LPN Highest Salary
The highest paid LPNs are those who work in the field of emergency medicine. The median annual salary for an LPN in this field is $67,000. The next highest-paid LPNs are those who work as operating room nurses and earn a median annual salary of $64,000. The lowest paid LPNs are those who work as home health aides and earn a median annual salary of $45,000.
Lpn Highest Salary
LPNs play an integral role in healthcare by addressing administrative tasks, which increases productivity for all healthcare staff. This page discusses five of the highest paying LPN jobs, including job expectations, work environment, and the qualities of the best candidates. This list is based on data from a survey of over 1,500 practitioners published in the 2020 National Nursing Workforce Survey.
1. Occupational Health LPN (Tie)
Occupational health LPNs work with healthcare teams implementing physicians’ strategies to maintain or improve clients’ health. Responsibilities include providing strong communication to patients and their families, collecting data from multiple sources, collaborating with RNs and other healthcare team members, and providing individualized care for each patient.
The best candidates possess an excellent bedside manner and can work easily in groups. Common work environments include hospitals, manufacturing and production departments, and medical centers. The best candidates for this role also include practitioners interested in preventative care who wish to provide hazard-free professional environments.
- Average Salary: $50,000
- Percentage of LPNs with this Specialty: 0.7%
- Total LPNs with this Specialty: 4,360
1. Rehabilitation LPN (Tie)
Tied for the highest paying LPN role with an average annual salary of $50,000 are rehabilitation LPNs. These LPNs work under the supervision of RNs and physicians providing direct and indirect patient care. Responsibilities may include maintaining patients’ medical records, administering medication, providing immunizations, and monitoring patients’ reactions to medication. Other responsibilities include providing emotional support and assisting patients with bathing or dressing.
Rehabilitation LPNs often work in patients’ homes or rehabilitation facilities. However, practitioners may also work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, or schools. The best candidates possess excellent leadership, research, and collaborative skills. These professionals also value client advocacy.
- Average Salary: $50,000
- Percentage of LPNs with this Specialty: 3.5%
- Total LPNs with this Specialty: 23,540
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2. Palliative Care/Hospice LPN
The second highest paying LPN role includes palliative or hospice care LPNs. These professionals look after terminal patients, providing guidance for patients and their families regarding treatments and decisions that impact patients’ quality of life. Responsibilities include managing patient admissions, discharges, and deaths. Other responsibilities include maintaining patient records, providing comfort, and meeting Hospice Alliance policies and standards of practice.
The best candidates include practitioners with prior palliative care experience, exceptional time management skills, the ability to cope with emotional turmoil, and open-minded practitioners who can respect varying patient lifestyles. Palliative care LPNs can work in any healthcare setting. The most common settings include assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and in patients’ homes.
- Average Salary: $47,500
- Percentage of LPNs with this Specialty: 1.7%
- Total LPNs with this Specialty: 11,660
3. Geriatric/Gerontology LPN
Geriatric nurses are the most common specialty among all LPN roles. These practitioners develop treatment plans, administer medication, educate patients and their families on how to cope, and monitor for signs of abuse or neglect. Other responsibilities include preparing equipment for exams, maintaining patients’ records, and recognizing geratric-related syndromes. Gerontology LPNs collaborate with other members of patients’ healthcare teams.
The best candidates possess extensive knowledge of the aging process and understand both nonverbal and verbal communication cues. Other characteristics include patience, empathy, and compassion. Geriatric LPNs often work in hospitals and clinics. However, many practitioners work in nursing homes and retirement communities.
- Average Salary: $47,700
- Percentage of LPNs with this Specialty: 26.6%
- Total LPNs with this Specialty: 179,290
4. Nephrology LPN
Nephrology LPNs work with potential patients or patients experiencing kidney disease. Patients may also suffer from multiple comorbid conditions, including bone disease, diabetes, or hypertension. Practitioners working in this field may also want to consider sub-specialties, which include hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Certification in hemodialysis can be obtained from the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology.
Nephrology LPNs often work in dialysis clinics, hospitals, physicians’ offices. It is also common for these practitioners to work in patients’ homes. Well-suited candidates prioritize patient health, follow safety protocols, build rapport with patients, and possess excellent bedside manner. Ideal candidates should also possess patience and empathy when dealing with patients’ families.
- Average Salary: $46,600
- Percentage of LPNs with this Specialty: 0.9%
- Total LPNs with this Specialty: 6,140
7 of the Highest Paying LPN Jobs in 2022
The best LPN jobs can pay up to $78,000 per year.
A Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, is a Nurse who performs patient care and administrative tasks. They work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and doctors. Some of the responsibilities of an LPN include, administiring medications, changing bandages, monitoring and documenting the patients health, supervising nursing aids, and providing emotional support to patients and their families. LPNs generally work in traditional health care settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and group homes. They can also work in private homes if needed.
Many important nursing and administration tasks are the responsibilities of LPNs. An LPN will record patient vitals and administer medications, as well as answer patient questions over the phone and assemble equipment such as catheters and oxygen supplies. They must be skilled in balancing care for patients and completing practical daily administrative tasks.
High Paying LPN Jobs
- RN and LPNSalary range: $52,500-$78,000 per yearThe majority of RN and LPN salaries across the United States currently range between $52,500 (25th percentile) and $78,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the RN and LPN job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
- LPN Per DiemSalary range: $51,500-$65,000 per yearThe majority of LPN Per Diem salaries across the United States currently range between $51,500 (25th percentile) and $65,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the LPN Per Diem job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
- Licensed Practical Vocational NurseSalary range: $48,500-$64,500 per yearThe majority of Licensed Practical Vocational Nurse salaries across the United States currently range between $48,500 (25th percentile) and $64,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Licensed Practical Vocational Nurse job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
- LVNSalary range: $47,000-$63,500 per yearLicensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care, including taking vital signs, explaining procedures to patients, administering medications, and tracking patient progress. LVNs also collect and send samples to medical labs for testing, complete patient paperwork, and collaborate with physicians to determine a care plan for patients. LVNs must report to a registered nurse (RN) or physician. They are an integral part of a patient care team.
- Clinic LpnSalary range: $42,500-$59,000 per yearA clinic LPN, or licensed practical nurse, is primarily responsible for providing nursing care to patients in a clinic. LPNs that work in an outpatient facility will administer care to patients of all ages, gender, and ailments. LPNs that work in a specialty clinic, such as infant care or cancer treatment, will primarily perform tasks specific to those medical specialties. An LPN typically reports to a registered nurse or doctor who oversees patient care. Job duties can include taking vitals, administering medications, giving shots, collecting specimens, and scheduling appointments.
- LPN Private DutySalary range: $37,500-$51,500 per yearThe majority of LPN Private Duty salaries across the United States currently range between $37,500 (25th percentile) and $51,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the LPN Private Duty job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
- LPN Medical AssistantSalary range: $32,000-$43,000 per yearThe majority of LPN Medical Assistant salaries across the United States currently range between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $43,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the LPN Medical Assistant job market in the United States is very active, with many companies hiring.
