If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), then you may be wondering how much an LPN makes. This article is designed to provide some insight regarding an LPNs average starting salary and salary range.
LPNs across the country represent a large number of the healthcare workforce and are responsible for maintaining health, administering care to people in residential, institutional, or other settings, such as outpatient clinics. LPNs who work with older adults often provide support so that seniors can remain living independently at home.
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a registered nurse who works under the direction of a licensed physician. LPNs are qualified to provide basic health care duties such as taking temperature and blood pressure, giving injections and changing dressings. Entry-level salaries for LPNs can range from $24,000 to $42,000 annually.
Starting Salary For LPN Overview
LPNs are licensed practical nurses, who typically work in hospitals and other healthcare settings. They provide basic care and administer medications to patients.
The starting salary for an LPN varies widely based on location, the type of facility they work at, and whether they have an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
In Illinois, LPNs with an associate’s degree can expect to earn between $35,000 and $40,000 per year. Those with a bachelor’s degree should expect to earn between $45,000 and $50,000 per year. In Georgia, LPNs with an associate’s degree can expect to earn between $30,000 and $36,000 per year; those with a bachelor’s degree should expect to earn between $37,000 and $42,000 per year. In Florida, LPNs with an associate’s degree can expect to earn between $30,000 and $36,000 per year; those with a bachelor’s degree should expect to earn between $37,000 and $42,000 per year.
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) |
