Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) salary

The median pay for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) nationally is $35.19 an hour — about $73,195 a year full time. That is based on 18 job postings on LocalWork from the last 12 months that stated pay, so it reflects what employers are advertising rather than verified earnings. Half of the roles pay more than this and half pay less, so treat it as the middle of the market rather than a target.

Most LPNs nationally earn between $28.79 an hour and $47.15 an hour — that is the 10th to the 90th percentile. The spread usually reflects experience, shift, certifications and employer size more than anything else.

Pay at the bottom of the range — roughly what someone starting out can expect — is around $28.79 an hour. A quarter of LPNs earn below $31.63 an hour, so the first year or two typically sits in that band.

The top 10% of LPNs nationally earn about $47.15 an hour or more, roughly 1.3× the median. Getting there usually means experience plus something specific — advanced certification, supervisory responsibility, or specialising in higher-paying work.

Licensed practical nurses provide hands-on nursing care under the direction of RNs and physicians, most often in long-term care, clinics and home health. Training is around a year. Day to day, that means monitor vital signs and patient condition, administer prescribed medication, dress wounds and assist with treatments and support patients with daily needs.

The usual route is: (1) complete a practical nursing programme, (2) pass the NCLEX-PN and licence in your state, (3) start in long-term care or a clinic, (4) bridge to RN through an LPN-to-RN programme if you want to progress. Employers typically look for approved practical nursing programme (about 12 months), passing the NCLEX-PN examination and state LPN/LVN licence.

Yes. Working as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) requires formal certification or licensing — specifically state LPN/LVN licence and CPR certification. Requirements are set at state level in most cases, so check your own state's rules before committing to a programme.

There are currently 21 open LPNs listed on LocalWork. Long-term care and home health drive steady LPN demand, particularly outside major metros where RN coverage is thinner.

LPN training takes about a year versus two to four for an RN, and LPNs work under RN or physician direction with a narrower scope of practice. RNs earn more and have wider responsibilities. Many LPNs later bridge to RN, often with employer support.