LPN/LVN Salary 2026: What Practical Nurses Really Earn
So you have passed (or are about to pass) the NCLEX-PN -- congratulations. Now the practical question: How much will you actually earn as a Licensed Practical Nurse?
The short answer: the BLS median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses (LPNs and LVNs) was $64,400 ($30.96 per hour) in May 2025 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook). The middle half of earnings is wide, and where you work and how much experience you have both matter.
This guide breaks down the BLS figures, compares pay by work setting, explains the LPN vs LVN title, shows how RN pay compares, and lists ways to raise your earnings.
Start Your LPN Career with FREE NCLEX-PN Prep
Preparing for the NCLEX-PN? Our AI-powered study platform covers all 8 content areas with hundreds of practice questions and instant explanations -- 100% free.
LPN/LVN Salary Overview
Based on the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for May 2025 (source):
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $64,400 |
| Median hourly wage | $30.96 |
| Lowest 10% earned less than | $49,740 |
| Highest 10% earned more than | $83,440 |
| Jobs held, 2025 | 666,900 |
What These Numbers Mean
The median tells you that half of all LPNs and LVNs earn more and half earn less. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,740 and the highest 10% earned more than $83,440, so experience, employer, and location all shape where you land in that range. The median is a useful benchmark because a few very high earners do not pull it up the way they would pull up an average.
LPN vs LVN: Is There a Salary Difference?
The BLS reports one wage estimate for both titles. The OOH notes that responsibilities for LPNs and LVNs are nearly identical and that the title depends on the state where the nurse works. Both titles require passing a licensing exam after a state-approved program that typically takes about one year.
Because the BLS does not publish separate figures for the two titles, this guide does not compare them. Check your state board of nursing for the exact title and licensing rules.
LPN Salary by Work Setting
Where you work matters. These are the BLS median annual wages for LPNs and LVNs in the top industries that employ them, with each industry's share of all LPN and LVN jobs (May 2025, BLS OOH):
| Industry | Share of LPN/LVN Jobs | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excluding state and local education and hospitals) | 6% | $68,970 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | 37% | $68,020 |
| Home healthcare services | 12% | $63,580 |
| Hospitals (state, local, and private) | 16% | $61,160 |
| Offices of physicians | 11% | $59,520 |
Nursing and residential care facilities employ the largest share of LPNs and LVNs. Government, nursing and residential care facilities, and home health care all pay more than hospitals and physician offices in the BLS data.
The OOH also lists certifications in gerontology, wound care, and intravenous (IV) therapy. It does not publish pay premiums for them, so this guide does not estimate one.
How LPN Pay Compares to Related Healthcare Roles
These 2025 median annual pay figures come from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook similar-occupations table (LPN profile):
| Role | 2025 Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Nursing assistants and orderlies | $41,870 |
| Medical assistants | $45,690 |
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | $64,400 |
| Surgical assistants and technologists | $64,700 |
| Registered nurses | $97,550 |
RNs earn about $33,150 more per year than the LPN median, a difference of roughly 51%. The OOH lists a bachelor's degree as typical entry education for RNs, while LPN programs typically take about one year.
What the Job Involves and How Schedules Work
LPNs and LVNs provide basic medical care to ill, injured, or convalescing patients, and to people with disabilities. Their duties vary by setting. In private homes they may reinforce the instructions a registered nurse gives family caregivers. In hospitals they may collect samples and run routine laboratory tests. In nursing and residential care facilities they may help patients who need assistance eating (BLS OOH).
Most LPNs and LVNs work full time. Some work nights, weekends, and holidays because medical care takes place at all hours, and they may be required to work shifts longer than 8 hours. Some LPNs and LVNs also travel to help where there are not enough healthcare workers. Compare offers on the full package, including shift pay, travel terms, and benefits, rather than the base wage alone.
The OOH lists compassion, communication skills, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, multitasking, and physical stamina as important qualities for the job. Employers also commonly require or prefer CPR or basic life support certification.
Job Outlook: 3% Growth Through 2035
The BLS projects 3% employment growth for LPNs and LVNs from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase by 19,700 jobs, and about 51,800 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade (BLS OOH).
Factors Supporting Demand
- Aging population -- As the population ages, LPNs and LVNs are needed in residential care facilities and home health settings to care for older patients.
- Chronic conditions -- Conditions such as diabetes and obesity have become more prevalent, and LPNs and LVNs assist in caring for these patients.
Many openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, such as to retire.
Career Advancement: Beyond LPN
The OOH notes that LPNs may advance to supervisory positions, move into other healthcare occupations, or complete an LPN-to-RN education program to become a registered nurse. The OOH table above shows the RN median pay for 2025 ($97,550). Program costs and lengths vary by school and state, so check with the schools and your state board of nursing. LPNs and LVNs typically work under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors, and states decide how closely they must be supervised. Some states allow experienced LPNs and LVNs to oversee other LPNs, LVNs, or unlicensed staff, which can bring added responsibility.
How to Maximize Your LPN Salary
- Compare employers by industry -- The BLS medians above show that government, nursing and residential care, and home health pay more than hospitals and physician offices.
- Earn an optional certification -- The OOH lists gerontology, wound care, and IV therapy certifications that show advanced knowledge in a specialty.
- Plan an LPN-to-RN path -- The RN median in the BLS table is about $33,150 higher than the LPN median.
- Negotiate with current pay data -- Use the BLS figures and your state's local wage data (CareerOneStop and OEWS state tables) when you discuss pay.
Start Your LPN Career Today
The first step to earning an LPN salary is passing the NCLEX-PN. Our comprehensive study platform is 100% FREE and includes:
- Hundreds of NCLEX-PN practice questions with detailed rationales
- All 8 content areas covered with clinical judgment rationales
- AI-powered tutoring -- get instant explanations for any topic
- Mobile-friendly -- study on your schedule
- Progress tracking by topic with a free account
No credit card required. No hidden fees. Pass the NCLEX-PN and start your career.
1 Job Wiki
Buy on Amazon
Online course on Mometrix
Practice exams on ExamEdge
Take courses on Udemy