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 LPN/LVN salary is approximately $55,860 per year ($26.86/hour) as of the latest data. But that number hides enormous variation. Where you work, what state you live in, your specialty, and your experience level can swing your salary by $20,000 or more.
This guide breaks down real LPN/LVN salary data, compares pay across states and work settings, explains the LPN vs LVN distinction, maps out career advancement pathways, and shows you how to maximize your earning potential.
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LPN/LVN Salary Overview
Based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics:
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $55,860 |
| Median hourly wage | $26.86 |
| 10th percentile | $38,600 |
| 25th percentile | $46,500 |
| 75th percentile | $62,490 |
| 90th percentile | $69,870 |
| Total employed | ~670,000 |
What These Numbers Mean
The median tells you that half of all LPNs earn more and half earn less. The wide range ($38,600 to $69,870) reflects differences in geography, experience, work setting, and specialization. A new LPN in a rural nursing home will earn far less than an experienced LPN in a metropolitan hospital or specialty clinic.
LPN vs LVN: Is There a Salary Difference?
First, let us clarify the terminology:
- LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) -- used in 48 states
- LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) -- used only in California and Texas
The license is identical. LPN and LVN are simply different names for the same credential. Both require passing the NCLEX-PN, and the scope of practice is the same. However, salary differs significantly between these states due to cost of living and market factors:
| Title | State | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| LVN | California | ~$65,000 |
| LVN | Texas | ~$50,000 |
| LPN | National median | ~$55,860 |
California LVNs earn more in absolute terms, but the cost of living (especially housing) offsets much of the advantage. Texas LVNs earn below the national median but benefit from no state income tax and lower living costs.
LPN Salary by State: Top 10 Highest-Paying
Geography is the single biggest factor in LPN salary. Here are the highest-paying states:
| Rank | State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $65,000 | $31.25 |
| 2 | Washington | $63,250 | $30.41 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $62,890 | $30.24 |
| 4 | Alaska | $62,040 | $29.83 |
| 5 | Connecticut | $60,800 | $29.23 |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $60,300 | $28.99 |
| 7 | Nevada | $59,500 | $28.61 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $59,100 | $28.41 |
| 9 | Oregon | $58,900 | $28.32 |
| 10 | Hawaii | $58,600 | $28.17 |
Lowest-Paying States
| Rank | State | Median Annual Salary | Median Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | $40,200 | $19.33 |
| 2 | West Virginia | $40,800 | $19.62 |
| 3 | Alabama | $41,500 | $19.95 |
| 4 | South Dakota | $42,100 | $20.24 |
| 5 | Arkansas | $42,400 | $20.38 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted: Best States for LPN Purchasing Power
When you adjust for cost of living, the rankings shift considerably:
| State | Nominal Salary | COL-Adjusted Value | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $59,500 | ~$58,000 | Low taxes, moderate COL |
| Texas | $50,000 | ~$54,000 | No state income tax, low COL |
| Indiana | $49,500 | ~$53,500 | Very low COL |
| Washington | $63,250 | ~$53,000 | No state income tax, higher COL |
| Tennessee | $46,800 | ~$51,000 | No state income tax, low COL |
Key insight: The highest nominal salary is not always the best deal. States with no income tax and low cost of living can offer better actual purchasing power.
LPN Salary by Work Setting
Where you work matters almost as much as where you live:
| Work Setting | Median Annual Salary | % of LPNs |
|---|---|---|
| Home health services | $58,200 | ~12% |
| Hospitals (general medical/surgical) | $56,800 | ~9% |
| Nursing care facilities (SNFs) | $54,500 | ~28% |
| Physician offices | $52,100 | ~13% |
| Government (state/local) | $55,400 | ~6% |
| Outpatient care centers | $53,800 | ~5% |
| Community care facilities | $51,200 | ~8% |
| Staffing agencies | $55,000-65,000 | ~7% |
Highest-Paying Specialties for LPNs
LPNs who specialize can earn above the median:
| Specialty | Salary Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IV therapy certified | +$3,000-5,000 | Requires additional certification |
| Wound care | +$2,000-4,000 | High demand in SNFs |
| Hospice/palliative care | +$2,000-3,000 | Growing demand |
| Dialysis | +$2,000-4,000 | Specialized training needed |
| Operating room (surgical tech role) | +$3,000-5,000 | Limited availability |
| Travel LPN (agency) | +$10,000-20,000 | Short-term contracts, variable |
LPN Salary by Experience
Experience has a meaningful but moderate impact on LPN salary:
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-1 year) | $42,000-48,000 | $20-23 |
| Early career (1-3 years) | $48,000-54,000 | $23-26 |
| Mid-career (3-7 years) | $54,000-60,000 | $26-29 |
| Experienced (7-15 years) | $58,000-65,000 | $28-31 |
| Senior (15+ years) | $60,000-70,000 | $29-34 |
Important note: LPN salary growth flattens after 7-10 years. Unlike RNs, who can move into management, education, or advanced practice roles, LPNs have a more limited salary ceiling within the LPN scope. This is one of the primary reasons many LPNs pursue RN licensure through bridge programs.
Job Outlook: 5% Growth Through 2032
The BLS projects 5% employment growth for LPNs/LVNs from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Here is what is driving the outlook:
Factors Supporting Growth
- Aging population -- The baby boomer generation is driving increased demand for long-term care, home health, and nursing facility services
- Chronic disease management -- Diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions require ongoing nursing care
- Healthcare cost containment -- LPNs cost less than RNs, making them attractive for facilities managing tight budgets
- Home health expansion -- More patients prefer care at home, and LPNs are well-suited for home health roles
Factors Limiting Growth
- Scope of practice limitations -- Some facilities are replacing LPN positions with RN or medical assistant roles
- Hospital trend toward RN staffing -- Many hospitals have shifted to all-RN nursing models, limiting hospital-based LPN opportunities
- Technology and automation -- Some routine tasks are being automated or delegated to lower-cost personnel
Projected Job Openings
Despite modest growth, the BLS projects approximately 54,000 new LPN/LVN job openings per year through 2032. Most openings come from the need to replace nurses who retire, transfer to other occupations, or advance to RN roles.
Career Advancement: Beyond LPN
The most impactful way to increase your nursing salary is to advance your education and credentials. Here are the primary pathways:
LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| Program Type | Duration | Cost Range | Median RN Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPN-to-ADN | 1-2 years | $5,000-25,000 | ~$80,000 |
| LPN-to-BSN | 2-3 years | $15,000-50,000 | ~$85,000 |
| LPN-to-BSN (online) | 2-3 years | $20,000-45,000 | ~$85,000 |
The salary jump is significant: Going from LPN ($56,000) to RN ($80,000-85,000) represents a 43-52% salary increase. Over a 30-year career, this translates to $720,000-$870,000 in additional lifetime earnings.
Additional LPN Certifications
If you are not ready for an RN program, certifications can boost your salary:
| Certification | Salary Impact | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| IV Therapy Certified | +$3,000-5,000/yr | State-dependent, course + exam |
| Wound Care Certified (WCC) | +$2,000-4,000/yr | 120 hours practice, exam |
| Gerontological LPN | +$1,000-3,000/yr | Experience + CE hours |
| Long-term Care Certified | +$1,000-2,000/yr | Experience + exam |
The Full Nursing Career Ladder
| Level | Education | Median Salary | Years from LPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNA | Certificate | ~$35,000 | -- |
| LPN/LVN | Certificate/Diploma | ~$56,000 | 0 |
| RN (ADN) | Associate degree | ~$80,000 | 1-2 years |
| RN (BSN) | Bachelor's degree | ~$85,000 | 2-3 years |
| NP/APRN | Master's/Doctorate | ~$120,000+ | 5-7 years |
How to Maximize Your LPN Salary
Immediate Strategies (No Additional Education)
- Negotiate your starting salary -- Research the local market rate and ask for the top of the range
- Work evening/night/weekend shifts -- Shift differentials add $2-5/hour
- Pick up overtime -- Time-and-a-half overtime can add $10,000+/year
- Work for staffing agencies -- Travel and per diem LPN roles pay 15-30% more than permanent positions
- Choose high-paying settings -- Home health and hospitals pay more than nursing homes and physician offices
- Relocate strategically -- A move to a higher-paying state (adjusted for COL) can add $5,000-15,000
Medium-Term Strategies (1-2 Years)
- Get IV therapy certified -- Opens higher-paying roles and positions
- Specialize in wound care or dialysis -- Specialty training commands premium pay
- Move to home health or hospice -- These growing fields pay above the LPN median
- Build charge nurse experience -- Leadership roles on your resume open doors
Long-Term Strategy (2-5 Years)
- Enroll in an LPN-to-RN bridge program -- The single highest-ROI move for LPN career growth
- Consider LPN-to-BSN -- Faster path to leadership and specialty RN roles
- Plan for NP eventually -- If you love nursing and want maximum earning potential
Comparing LPN to Similar Healthcare Roles
| Role | Education | Median Salary | Job Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistant | Certificate | ~$38,000 | 14% |
| CNA | Certificate | ~$35,000 | 4% |
| LPN/LVN | Certificate/Diploma | ~$56,000 | 5% |
| Surgical Technologist | Associate | ~$56,000 | 6% |
| RN (ADN) | Associate | ~$80,000 | 6% |
| RN (BSN) | Bachelor's | ~$85,000 | 6% |
| Respiratory Therapist | Associate | ~$62,000 | 13% |
LPNs earn significantly more than CNAs and medical assistants while requiring less education than RNs. It is a strong middle-ground for launching a healthcare career quickly.
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