health Care. Nurses here enjoy a supportive work environment and competitive compensation. The city’s growing healthcare needs offer ample opportunities.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $77,608
Denver's healthcare system is strong, with notable employers like UCHealth. Nurses can expect good salaries and comprehensive benefits. The city’s high standard of healthcare creates a rewarding work environment.
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Lincoln, NE
Average Salary: $76,315
Lincoln offers a supportive healthcare environment. Institutions like Bryan Health provide excellent opportunities for nurses. Competitive pay and benefits make it an attractive place for healthcare professionals.
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What are the best companies a Licensed Vocational Nurse can work for?

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NURSES DIRECT, LLC
Average Salary: $125,911
NURSES DIRECT, LLC offers Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs with a strong focus on patient care. They operate in various locations, ensuring nurses have diverse opportunities. Their competitive salary and benefits make it an excellent choice for those looking to advance their careers.
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Blize Healthcare
Average Salary: $108,865
Blize Healthcare provides rewarding opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses. They are known for their supportive environment and professional growth. Blize Healthcare serves multiple locations, offering a variety of settings for nurses to work in.
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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $102,256
At El Camino Health, Licensed Vocational Nurses play a vital role in patient care. This company operates in several areas, providing diverse experiences. They offer a stable work environment with a good salary and benefits.
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Hollywood Home Health Services
Average Salary: $100,286
Hollywood Home Health Services values its Licensed Vocational Nurses, offering them a rewarding career. They provide home health services in multiple locations, giving nurses a chance to work in different settings.
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Alameda Health System
Average Salary: $96,268
The Alameda Health System offers numerous opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses. They are committed to providing quality care and support to their staff. They operate in various locations, ensuring diverse work environments.
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HealthONE
Average Salary: $94,423
HealthONE offers excellent positions for Licensed Vocational Nurses. They focus on patient care and professional growth. With locations in several areas, they provide a variety of experiences for their nursing staff.
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Health Link Home Health Agency
Average Salary: $94,414
Health Link Home Health Agency provides rewarding jobs for Licensed Vocational Nurses. They operate in multiple locations, offering diverse work environments. The company emphasizes patient care and staff support.
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A.T. Staffing / Advance'd Temporaries
Average Salary: $92,273
A.T. Staffing / Advance'd Temporaries offers various opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses. They focus on temporary placements across multiple locations, providing flexibility and diverse experiences.
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Best Home Health Providers
Average Salary: $91,818
Best Home Health Providers offers rewarding positions for Licensed Vocational Nurses. They operate in multiple areas, providing a variety of work settings. They prioritize patient care and staff development.
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Alameda Healthcare & Wellness Center
Average Salary: $91,643
Alameda Healthcare & Wellness Center offers opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses in a supportive environment. They operate in several locations, providing a range of work settings for their nursing staff.
How to earn more as a Licensed Vocational Nurse?
A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) plays a critical role in the healthcare system. LVNs can boost their income through several effective strategies. Gaining additional certifications and specializations in high-demand areas can lead to higher pay. For instance, becoming certified in areas like gerontology or pediatrics can open doors to better-paying positions. Working in higher-paying environments, such as private hospitals or specialized care facilities, can also increase earnings. LVNs can also consider working overtime or taking on extra shifts. Another option is to seek positions in areas with a shortage of healthcare workers, where wages tend to be higher.
Pursuing higher education can significantly improve earning potential. LVNs who complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can transition to become Registered Nurses (RNs), which often comes with higher salaries. Additionally, LVNs can boost their income by moving to states with higher wages for healthcare workers. Networking within the industry and seeking out job opportunities that align with career goals can also lead to better-paying jobs. Being proactive in seeking promotions and performance-based pay increases can further enhance earnings.
Investing in continuous learning and professional development can pay off in the long run. Attending workshops, seminars, and conferences can provide valuable insights and skills that make an LVN more competitive in the job market. Building a strong professional reputation and seeking out mentors can also lead to higher earning opportunities. LVNs who take the initiative to advance their careers will find more paths to increased income.
Consider these factors for increasing your earnings as an LVN:
- Obtain additional certifications and specializations.
- Work in high-paying environments or areas with a shortage of healthcare workers.
- Pursue higher education to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Move to states with higher wages for healthcare workers.
- Invest in continuous learning and professional development.



