As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Registered Practical Nurse in the United States is $62,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Registered Practical Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Registered 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.
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 Registered Practical Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 8.13% |
| Critical Care | 3.2% |
| Customer Care | 2.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Flexibility
|
$68,629 |
10%
|
|
Interviewing
|
$64,886 |
4%
|
|
Warehouse Management System
|
$64,262 |
3%
|
|
Product Quality
|
$64,262 |
3%
|
|
Supply Chain
|
$64,262 |
3%
|
|
Coaching
|
$64,262 |
3%
|
For Registered Practical Nurse roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Registered Practical Nurse positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Registered Practical Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $77,988 | $37.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $74,868 | $36.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $71,749 | $34.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $68,629 | $33.0 | 10% |
| Internet | $68,629 | $33.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Registered Practical Nurses 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 Registered Practical Nurse with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $59,523 and $64,902).
Registered Practical Nurse Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.7% |
| High School | 23.1% |
| Associates | 61.5% |
| Bachelors | 61.5% |
| Masters | 7.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Registered 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Registered Practical Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $59,219 in 2023 to around $59,547 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Registered Practical Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $59,219 |
| 2024 | $59,883 |
| 2025 | $59,547 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Registered 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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