As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) in the United States is $60,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $66,610 | $5,551 | $1,281 | $32 |
| Average | $60,590 | $5,049 | $1,165 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,710 | $4,726 | $1,091 | $27 |
A Skilled Nursing 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 Skilled Nursing 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 Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) | $59,316 |
| Intermediate Level Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) | $59,606 |
| Senior Level Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) | $61,039 |
| Specialist Level Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) | $63,555 |
| Expert Level Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) | $63,735 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 4.9% |
| Home Care | 6.28% |
| Medication Administration | 2.02% |
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 Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)'s salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | $73,314 | |
| Presentation | $73,314 | |
| Dedication | $72,708 |
Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $64,310. While startup companies pay approximate $54,765.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $54,765 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $57,826 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $62,192 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $64,310 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Skilled Nursing 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 Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $54,770 and $57,151).
| Typical Education for Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 1.7% |
| High School | 72.2% |
| Associates | 18.8% |
| Bachelors | 6.3% |
| Masters | 1.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Skilled Nursing 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 | $66,610 | $5,551 | $1,281 | $32 |
| Average | $60,590 | $5,049 | $1,165 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,710 | $4,726 | $1,091 | $27 |
Salaries for a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,936 in 2023 to around $49,560 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $49,936 |
| 2024 | $50,820 |
| 2025 | $49,560 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.
An LPN can transition to a surgical tech role by completing a surgical technology course or certificate program. This position requires knowledge of sterile and aseptic techniques. The salary for a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) ranges from $54,320 to $63,950, with a median salary of $58,580, reflecting the value of specialized training in the healthcare field.
To maximize earnings as a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN), consider specializing in high-demand areas or working in facilities that offer competitive pay. The salary range for LPNs in skilled nursing is between $54,320 and $63,950 annually, with a mid-salary of $58,580. Gaining experience and pursuing additional certifications can also lead to higher pay opportunities.
The salary for Skilled Nursing Nurses (LPNs) varies by state, with a minimum salary of $54,320, a mid-range salary of $58,580, and a maximum salary of $63,950. States with higher demand and cost of living typically offer salaries closer to the maximum range, making them more lucrative for LPNs.
The best place to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is in nursing homes and residential care facilities, which employ 35% of LPNs, totaling around 229,250 positions. Salaries for LPNs in these settings range from a minimum of $54,320 to a mid-level of $58,580, with a maximum of $63,950, making it a viable career choice.
The hardest part of being an LPN includes managing a heavy workload and tight schedules, which can be quite demanding. Additionally, effective communication is crucial, as LPNs must interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams regularly. Despite these challenges, the role offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $54,320, a mid-range of $58,580, and a maximum of $63,950.
The highest pay for a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) is $63,950 per year. LPNs typically work in hospitals, nursing homes, and group homes, and may also provide care in private homes. Their role includes various essential nursing and administrative tasks, making them vital to patient care and healthcare operations.
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