Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in the United States
Based on 648K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$66,740
$32.09/hr
▲ 4.9% vs 2024Salary Range
$52K – $80K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
648K
workers nationwide
The median Licensed Practical Nurse salary in the United States is $66,740 per year, which averages out to $32 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for LPNs nationwide, with a typical salary range falling between $52,425 and $80,152 annually. This data reflects the compensation for a vital role in the healthcare system.
Several factors can influence a Licensed Practical Nurse salary in the United States. These include geographic location, with states like Washington offering higher average compensation around $83,150 per year, as well as years of experience, the specific healthcare setting (e.g., hospital, nursing home), and any specialized certifications an LPN may hold. The overall demand for LPNs, with a total employment of 648,450, also plays a role in salary trends.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,425 |
| 25th percentile | $59,872 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $66,740 |
| 75th percentile | $73,507 |
| 90th percentile | $80,152 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Licensed Practical Nurse
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $83,150 | +24.6% | 7K |
| 2 | Alaska | $80,800 | +21.1% | 290 |
| 3 | Oregon | $80,470 | +20.6% | 4K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $80,220 | +20.2% | 13K |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $80,090 | +20.0% | 1K |
| 6 | California | $79,750 | +19.5% | 83K |
| 7 | New Hampshire | $77,110 | +15.5% | 2K |
| 8 | Arizona | $77,070 | +15.5% | 7K |
| 9 | Nevada | $76,160 | +14.1% | 3K |
| 10 | District of Columbia | $75,740 | +13.5% | 1K |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Industry
How much Licensed Practical Nurses earn across industries nationwide — Administrative and Support Services pays the most ($77,310 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | +15.8% | 30K |
| 2 | Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | +9.0% | 1K |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | +3.3% | 37K |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | +1.9% | 1K |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | -2.8% | 2K |
| 6 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $64,100 | -4.0% | 561K |
| 7 | Manufacturing | $62,440 | -6.4% | 280 |
| 8 | Transportation and Warehousing | $61,520 | -7.8% | 40 |
| 9 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $60,450 | -9.4% | 1K |
| 10 | Educational Services | $58,090 | -13.0% | 14K |
| 11 | Retail Trade | $54,870 | -17.8% | 770 |
| 12 | Wholesale Trade | $51,920 | -22.2% | 150 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $70,010 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,872 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $66,740 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $73,507 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $80,152 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse in the US?
- The median Licensed Practical Nurse salary in the United States is $66,740 per year. This means half of all LPNs earn more than this amount, and half earn less, with the typical range being between $52,425 and $80,152.
Which states pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most?
- Washington is the top-paying state for Licensed Practical Nurses, with an average annual salary of $83,150. This is significantly higher than the national median of $66,740.
How much do entry-level Licensed Practical Nurses typically earn?
- While the specific data for entry-level LPNs isn't detailed here, the lower end of the general salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses in the United States is $52,425 per year. This suggests that those starting their careers may earn closer to this lower bound.
Is the demand for Licensed Practical Nurses high in the US?
- Yes, the demand appears to be considerable, with a total of 648,450 Licensed Practical Nurses employed across the United States. This large number of employed professionals indicates a strong presence and ongoing need for LPNs in healthcare.