As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse in the United States is $57,389 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a Licensed Practical Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $60,660 | $5,055 | $1,167 | $29 |
| Average | $57,389 | $4,782 | $1,104 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,137 | $4,511 | $1,041 | $26 |
A Licensed Practical Nurse'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'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 | $56,321 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Practical Nurse | $56,418 |
| Senior Level Licensed Practical Nurse | $57,633 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,000 |
| Expert Level Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,098 |
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's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | $59,685 | |
| Delegation | $59,111 | |
| Communication Skills | $59,111 |
Licensed Practical Nurse salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $62,763. While startup companies pay approximate $53,337.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $53,337 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $56,345 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $60,671 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $62,763 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed Practical Nurse enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Licensed Practical Nurse with a Bachelor's Degree is between $52,077 and $55,007.
| Typical Education for Licensed Practical Nurse | |
|---|---|
| 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'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 | $60,660 | $5,055 | $1,167 | $29 |
| Average | $57,389 | $4,782 | $1,104 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,137 | $4,511 | $1,041 | $26 |
Salaries for a Licensed Practical Nurse 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 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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A Licensed Practical Nurse's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Licensed Practical Nurse earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Licensed Practical Nurse is $72,385.
The highest pay for Licensed Practical Nurse is $63,638.
The lowest pay for Licensed Practical Nurse is $51,176.
Administers nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse or other medical supervisor. Provides basic medical care, including changing bandages, administering medication, and collecting specimens. Ensures the health, comfort and safety of patients by assisting with bathing, feeding, and dressing. Monitors and reports changes in patient's condition to supervisor. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a registered nurse or supervisor. Requires graduation from approved LPN educational program. Requires a state license to practice. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Licensed Practical Nurse roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.)
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