Some people may start their career as an LPN with an associate degree in nursing, which can be obtained in two years of full-time enrollment. With the help of a healthcare agency that’s professional, flexible, and ready to help, you’ll find yourself on a rewarding career path that leads to success. Our mission is to serve new and current healthcare workers by providing them access to real time data, enabling them to make informed decisions
An LPN is charged with assisting a licensed nurse during the treatment of patients. Typically, he or she will follow a specific routine to ensure that all of the necessary tasks are completed to keep patients comfortable and their health in order. An LPN will observe patients during treatments, ensuring they follow doctors’ orders, record vital signs and conduct other basic aspects of patient care. In addition to being able to perform administrative duties such as filing charts and forms, an LPN may also be responsible for taking blood samples or administering medications.
If you are trying to decide whether pursuing a career as an LPN or becoming a nurse is right for you, it is important to look at the salary and potential career path that both options offer. A starting salary for an LPN is around $25,000 with many benefits including paid internships, profit sharing and more.
Starting Salary For An LPN Overview
If you’re looking for a career as an LPN, there are a few things to consider before you dive in. First of all, what does an LPN do? LPN stands for Licensed Practical Nurse. They are the entry-level nursing professional who works alongside registered nurses and physicians to provide direct patient care.
LPNs are responsible for performing many of the same duties as RNs but within a more limited scope of practice. If you’re interested in becoming an LPN, it’s important that you understand how they differ from registered nurses.
The average salary of a licensed practical nurse in Georgia is $39,000 per year (or $19 per hour). In Florida, the average hourly wage is $15.25. The average annual salary is $28,000 with bonuses averaging around $2,500 annually.
One thing to keep in mind when comparing LPN salaries across states is cost of living differences between states. For example: In Georgia and Florida both have relatively low costs of living compared to other states like California or New York which means their wages go further when paying for rent or food bills each month!
What is the Starting Salary of an LPN?
The starting salary of an LPN is $35,570, which is approximately $14,000 below the average of experienced LPNs. Usually, within the first five years, an LPN’s salary increases depending upon experience and location where the LPN is practicing.
Type | Salary |
Hourly | $17.86 |
Monthly | $3,100 |
Annual | $37,150 |
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
What is the Average Salary of an LPN as per Latest BLS Data?
LPN salary per hour, on average, is $24.08; while the average annual salary comes to $50,090. Many factors affect the average salary that an LPN makes such as; the state of employment, the scope of practice, and years of experience.
Type | Salary |
Hourly | $24.93 |
Monthly | $4,320 |
Annual | $51,850 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
LPN Salary Survey
A salary survey of Licensed Practical Nurses reveals that approximately 50% of LPNs make between $38,010 and $52,220.
Number of LPN Workers | Percent of LPN Workers | Hourly Wage | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
64,124 | 10% | Under $17.86 | Under $3,100 | Under $37,150 |
96,186 | 15% | $17.86 – $22.31 | $3,100 – $3,870 | $37,150 – $46,410 |
160,310 | 25% | $22.31 – $23.11 | $3,870 – $4,010 | $46,410 – $48,070 |
160,310 | 25% | $23.11 – $28.74 | $4,010 – $4,980 | $48,070 – $59,770 |
96,186 | 15% | $28.74 – $30.67 | $4,980 – $5,320 | $59,770 – $63,790 |
64,124 | 10% | Above $30.67 | Above $5,320 | Above $63,790 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
What Factors Play a Role in How much an LPN Earns?
Many different factors play a role in how much an LPN makes; the largest one by far is where the LPN is practicing, for example, an LPN practicing in Alabama will earn an average of $19.56 per hour, while an LPN practicing in Massachusetts will be paid ten dollars more with an hourly rate of $29.04. Certifications can also influence how much an LPN makes by advancing their skill set, making them even more valuable to the team. Examples of certifications include IV therapy, wound care, and pharmacology. Lastly, years of service also drives income, with experienced LPNs making more than novice LPNs.
How Much Has the Average Salary Grown in The Last 5 Years (2016-2010)?
LPN salary has grown 13.76% over the past five years, which means an average pay increase of $6,060.
Year | Salary | Growth | |
Number | % | ||
2017 | $45,710 | $870 | 1.94% |
2018 | $47,050 | $1,340 | 2.93% |
2019 | $48,500 | $1,450 | 3.08% |
2020 | $50,090 | $1,590 | 3.28% |
2021 | $51,850 | $1,760 | 3.51% |
Overall Growth in Past Five Years | $7,010 | 15.63% | |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
How Much will the Average Salary Grow in The Next 5 Years (2021-2025)?
The table below looks at income growth over the next five years. An 16.17% increase is expected with a total monetary growth of $8,100.
Year | Salary | Growth | |
Number | % | ||
2022 | 53,630 | 1,780 | 3.43% |
2023 | 55,270 | 1,640 | 3.06% |
2024 | 56,780 | 1,510 | 2.73% |
2025 | 58,830 | 2,050 | 3.61% |
2026 | 60,740 | 1,910 | 3.25% |
Overall Growth in Next Five Years | 8,890 | 17.15% | |
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Total LPN Compensation in the Private Sector as per Latest BLS Data
The table below breaks down the LPN salary by components including benefits and retirement savings. LPNs in the private sector can expect to make an average wage of $50,150, with an additional $21,190 in benefits and retirement savings.
Compensation Component | Private Industry | |
Compensation % | Salary | |
Wages and Salaries | 70.30% | $52,040 |
Total Benefits | 29.70% | $21,986 |
Paid leave | 7.40% | $5,478 |
Supplemental Pay | 3.50% | $2,591 |
Insurance | 8.00% | $5,774 |
Retirement and Savings | 3.40% | $2,517 |
Legally required | 7.60% | $5,626 |
Total Compensation | 100.00% | $74,026 |
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Total LPN Compensation in the Government Sector as per Latest BLS Data
The table below assesses the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in the government sector. The income for LPNs in government positions is approximately $49,700, and the total benefits package is roughly $30,600 which totals $80,291. LPNs working in the government sector make more than their counterparts in the private sector, this is mainly due to the difference in benefits, with the government employed LPNs making about $9410 more, overall in that area.
Compensation Component | State and Local Government | |
Compensation % | Salary | |
Wages and Salaries | 61.90% | $50,580 |
Total Benefits | 38.10% | $31,132 |
Paid leave | 7.60% | $6,210 |
Supplemental Pay | 1.00% | $817 |
Insurance | 11.70% | $9,560 |
Retirement and Savings | 12.40% | $10,132 |
Legally required | 5.50% | $4,494 |
Total Compensation | 100.00% | $81,712 |
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Earnings in 5 Industries Hiring the Highest Number of Licensed Practical Nurses
1. Nursing Care Facilities
LPNs working in nursing care facilities work in conjunction with a care team comprising of nurses, nursing assistants, and physical therapists or occupational therapists. The LPN, along with the team, work to care for and support the patient. Depending on the scope of practice, LPNs can do this in many ways. Some examples are passing out medication, focused assessments, wound care, or assisting with activities of daily living. LPNs in this setting can expect approximately $51,200/year.
Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
$21.60 – $30.05 | $44,940 – $62,500 |
2. Offices of Physicians
LPNs in physician offices work together with a physician or registered nurse to provide outpatient care. Often LPNs will greet the patient and collect pertinent information to report to the physician or nurse. They can obtain vital signs, and in some states, they can give injections, like the flu shot or vaccines. Depending on their scope of practice in that particular state, LPNs can also collect samples and draw blood for testing. The licensed practical nurse pay in this area is approximately $45,550/year.
Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
$17.67 – $28.96 | $36,750 – $60,240 |
3. Hospitals
LPNs employed in hospitals work with a physician or registered nurse to provide care for patients in a unit. The LPN in this role is subject to the scope of practice set forth by the state, but they must be aware of institutional policies. There may be further restrictions, or the institution may require that certain certificates be obtained before the LPN performs particular-tasks. LPNs in the hospital system complete focused assessments, pass medications, change dressings, take vitals, or monitor the patient’s fluid intake and output. The average income for an LPN in this setting is $47,310/year.
Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
$17.67 – $29.27 | $36,750 – $60,890 |
4. Home Health Care Services
LPNs in Home health services work more independently than in other settings. However, they still work under the direction of a physician or nurse while in the field. They are usually assigned several different patients, and the ages and conditions of the patients can vary. LPNs can provide care for infants, children, adults, or geriatrics. Many of these patients suffer from debilitating illnesses or injuries. LPNs get to know the patient and the patient’s family and often form compassionate relationships with them. The average salary for LPNs in this industry is $51,580.
Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
$18.18 – $34.41 | $37,820 – $71,560 |
5. Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly
LPNs employed in continuing care retirement communities work with patients that are on a continuum of illness, ranging from patients that are somewhat self-sufficient to others who require full care. In this environment, the LPN works with a team of nurses, nursing assistants, and physical therapists or occupational therapists to provide the appropriate care for the patient. They typically pass out medication, focus on health assessments, perform wound care, or assist with activities of daily living. LPNs in this setting can expect approximately $51,100 /year.
Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
$19.10 – $29.65 | $39,730 – $61,680 |