How much does a Licensed Vocational Nurse make?
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They help care for patients in a variety of settings, from hospitals to clinics. The average yearly salary for LVNs is $68,787. This number gives a clear picture of what many LVNs can expect to earn each year.
LVNs can earn different amounts based on their experience and location. The lowest-paid 10% of LVNs make less than $46,000 a year. The highest-paid 10% earn more than $105,000 annually. Most LVNs fall somewhere in between, earning between $51,364 and $105,000 each year. This range shows that LVNs have the potential to earn a good income.
What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Vocational Nurse?

-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $93,654
In Seattle, healthcare professionals thrive in a vibrant community. The city's major hospitals, like Swedish Medical Center and UW Medicine, offer excellent opportunities. Seattle's dynamic environment makes for rewarding work and career growth.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $87,484
Salinas boasts a welcoming atmosphere for nursing careers. This city provides a close-knit community with many healthcare facilities, including Natividad Medical Center. Salinas offers a balanced lifestyle with great opportunities for professional development.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $82,256
San Francisco presents a bustling environment for healthcare workers. Working at top-tier institutions like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente allows for impactful patient care. The city's cultural diversity enriches the nursing experience, making it both challenging and fulfilling.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $81,260
Santa Rosa offers a serene setting for nursing careers. This city is home to facilities like Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. Santa Rosa provides a supportive environment with plenty of room for professional growth and personal well-being.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $80,507
Portland is known for its eco-friendly lifestyle and vibrant healthcare sector. Hospitals like Providence and OHSU offer excellent career opportunities. Working in Portland allows for a fulfilling career amidst a progressive community.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Portland, OR
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $79,861
Boston's rich history and advanced healthcare system create an exciting environment for nurses. Working at institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital provides significant learning and career advancement opportunities.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Boston, MA
-
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $78,769
Vallejo offers a tranquil setting with robust healthcare facilities. This city features notable employers like Kaiser Permanente and NorthBay Healthcare. Working in Vallejo combines a peaceful lifestyle with excellent career prospects.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Vallejo, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $78,556
San Jose's dynamic tech scene influences its healthcare industry. Hospitals like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente ValleyCare offer cutting-edge opportunities. Working in San Jose combines a fast-paced environment with rewarding patient care experiences.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Denver, CO
Average Salary: $77,742
Denver provides a high-altitude lifestyle with a thriving healthcare sector. The city's healthcare institutions, such as UCHealth and Denver Health Medical Center, offer excellent career opportunities. Denver's outdoor activities make for a balanced and fulfilling professional life.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Denver, CO
-
Lincoln, NE
Average Salary: $77,427
Lincoln offers a welcoming community with solid healthcare opportunities. This city is home to facilities like Bryan Health and CHI Health. Working in Lincoln provides a supportive environment and room for professional growth.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Lincoln, NE
What are the best companies a Licensed Vocational Nurse can work for?

-
Hollywood Home Health Services
Average Salary: $106,250
Hollywood Home Health Services offers excellent career opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses in California. This company provides home health care services, ensuring patients receive quality care in the comfort of their homes. With locations in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, it promises a dynamic work environment.
-
El Camino Health
Average Salary: $103,353
El Camino Health is a leading healthcare provider with facilities in Mountain View and Los Gatos, California. They offer a supportive environment for LVNs, focusing on patient care and professional growth. This company is known for its commitment to quality healthcare and employee satisfaction.
-
University of California - San Francisco
Average Salary: $102,815
The University of California - San Francisco offers rewarding positions for Licensed Vocational Nurses in San Francisco. With a focus on research and teaching, UCSF provides a vibrant work setting. LVNs here benefit from advanced medical technologies and a collaborative team environment.
-
A.T. Staffing / Advance'd Temporaries
Average Salary: $100,236
A.T. Staffing / Advance'd Temporaries connects LVNs with top healthcare facilities in California. This staffing agency offers competitive salaries and opportunities in various locations. LVNs can expect flexible assignments and excellent support from the agency.
-
HealthFlex Home Health and Hospice
Average Salary: $99,038
HealthFlex Home Health and Hospice provides caring jobs for Licensed Vocational Nurses in San Diego and Riverside, California. This company focuses on compassionate care for patients. LVNs here enjoy a stable work environment with a strong emphasis on patient well-being.
-
Health Link Home Health Agency
Average Salary: $96,900
Health Link Home Health Agency offers rewarding positions for LVNs in Southern California. The agency provides home health services, ensuring patients receive quality care. With multiple locations, LVNs can find opportunities that fit their career goals.
-
Legacy Personnel Inc
Average Salary: $95,025
Legacy Personnel Inc offers a range of positions for Licensed Vocational Nurses in California. This staffing agency places LVNs in various healthcare facilities. They focus on matching candidates with the right opportunities, ensuring job satisfaction and career growth.
-
Alameda Health System
Average Salary: $94,946
Alameda Health System provides excellent job opportunities for LVNs in Oakland and Alameda, California. This healthcare system is committed to patient care and professional development. LVNs here benefit from a supportive environment and continuous learning opportunities.
-
Nurturing Home Health Care
Average Salary: $93,091
Nurturing Home Health Care offers rewarding positions for LVNs in Southern California. The company focuses on providing personalized care to patients in their homes. LVNs here can expect a nurturing work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
-
Advanced Home Health & Hospice, an Excelin Company
Average Salary: $92,966
Advanced Home Health & Hospice, an Excelin Company, offers excellent career opportunities for LVNs in California. This company is dedicated to providing quality home health and hospice care. With locations in various cities, LVNs can find fulfilling job opportunities.
How to earn more as a Licensed Vocational Nurse?
To boost earnings as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), consider focusing on several key factors. Gaining more experience can lead to higher positions and pay rates. Specializing in areas like pediatrics, geriatrics, or surgery can make an LVN more valuable. Networking with other healthcare professionals can lead to better job opportunities. Continuing education can open doors to advanced roles and salaries. Exploring travel nursing can provide not only higher pay but also varied experiences.
LVNs can enhance their earning potential by expanding their skill set. Certifications in areas like wound care or dialysis can add to job options and salaries. Taking on shifts in high-demand settings like emergency rooms or intensive care units can also result in higher pay. Staying up-to-date with the latest medical practices and technology ensures an LVN remains competitive. Job seekers should look for positions in areas with a shortage of healthcare workers for better pay. Volunteering for additional responsibilities can lead to recognition and potential raises.
- Experience: More experience leads to higher positions.
- Specialization: Focus in areas like pediatrics can increase value.
- Networking: Connect with professionals for better job leads.
- Education: Continue learning for advanced roles and pay.
- Travel Nursing: Offers higher pay and varied experiences.



