The US BLS reported that the employment of LPNs had increased by 16% between 2004 and 2014.
With the increased demand for LPNs, the annual mean wage was $44,090 as of May 2016.
For the next decade, the employment rate in this sector is expected to grow even more.
From 2016 to 2026, the employment of LPNs is projected to grow by 12%.
More people are getting aware that LPNs can help them with everyday activities, such as dressing, walking, and taking care of them, which they are unable to fulfill on their own due to the health conditions.
LPNs are employed both by the government and private organizations or individuals.
The government hires them for healthcare facilities but also LPNs can provide home care services to ill or elderly patients.
The modern generation suffers from common conditions such as diabetes or obesity which can cause multiple other diseases too.
These health issues should be treated at an early age.
And if more patients require medical services, the employment rates of LPNs will increase even more.
Below, you can review the hourly and annual wages of LPNs by state:
Table of Contents
The Wage Distribution of LPNs Percentage Wise
Hourly wage:
- 10% – $15.63.
- 25% – $17.81.
- 50% – $21.20.
- 75% – $24.63.
- 90% – $29.05.
Annual wage:
- 10% – $32,510.
- 25% – $37,040.
- 50% – $44,090.
- 75% – $51,220.
- 90% – $60,420.
Average Annual Salary/Hourly Wage of LPNs by State
Alabama:
- Hourly – $17.45.
- Annual – $36,300.
- Total employment – 13,030.
Alaska:
- Hourly – $25.85.
- Annual – $53,760.
- Total employment – 500.
Arizona:
- Hourly – $17.45.
- Annual – $36,300.
- Total employment – 6100.
Arkansas:
- Hourly – $17.69.
- Annual – $36,800.
- Total employment – 12,100.
California:
- Hourly – $25.32.
- Annual – $52,670.
- Total employment – 68,110.
Colorado:
- Hourly – $23.41.
- Annual – $48,690.
- Total employment – 5,010.
Connecticut:
- Hourly – $26.69.
- Annual – $55,720.
- Total employment – 7,780.
Delaware
- Hourly – $24.20.
- Annual – $50,330.
- Total employment – 2,120.
Florida:
- Hourly – $20.65.
- Annual – $42,960.
- Total employment – 44,820.
Georgia:
- Hourly – $19.35.
- Annual – $40,250.
- Total employment – 26,510.
Hawaii:
- Hourly – $23.55.
- Annual – $48,980.
- Total employment – 1,280.
Idaho:
- Hourly – $19.56.
- Annual – $40,680.
- Total employment – 2,390.
Illinois:
- Hourly – $23.11.
- Annual – $48,070.
- Total employment – 20,140.
Indiana:
- Hourly – $19.97.
- Annual – $41,540.
- Total employment – 16,090.
Iowa:
- Hourly – $19.57.
- Annual – $40,710.
- Total employment – 6,340.
Kansas:
- Hourly – $19.65.
- Annual – $40,880.
- Total employment – 7,380.
Kentucky:
- Hourly – $18.97.
- Annual – $39,460.
- Total employment – 10,520.
Louisiana:
- Hourly – $18.31.
- Annual – $32,070.
- Total employment – 20,580.
Maine:
- Hourly – $21.00.
- Annual – $43,680.
- Total employment – 1,250.
Maryland:
- Hourly – $24.99.
- Annual – $51,980.
- Total employment – 11,640.
Massachusetts:
- Hourly – $26.53.
- Annual – $55,190.
- Total employment – 15,890.
Michigan:
- Hourly – $22.43.
- Annual – $46,660.
- Total employment – 14,980.
Minnesota:
- Hourly – $20.97.
- Annual – $43,620.
- Total employment – 17,070.
Mississippi:
- Hourly – $17.71.
- Annual – $36,840.
- Total employment – 8,990.
Missouri:
- Hourly – $19.04.
- Annual – $39,600.
- Total employment – 15,810.
Montana:
- Hourly – $19.68.
- Annual – $40,920.
- Total employment – 2,490.
Nebraska:
- Hourly – $19.54.
- Annual – $40,630.
- Total employment – 5,100.
Nevada:
- Hourly – $25.72.
- Annual – $53,500.
- Total employment – 2,570.
New Hampshire:
- Hourly – $23.58.
- Annual – $49,040.
- Total employment – 2,290.
New Jersey:
- Hourly – $25.84.
- Annual – $53,740.
- Total employment – 16,360.
New Mexico:
- Hourly – $22.97.
- Annual – $47,770.
- Total employment – 2,100.
New York:
- Hourly – $22.68.
- Annual – $47,170.
- Total employment – 44,990.
North Carolina:
- Hourly – $20.44.
- Annual – $42,510.
- Total employment – 17,930.
North Dakota:
- Hourly – $20.77.
- Annual – $43,200.
- Total employment – 2,670.
Ohio:
- Hourly – $19.87.
- Annual – $41,320.
- Total employment – 39,920.
Oklahoma:
- Hourly – $18.89.
- Annual – $39,290.
- Total employment – 11,580.
Oregon:
- Hourly – $24.11.
- Annual – $50,160.
- Total employment – 2,780.
Pennsylvania:
- Hourly – $22.03.
- Annual – $45,810.
- Total employment – 38,020.
Rhode Island:
- Hourly – $26.64.
- Annual – $55,410.
- Total employment – 1,060.
South Carolina:
- Hourly – $19.28.
- Annual – $40,090.
- Total employment – 9,440.
South Dakota:
- Hourly – $17.84.
- Annual – $37,100.
- Total employment – 1,820.
Tennessee:
- Hourly – $18.23.
- Annual – $37,920.
- Total employment – 23,620.
Texas:
- Hourly – $22.17.
- Annual – $46,110.
- Total employment – 70,810.
Vermont:
- Hourly – $22.50.
- Annual – $46,790.
- Total employment – 1,350.
Virginia:
- Hourly – $19.93.
- Annual – $41,450.
- Total employment – 21,410.
Washington:
- Hourly – $24.39.
- Annual – $50,740.
- Total employment – 7,250.
West Virginia:
- Hourly – $17.33.
- Annual – $36,050.
- Total employment – 6,090.
Wisconsin:
- Hourly – $21.07.
- Annual – $43,820.
- Total employment – 97,990.
Wyoming:
- Hourly – $21.92.
- Annual – $45,590.
- Total employment – 680.
The Highest Paying States
The salary for LPNs varies from state to state due to a variety of reasons, such as personal expenses, cost of living, essential amenities, etc.
According to the statistics, the highest paying state in the US is Connecticut.
Next go Rhode Island, D.C., Massachusetts, and Alaska.
The highest employment rates and salaries can also be found in Metropolitan areas.
The highest LPN job opportunities are offered in CA Metropolitan Division, New York-Jersey City-White Plains, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, and other metropolitans.
When looking for higher remunerations and employment, LPNs should consider these factors.
The Highest LPN Salary Paying States
Connecticut:
- Hourly mean wage – $26.79.
- Annual mean wage – $55,720.
- Employment – 7,780.
- Location quotient – 0.93.
Rhode Island:
- Hourly mean wage – $26.64.
- Annual mean wage – $55,410.
- Employment – 1,060.
- Location quotient – 0.44.
District of Columbia:
- Hourly mean wage – $26.54.
- Annual mean wage – $55,200.
- Employment – 1,720.
- Location quotient – 0.49.
Massachusetts:
- Hourly mean wage – $26.53.
- Annual mean wage – $55,190.
- Employment – 15,890.
- Location quotient – 0.92.
Alaska:
- Hourly mean wage – $25.85.
- Annual mean wage – $53,760.
- Employment – 500.
- Location quotient – 0.31.
Metropolitan Areas With Maximum LPN Job Concentration
Wichita Falls, TX:
- Hourly mean wage – $19.57.
- Annual mean wage – $40,710.
- Employment – 1,010.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 18.07.
Alexandria, LA:
- Hourly mean wage – $17.88.
- Annual mean wage – $37,180.
- Employment – 1,080.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 17.66.
Homosassa Springs, FL:
- Hourly mean wage – $19.36.
- Annual mean wage – $40,270.
- Employment – 560.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 17.53.
Johnson City, LN:
- Hourly mean wage – $17.01.
- Annual mean wage – $35,370.
- Employment – 1,260.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 16.14.
Jackson, TN:
- Hourly mean wage – $16.18.
- Annual mean wage – $33,650.
- Employment – 980.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 15.40.
Shreveport-Bossier City, LA:
- Hourly mean wage – $18.30.
- Annual mean wage – $38,060.
- Employment – 2,660.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 14.95.
Sherman-Denison, TX:
- Hourly mean wage – $19.28.
- Annual mean wage – $41,220.
- Employment – 640.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 14.79.
Monroe, LA:
- Hourly mean wage – $17.70.
- Annual mean wage – $36,830.
- Employment – 1,110.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 14.46.
Jonesboro, AR:
- Hourly mean wage – $17.00.
- Annual mean wage – $35,350.
- Employment – 770.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 14.28.
Pine Bluff, AR:
- Hourly mean wage – $15.48.
- Annual mean wage – $32,210.
- Employment – 420.
- Employment per thousand jobs – 13.83.
Salary For Jobs Related to LPN
The following wage details have been collected from the BLS, PayScale, and Indeed data.
The jobs related to LPN include orderlies, attendants, nursing aides, Registered Nurses, Medical Assistants, Family Nurse Practitioners, etc:
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner – $92,039.
- Nursing Home Administrator – $87,056.
- Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner – $98,498.
- Clinical Psychologist – $74,505.
- Surgical Technologists – $45,160.
- Nursing Assistants and Orderlies – $26,590.
- Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) – $124,104.
- Registered Nurse, Emergency Room – $63,945.
- Account Manager Healthcare – $58,000.
- Aides and Occupational Therapy Assistants – $56,070.
- Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides – $45,290.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker – $55,460.
- Family Nurse Practitioner – $90,227.
- Healthcare Consultant – $75,097.
- Nurse Educator – $73,020.
- Registered Nurses – $68,450.
- Psychiatric Technicians and Aides – $28,670.
- Director of Nurses – $81,588.
- Nursing Director – $90,168.
Factors Affecting LPNs’ Salary
Years of Experience
In the beginning, you don’t have as much on-the-job knowledge.
But as you move on with the same work for a few years, you will keep growing in the profession.
Deeper knowledge will both boost your confidence and influence salary.
While comparing the two LPN professionals, one that just entered the field, and another that has a few years behind them, you will find that the latter has more confidence when it comes to the same work.
If you are doing your best at all times, after some time, you can get a raise in pay as an appreciation of your efforts in the healthcare facility.
You may start with the pay lower than expected respectively to your education.
But, as you gain more experience and knowledge, your pay will increase accordingly.
A person in the same position as you, doing the same work can receive a different income from you.
Some healthcare facilities don’t even offer entry-level positions.
So, you should target those health care centers which have a higher demand for practical nurses.
You can find that through the available vacancies.
While you’re studying, make sure to pay attention to practicals and theories.
As you develop your mind to work in various conditions and with various age groups, your chances to get a job increase as well.
The employers will consider the relevant experience you’ve gained during your studies.
If you have attended internships or other extracurricular activities, you will have an advantage over other candidates who haven’t done this.
Geographical Location
As demonstrated by the statistics for the salary, the mean wages differ in various locations.
Location is one of the most significant factors that influence salary.
It depends on the number of professionals in healthcare as well as patients coming into the healthcare facility.
The numbers of the population in different areas influence salary as well.
IV Therapy Certificate
Not all LPNs have an IV Therapy Certificate.
With this certificate, you can do more work and, therefore, receive higher pay.
It will depend on your everyday responsibilities.
The IV Therapy Certificate holders earn more than the other professionals in the same position without this certificate.
Some LPNs obtain licenses and certifications before applying for a job.
The employers may prefer an IV Therapy Certificate holder over other candidates.
More often, LPNs who don’t have this certificate receive it later as they move through the career.
Advanced Care Life Support (ACLS) Certificate
You are paid for the work you do.
With the Advanced Care Life Support certificate, the scope of duties you can perform will increase.
In this case, you can also expect to earn more than those who don’t hold the certificate.
With it, the chances to land a job initially increase as well.
LPNs with a few years of experience usually earn this certificate to increase the responsibility and salary.
ACLS certification is one of the credentials with which an LPN can receive higher pay.
Work Sector
Various schemes and norms are in place for different sectors, such as private or government sectors.
LPNs with similar education that start their careers may have different salaries at the same time.
Telemetry Training
Telemetry trainers are qualified to monitor the heart activities, which make them superior to LPNs who don’t have this training.
With additional knowledge, you can gain better incentives.
How to Improve Nursing Salary
Proper Research
If you apply for a job without researching it first, you may end up with an unsatisfactory salary.
You should know what minimum wage is offered for the positions you’re considering.
With proper research, you may set the priorities to different healthcare centers.
You know that you should be paid well for what you’re offering to the company.
You can do online research to get general info about the job or ask an expert to tell you the real side of it.
Thus, you will get what you want.
This is an essential thing for success.
Updated Skills
You get paid for what you do.
To do your job efficiently, you need comprehensive knowledge about it.
You need to keep updating your knowledge and skills by taking training and obtaining certifications to succeed in your career.
This way you will increase your exposure to work which will surely influence your salary.
Willingness to Move
As mentioned above, the salary of an LPN can vary greatly depending on the location.
So, if you wish to grow professionally and increase your income, you can relocate to the area which offers more in the field.
With more opportunities in the industry, your chances for a better income are higher.
Specialized Certifications
With certifications, you can grow both professionally and personally.
If you take courses to learn more and benefit your career, you will get better results.
When you have a deeper knowledge and can provide more services, your salary will rise.
Recruitment Incentives or Additional Benefits
With the growing requirements in the healthcare industry, hospitals are providing their LPNs with additional income (incentives) as an award for their services.
To let LPNs know of their importance and keep them with the company, they offer gifts and other benefits, such as bonuses or mortgage down payments.
LPN Jobs
The demand for LPNs is growing all over the world, which results in higher salaries for nursing professionals.
While doing patients’ check-ups, assisting doctors, and taking care of the health of patients, they can offer a lot.
LPNs can work both in the private sector and governmental facilities.
They can also consult for health problems.
With the advancement in the field, they can also move to other medical professions in the industry.
As you become an LPN, there is a wide range of success.
You can move to various work profiles, such as consulting, customer services, medical call centers, medical coding, and more.