Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Salary in the United States

How much does a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) make in the United States?

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,091
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $56,710 to $66,610
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,177

Key Factors That Influence Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $59,316
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $59,606
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $61,039
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $63,555
  • Expert (over 8 years): $63,735
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

Top Paying Cities for Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)s

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $76,420
  • San Francisco: $75,580
  • Oakland: $73,990

What Skills Can Increase a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 4.9% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Home Care (Mentioned in 6.28% Job Postings): Homecare is health care or supportive care provided by a professional caregiver in the individual home where the patient or client is living, as opposed to care provided in group accommodations like clinics or nursing home.
  • Medication Administration (Mentioned in 2.02% Job Postings): Medication administration is the direct application of a prescribed medication whether by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or other means to the body of the individual by an individual legally authorized to do so.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 4.9%
Home Care 6.28%
Medication Administration 2.02%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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.

  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Presentation: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Dedication: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Leadership $73,314
21%
Presentation $73,314
21%
Dedication $72,708
20%

Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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.

Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Salary by Company Size

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

Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$69,678$33.015%

How Education impacts a Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)'s Salary?

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).

Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Salaries by Degree Level

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%

Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$56,710
Average $60,590/year
$66,610
$4,726
Average $5,049/month
$5,551
$1,091
Average $1,165/week
$1,281
$27
Average $29/hour
$32
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

Most common benefits for Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)

Here are companies hiring for Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN)?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Skilled Nursing Nurse (LPN) roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. Can an LPN be a surgical tech?

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.

3. How can an LPN make a lot of money?

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.

4. Which state pays LPN the most?

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.

5. Where is the best place to work as a LPN?

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.

6. What is the hardest part of LPN?

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.

7. What is the highest pay for an LPN?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst