As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Nurse RN or LPN in the United States is $72,509 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.
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
|
$75,409 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$75,409 |
4%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$74,684 |
3%
|
|
Commitment
|
$74,684 |
3%
|
|
Integrity
|
$73,959 |
2%
|
|
Delegation
|
$73,959 |
2%
|
For Nurse RN or LPN roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Nurse RN or LPN positions in Software & Networking or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Nurse RN or LPN as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $87,011 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $83,385 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $79,760 | $38.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $76,134 | $37.0 | 5% |
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 August 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 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Nurse RN or LPN roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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