How much does a Licensed Vocational Nurse make?
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. Their average yearly salary stands at approximately $68,523. This income level reflects the essential and rewarding nature of their work.
The salary range for LVNs varies, with some earning as low as $45,450 and others reaching up to $104,500 per year. Various factors influence these differences, such as experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility where they work. LVNs with more years of experience and those in urban areas often earn higher salaries.
In addition to a competitive salary, LVNs enjoy other benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. This combination of a stable income and valuable benefits makes the career of an LVN both financially and personally rewarding.
What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Vocational Nurse?

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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $92,610
Seattle offers great opportunities for nursing professionals. Many hospitals and clinics need skilled nurses. Companies like Virginia Mason Franciscan Health are always looking for qualified candidates. Working here means access to advanced healthcare facilities.
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Salinas, CA
Average Salary: $86,959
In Salinas, nurses can find fulfilling roles in various healthcare settings. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System and Natividad Medical Center are top employers. The city’s healthcare system is strong, providing plenty of chances for professional growth.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $82,031
San Francisco provides a dynamic environment for nursing careers. Major institutions like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente are always hiring. Nurses here enjoy a diverse population and advanced healthcare technologies.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $81,451
Santa Rosa offers a supportive work environment for nurses. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers. The community values healthcare, providing many opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $81,275
Boston is a hub for medical excellence, attracting top nursing talent. Partners HealthCare and Boston Medical Center are leading employers. Working in Boston means access to cutting-edge healthcare practices and a vibrant professional network.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $80,919
Portland offers a friendly atmosphere for nurses. Kaiser Permanente and Providence Health & Services are key employers. The city’s focus on wellness and community health creates a rewarding work environment.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $79,232
Vallejo provides a stable environment for nursing careers. Kaiser Permanente and NorthBay Healthcare are major employers. The city’s healthcare facilities are modern, offering nurses excellent opportunities to grow and succeed.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $78,358
San Jose has a growing demand for skilled nurses. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers. The tech-driven culture and diverse population offer a unique and enriching experience for nursing professionals.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $77,944
Denver is an exciting place for nursing careers. UCHealth and Kaiser Permanente are leading employers. The city’s high altitude and outdoor lifestyle provide a balanced and invigorating work environment.
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Lincoln, NE
Average Salary: $76,315
Lincoln offers a supportive work environment for nurses. Bryan Health and CHI Health are key employers. The community’s focus on healthcare creates many opportunities for professional growth and stability.
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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 rewarding Licensed Vocational Nurse positions in various locations. They focus on providing top-notch care across multiple facilities.
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Blize Healthcare
Average Salary: $110,417
Blize Healthcare provides excellent opportunities for Licensed Vocational Nurses. They have locations in busy urban areas and quiet suburbs, ensuring diverse experiences.
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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $102,988
El Camino Health offers many Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs with a strong focus on patient care. They operate in several locations, giving nurses a variety of settings to work in.
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Hollywood Home Health Services
Average Salary: $102,615
Hollywood Home Health Services has a range of positions for Licensed Vocational Nurses. Their services spread across various neighborhoods, providing comprehensive care.
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University of California - San Francisco
Average Salary: $102,448
The University of California - San Francisco provides a prestigious setting for Licensed Vocational Nurses. Their facilities are known for innovation in healthcare, offering diverse learning opportunities.
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Alameda Health System
Average Salary: $96,383
Alameda Health System offers numerous Licensed Vocational Nurse roles with a commitment to community health. Their locations include urban and suburban areas, providing varied experiences.
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Health Link Home Health Agency
Average Salary: $95,373
Health Link Home Health Agency seeks caring Licensed Vocational Nurses to join their team. They serve many areas, ensuring their nurses can find a location that suits them.
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Nurturing Home Health Care
Average Salary: $92,957
Nurturing Home Health Care provides a nurturing environment for Licensed Vocational Nurses. They have locations in various parts of the city, offering diverse care settings.
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Westways Staffing Services
Average Salary: $92,710
Westways Staffing Services offers a variety of Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs with a focus on flexibility and growth. They operate in multiple locations, giving nurses a range of experiences.
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Advanced Home Health & Hospice, an Excelin Company
Average Salary: $92,517
Advanced Home Health & Hospice provides meaningful Licensed Vocational Nurse positions. They serve various communities, ensuring nurses can find a location that matches their preferences.
How to earn more as a Licensed Vocational Nurse?
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) play a crucial role in healthcare. They can increase their earnings through several avenues. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. These can include specialties such as pediatrics or geriatrics. Another way is by seeking advanced roles within healthcare settings. LVNs can move to charge nurse positions or supervisory roles. Working in high-demand areas also helps. Urban areas and specialized hospitals often offer higher pay. LVNs who pursue further education can become Registered Nurses (RNs). This transition typically leads to higher salaries.
Continuing education is another way to boost earnings. LVNs can take courses in advanced medical practices or new technologies. Another avenue is to work in travel nursing. These positions often come with higher pay and sometimes include relocation bonuses. LVNs can also look for overtime opportunities in their current jobs. Flexible scheduling can mean extra shifts and increased income. Some hospitals offer differentials for working nights, weekends, or holidays. This can lead to a significant pay increase over time. Networking with other professionals in the field can lead to job opportunities that pay more.



