How much does a Licensed Vocational Nurse make?
A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) helps care for patients in various healthcare settings. Many LVNs find this job both rewarding and stable. The average yearly salary for an LVN stands at around $68,845. This means most LVNs earn somewhere between this amount every year.
The pay for LVNs can vary based on experience and location. LVNs with more experience and those in high-demand areas often earn more. The salary range shows the lowest-paid 10% of LVNs earn about $46,000 per year, while the highest-paid 10% can earn up to $105,000 or more annually. This data shows that there is a good range of opportunities for LVNs to earn different amounts based on their career progression and location.
What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Vocational Nurse?

-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $91,103
Working in Seattle offers a thriving healthcare system. Nurses often find opportunities in top facilities like Seattle Children's Hospital and Harborview Medical Center. The city's healthcare sector is growing, providing excellent career advancement.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $87,491
Salinas has a community-focused healthcare environment. Nurses can expect to work in places like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. The city offers a supportive atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $82,418
In San Francisco, nurses work in advanced medical centers such as UCSF Health. The city's diverse population creates a dynamic and enriching work environment. Opportunities for professional development are plentiful.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $81,085
Santa Rosa is known for its quality healthcare services. Nurses here often work in renowned institutions like Sutter Medical Center. The city provides a balanced lifestyle with a strong emphasis on health and wellness.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $80,395
Portland offers a unique blend of urban living and outdoor activities. Nurses can find positions in places like Oregon Health & Science University. The city's focus on sustainability and health makes it an attractive place to work.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Portland, OR
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $79,735
Boston's healthcare sector is one of the best in the nation. Nurses often work in world-renowned hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital. The city's academic environment provides many opportunities for learning and growth.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Boston, MA
-
Sioux Falls, SD
Average Salary: $78,686
Sioux Falls has a strong healthcare system with excellent job opportunities. Nurses can find work in Sanford Health and Avera Health. The city's smaller size provides a close-knit community feel.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Sioux Falls, SD
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $78,572
San Jose's tech-driven environment offers unique healthcare opportunities. Nurses can find positions at hospitals like Stanford Health Care. The city's vibrant culture and innovation create a dynamic work setting.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $77,957
Vallejo provides a strong healthcare network with facilities like Kaiser Permanente. Nurses here benefit from a supportive community and a range of professional development opportunities.
Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Vallejo, CA
-
Lincoln, NE
Average Salary: $77,427
Lincoln offers a stable healthcare environment with a strong sense of community. Nurses can work in places like Bryan Health. The city provides a balanced lifestyle with easy access to nature and outdoor activities.
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: $107,273
Hollywood Home Health Services offers rewarding Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) positions with competitive pay. They operate in California and provide top-notch care to patients in their homes. Their mission is to enhance quality of life through personalized care.
-
El Camino Health
Average Salary: $104,060
El Camino Health, based in California, offers excellent opportunities for LVNs. They focus on patient-centered care and have locations throughout the Bay Area. Their dedication to high standards makes them a top choice for LVNs.
-
University of California - San Francisco
Average Salary: $102,815
At the University of California - San Francisco, LVNs work in a leading healthcare institution. They provide diverse opportunities in San Francisco, offering growth and learning. Their cutting-edge research enhances patient care.
-
HealthFlex Home Health and Hospice
Average Salary: $98,958
HealthFlex Home Health and Hospice has a strong reputation for quality care. They operate in California, providing LVNs with rewarding job roles. Their focus on patient comfort and family involvement is commendable.
-
Alameda Health System
Average Salary: $98,071
Alameda Health System offers a supportive environment for LVNs in the East Bay area of California. They provide comprehensive healthcare services and value the role of LVNs in patient care and well-being.
-
Legacy Personnel Inc
Average Salary: $97,857
Legacy Personnel Inc. provides diverse opportunities for LVNs in California. They specialize in placing healthcare professionals in various settings, offering stable and well-paying positions.
-
A.T. Staffing / Advance'd Temporaries
Average Salary: $97,339
A.T. Staffing / Advance'd Temporaries connects LVNs with top healthcare facilities in California. They offer flexible and competitive job opportunities, ensuring LVNs find roles that match their skills and goals.
-
Health Link Home Health Agency
Average Salary: $97,313
Health Link Home Health Agency values the dedication of LVNs. They offer rewarding positions in California, focusing on providing high-quality care to patients in the comfort of their homes.
-
Nurturing Home Health Care
Average Salary: $94,048
Nurturing Home Health Care provides LVNs with meaningful roles in California. They emphasize a caring and supportive work environment, aiming to enhance the well-being of their patients.
-
Alameda Healthcare & Wellness Center
Average Salary: $93,583
Alameda Healthcare & Wellness Center offers stable and well-paying positions for LVNs in the East Bay area of California. They focus on providing excellent patient care and fostering a supportive workplace.
How to earn more as a Licensed Vocational Nurse?
A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) has many opportunities to increase earning potential. The healthcare industry is vast and offers various pathways for growth. LVNs can enhance their income through both professional and educational avenues.
Here are five key factors that can boost an LVN's salary:
- Specialization: LVNs who specialize in areas such as pediatrics, gerontology, or psychiatric care can command higher wages. Specialized skills often lead to higher-paying positions.
- Certification: Obtaining additional certifications can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Certifications in areas like critical care or emergency nursing can be particularly valuable.
- Advanced Education: Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can lead to roles that pay more than basic LVN positions. Many employers prefer or require a BSN for advancement.
- Experience: Gaining experience in different healthcare settings enhances an LVN's resume. More experience often results in higher pay and better job opportunities.
- Location: Working in areas with a high demand for nurses can lead to higher salaries. Urban centers and regions with fewer healthcare workers often offer better pay.



