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How much does a Licensed Vocational Nurse make?

The average salary for a Licensed Vocational Nurse is $68,887 per year in the US.

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) play a crucial role in healthcare. They often provide essential patient care in various settings. Their work is vital for helping people stay healthy. LVNs usually earn a solid income. According to recent data, the average yearly salary for an LVN is $68,887. This shows that the job can be a good choice for those looking for stable earnings.

LVNs can expect different salaries based on where they work and how experienced they are. For example, some LVNs make less than $50,000 a year. Others, with more experience or working in specialized areas, can earn over $100,000 annually. It’s important for job seekers to look into different opportunities. This can help them find the best fit and salary range for their career goals.

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

Licensed Vocational Nurses often find good opportunities in various cities. Salinas, CA, leads with the highest average salary at $87,456. Following closely are Seattle, WA, and Sioux Falls, SD, offering salaries above $80,000. These cities provide competitive pay for those in the nursing field. In these cities, nurses enjoy not only good pay but also quality healthcare facilities. San Francisco, Santa Rosa, and San Jose, CA, among others, also offer strong earning potential. This can make these locations attractive for career growth and financial stability.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs, highlighting Salinas, CA with the highest at $87,456 and Boston, MA with the lowest at $76,417.
  1. Salinas, CA
    Average Salary: $87,456
    In Salinas, nurses work in a supportive environment with a focus on community care. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and Natividad Medical Center are key employers in the region. Nurses often collaborate closely with a variety of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Salinas, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $86,926
    Seattle offers a vibrant healthcare scene for nurses, with major employers like Seattle Children’s Hospital and Virginia Mason Medical Center. Nurses in this city enjoy access to cutting-edge medical technologies and diverse patient populations. The city's emphasis on wellness makes it an excellent place to practice nursing.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Sioux Falls, SD
    Average Salary: $83,294
    Sioux Falls provides a friendly and growing healthcare market for nurses. Avera McKennan Hospital and Sanford Health are prominent employers. Nurses here benefit from a lower cost of living and a welcoming community, making it an attractive location for professional growth.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Sioux Falls, SD


  4. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $82,563
    San Francisco’s healthcare facilities, including UCSF Health and Zuckerberg San Francisco General, offer nurses unique challenges and rewarding experiences. The city’s diverse population allows nurses to gain extensive experience and cultural competence. Competitive salaries and a vibrant lifestyle make it an appealing choice.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in San Francisco, CA


  5. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $81,272
    Santa Rosa features a mix of rural and urban healthcare settings. Key employers include Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital and Kaiser Permanente. The area offers a strong sense of community and a balanced lifestyle, making it an ideal place for nursing professionals to thrive.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  6. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $80,207
    In Portland, nurses can find rewarding positions at OHSU Hospital and Providence Health & Services. The city’s focus on health and wellness creates a supportive environment for professional development. Portland’s progressive culture and outdoor activities enhance the overall work experience.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Portland, OR


  7. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $78,728
    San Jose is home to several major healthcare providers such as Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. Nurses here enjoy a dynamic environment with many opportunities for career advancement. The tech-savvy community adds an interesting dimension to patient care and nursing practices.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in San Jose, CA


  8. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $78,010
    Vallejo offers a range of healthcare opportunities with Kaiser Permanente and other local facilities. The city’s smaller size provides a more intimate setting for patient care. Nurses benefit from a lower cost of living and easy access to San Francisco and Sacramento for additional professional opportunities.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Vallejo, CA


  9. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $77,432
    Denver’s healthcare market includes top employers such as UCHealth and Denver Health Medical Center. The city’s high altitude and active lifestyle appeal to many nurses. The diverse patient population and professional opportunities for growth make it a compelling choice for nursing careers.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Denver, CO


  10. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $76,417
    Boston is a hub for advanced healthcare, with prestigious institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. The city’s rich history and academic environment create an enriching experience for nurses. Boston’s emphasis on research and innovation offers many professional development opportunities.
    Find Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in Boston, MA

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying roles as Licensed Vocational Nurses can find excellent opportunities at Hollywood Home Health Services, which offers the highest average salary at $107,273. El Camino Health and the University of California - San Francisco also provide competitive salaries above $100,000. These companies show a commitment to rewarding their nursing staff with attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs, highlighting Hollywood Home Health Services with the highest at $107,273 and Sutter Health with the lowest at $91,622.
  1. Hollywood Home Health Services
    Average Salary: $107,273
    Hollywood Home Health Services offers Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs in California with a focus on home health care. They provide exceptional care services in Los Angeles and Orange County, offering a supportive and rewarding work environment for LVNs.


  2. El Camino Health
    Average Salary: $104,450
    El Camino Health is a well-known healthcare provider based in Mountain View, California. They are dedicated to delivering high-quality care across their facilities. Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs at El Camino Health involve working in hospitals and outpatient centers, ensuring patient safety and comfort.


  3. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $102,751
    The University of California - San Francisco operates several medical centers, offering Licensed Vocational Nurse positions in San Francisco. These roles provide valuable experience in a teaching hospital setting, focusing on patient education and care in a dynamic environment.


  4. HealthFlex Home Health and Hospice
    Average Salary: $98,958
    HealthFlex Home Health and Hospice is a leading provider of home health and hospice care services in California. LVNs here work in patients' homes, providing essential care and support. They operate across the state, ensuring personalized care for each patient.


  5. Alameda Health System
    Average Salary: $98,852
    Alameda Health System offers numerous opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses in Alameda County, California. They focus on community health, offering positions in hospitals and clinics that prioritize patient care and safety.


  6. Health Link Home Health Agency
    Average Salary: $97,630
    Health Link Home Health Agency provides home health care services in the San Francisco Bay Area. LVNs here play a crucial role in delivering personalized care to patients in their homes, ensuring high standards of care and comfort.


  7. Legacy Personnel Inc
    Average Salary: $96,610
    Legacy Personnel Inc offers diverse opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses across California. They focus on placing LVNs in various settings, including hospitals and clinics, ensuring they find roles that match their skills and preferences.


  8. Nurturing Home Health Care
    Average Salary: $94,146
    Nurturing Home Health Care specializes in home health care services in Los Angeles County. They offer rewarding positions for LVNs who are passionate about providing personalized care in patients' homes, focusing on their well-being and comfort.


  9. Advanced Home Health & Hospice, an Excelin Company
    Average Salary: $91,875
    Advanced Home Health & Hospice, part of Excelin, offers LVN jobs in various locations in California. They provide home health and hospice care, focusing on compassionate and high-quality care to patients in their homes.


  10. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $91,622
    Sutter Health is a prominent healthcare network with multiple locations in Northern California. They offer numerous opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses in hospitals, outpatient centers, and clinics, ensuring comprehensive care for patients.

How to earn more as a Licensed Vocational Nurse?

A Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) has many ways to increase their salary. With the right steps, LVNs can advance their careers and earn more. Working in a higher-paying environment, gaining extra certifications, and choosing specialized fields can lead to higher earnings. Each step provides a chance to improve income and job satisfaction.

Here are some factors to consider for earning more as an LVN:

  • Work in high-demand areas: Consider locations with more healthcare needs. Cities and regions with a shortage of nurses often offer higher wages.
  • Get extra certifications: Additional training can open new job opportunities. Certifications in areas like wound care or pediatrics can make an LVN more valuable.
  • Specialize in a field: Focusing on a specific area, such as oncology or geriatrics, can lead to higher-paying jobs. Specialization often comes with better pay.
  • Pursue a bachelor’s degree: Some LVNs choose to become Registered Nurses (RNs) by earning a bachelor’s degree. RNs typically earn more than LVNs.
  • Seek management roles: Taking on roles like a nurse manager or supervisor can lead to higher salaries. These positions often come with more responsibilities and better pay.

Currently 2,841 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
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Licensed Vocational Nurse
2,841 Job Openings