How much does a Licensed Vocational Nurse make?
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
What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Vocational Nurse?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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: $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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.



