As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the United States is $57,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $60,700 | $5,058 | $1,167 | $29 |
| Average | $57,400 | $4,783 | $1,104 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,200 | $4,517 | $1,042 | $26 |
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $56,349 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $56,445 |
| Senior Level Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $57,646 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $59,025 |
| Expert Level Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $59,124 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.06% |
| Long Term Care | 4.14% |
| Acute Care | 2.35% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)'s salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | $59,696 | |
| Delegation | $59,122 | |
| Communication Skills | $59,122 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,767. While startup companies pay approximate $53,315.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,315 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,331 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $60,664 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $62,767 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $51,637 and $54,540).
| Typical Education for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 65.0% |
| Associates | 26.9% |
| Bachelors | 6.1% |
| Masters | 0.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.1% |
Understanding how a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $60,700 | $5,058 | $1,167 | $29 |
| Average | $57,400 | $4,783 | $1,104 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,200 | $4,517 | $1,042 | $26 |
Salaries for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,112 in 2023 to around $63,648 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $64,112 |
| 2024 | $64,591 |
| 2025 | $63,648 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
While Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) typically earn between $49,500 and $60,600 annually, reaching a six-figure salary can be challenging. However, LPNs in specialized fields or high-demand regions may have opportunities to increase their earnings significantly.
The highest-paid Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) earn a maximum salary of $60,600 annually. While the minimum salary is $49,500 and the mid-range salary is $54,600, the top earners in this field can expect to make up to $60,600 per year.
To earn $200,000 a year as a nurse, consider pursuing advanced roles such as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or specialized positions in clinical documentation or medical chart review. While Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) typically earn between $49,500 and $60,600, advancing your education and skills can significantly increase your earning potential.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $49,500 to a mid-range of $54,600, with a maximum of $60,600. While specific state data may vary, these figures provide a general overview of LPN earnings across various regions.
Yes, you can live off an LPN salary. With a minimum salary of $49,500, a mid-range salary of $54,600, and a maximum salary of $60,600, LPN wages are generally sufficient to cover living expenses for two adults. The average hourly rate reflects this, making it a viable option for many.
To increase your earnings as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), consider changing employers or working in diverse medical settings. Opportunities in nursing care facilities, home healthcare services, community care facilities, or dental offices can lead to higher pay. Salaries typically range from $49,500 to $60,600, with a mid-range salary of $54,600.
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