As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nurse RN or LPN in the United States is $72,565 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Nurse RN or LPN's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Nurse RN or 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Nurse RN or 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 Nurse RN or LPN | $71,377 |
| Intermediate Level Nurse RN or LPN | $72,184 |
| Senior Level Nurse RN or LPN | $74,091 |
| Specialist Level Nurse RN or LPN | $74,473 |
| Expert Level Nurse RN or LPN | $74,727 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Nurse RN or LPNs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.92% |
| Pediatric | 2.93% |
| Basic Life Support | 2.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Confidentiality
|
$75,468 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$75,468 |
4%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$74,742 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$74,742 |
3%
|
|
Integrity
|
$74,017 |
2%
|
|
Delegation
|
$74,017 |
2%
|
Understanding how a Nurse RN or 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Nurse RN or LPN can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $62,831 in 2023 to around $59,020 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Nurse RN or LPN salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $62,831 |
| 2024 | $60,385 |
| 2025 | $59,020 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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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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