How Much Do LPNs Make? Salary by State (2026)
“How much do LPNs make?” is a critical question for anyone considering a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (Licensed Vocational Nurse in California and Texas). LPN salaries vary significantly by state, work setting, experience, and shift schedule. This guide presents verified BLS wage data for LPNs across every state, explains the factors that drive pay differences, and puts salary in context with licensing costs and career advancement opportunities.
Important: Salary data below comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Our database tracks licensing data. For the most current salary figures, visit bls.gov directly.
National Salary Overview
According to BLS data (May 2024), the national median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is $62,340. LPNs are among the most in-demand healthcare workers in the country, with strong employment numbers across nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and physician offices.
LPN Salary by State
The table below shows LPN wages across all states with available BLS data, sorted by median annual salary from highest to lowest.
| State | Median | 25th Pctile | 75th Pctile | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $79,700 | $73,140 | $86,550 | 6,450 |
| Rhode Island | $77,940 | $70,220 | $79,000 | 1,080 |
| Alaska | $77,670 | $68,340 | $86,070 | 300 |
| California | $77,170 | $68,960 | $85,700 | 79,610 |
| Oregon | $76,570 | $67,750 | $82,390 | 4,340 |
| Massachusetts | $76,560 | $66,960 | $81,010 | 15,210 |
| New Hampshire | $74,660 | $64,270 | $79,880 | 2,130 |
| Arizona | $74,020 | $63,640 | $79,650 | 5,200 |
| Nevada | $73,820 | $63,860 | $76,440 | 3,210 |
| New Jersey | $71,180 | $64,590 | $77,270 | 15,210 |
| Maine | $70,870 | $61,780 | $75,940 | 850 |
| District of Columbia | $70,420 | $64,510 | $78,270 | 1,170 |
| Maryland | $69,870 | $63,750 | $75,990 | 9,510 |
| Connecticut | $69,130 | $64,760 | $77,170 | 8,890 |
| Colorado | $67,480 | $60,960 | $77,200 | 5,030 |
| Delaware | $66,090 | $62,250 | $71,450 | 1,600 |
| Illinois | $66,030 | $59,380 | $77,820 | 18,230 |
| Hawaii | $65,560 | $59,270 | $72,840 | 710 |
| Vermont | $64,560 | $60,340 | $78,270 | 1,260 |
| New York | $64,030 | $58,350 | $74,460 | 40,720 |
| Michigan | $63,810 | $60,640 | $71,460 | 11,060 |
| Indiana | $63,690 | $59,110 | $70,050 | 14,680 |
| Virginia | $62,310 | $56,240 | $72,800 | 16,710 |
| Pennsylvania | $62,010 | $56,350 | $70,110 | 31,140 |
| Wyoming | $61,880 | $55,760 | $66,610 | 530 |
| Idaho | $61,720 | $49,980 | $71,190 | 2,380 |
| Utah | $61,710 | $51,920 | $73,570 | 1,690 |
| North Carolina | $61,380 | $54,370 | $66,560 | 17,430 |
| Wisconsin | $61,040 | $55,310 | $66,400 | 6,830 |
| Ohio | $60,990 | $53,930 | $64,850 | 36,440 |
| Minnesota | $60,870 | $55,600 | $64,340 | 12,740 |
| North Dakota | $60,820 | $54,270 | $63,910 | 1,930 |
| New Mexico | $60,760 | $38,720 | $65,890 | 1,850 |
| Nebraska | $60,740 | $52,620 | $64,870 | 4,820 |
| Texas | $60,150 | $52,530 | $64,160 | 59,060 |
| Florida | $60,080 | $53,430 | $63,260 | 36,470 |
| Kansas | $59,920 | $51,940 | $64,530 | 6,940 |
| Montana | $59,750 | $50,270 | $63,570 | 1,630 |
| Iowa | $59,460 | $51,560 | $64,110 | 5,520 |
| South Carolina | $59,050 | $52,180 | $62,760 | 8,740 |
| Missouri | $59,030 | $51,000 | $63,440 | 14,320 |
| Georgia | $58,490 | $50,400 | $64,280 | 20,800 |
| Kentucky | $58,450 | $50,720 | $62,340 | 9,190 |
| Oklahoma | $55,870 | $48,980 | $61,050 | 11,820 |
| Tennessee | $54,530 | $46,370 | $60,410 | 19,140 |
| Louisiana | $53,930 | $48,270 | $59,880 | 18,630 |
| Arkansas | $51,030 | $47,210 | $59,410 | 10,110 |
| Alabama | $50,100 | $43,320 | $58,850 | 10,840 |
| West Virginia | $49,850 | $45,820 | $59,860 | 6,330 |
| South Dakota | $49,170 | $47,300 | $57,810 | 2,100 |
| Mississippi | $48,850 | $44,260 | $57,120 | 9,880 |
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for LPNs
These states offer the highest median annual wages for LPNs according to BLS data:
Licensing Cost vs. Earning Potential
LPN programs typically take 12–18 months to complete and require passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Government licensing fees are relatively modest, though education program tuition represents the larger investment. With a national median salary of $62,340 and strong demand for LPNs, the return on investment is compelling — especially compared to longer healthcare degree programs. Many LPNs also use the role as a stepping stone to RN licensure, further increasing long-term earning potential.
Factors That Affect LPN Pay
1. Work Setting
LPNs working in hospitals and home health services tend to earn more than those in nursing care facilities or physician offices. Staffing agencies may also offer premium rates, particularly for travel or per-diem LPN positions. Government facilities (VA hospitals, state agencies) often offer competitive pay plus benefits.
2. Location
As the state data shows, geography is a major factor in LPN pay. States with higher costs of living and greater nursing shortages tend to offer higher wages to attract and retain LPNs. Urban areas generally pay more than rural areas, though rural facilities may offer other incentives to attract nurses.
3. Shift Differentials
LPNs who work evening, night, weekend, or holiday shifts often earn shift differential pay that can add significantly to their annual income. Some facilities offer premiums of $2–$5+ per hour for off-peak shifts.
4. Experience
New LPNs typically start at the lower end of the pay range, but wages increase steadily with experience. LPNs with several years of experience, particularly in specialized areas like IV therapy, wound care, or geriatrics, can earn well above the median.
5. Specialization and Certifications
LPNs who earn additional certifications — such as IV therapy certification, wound care certification, or gerontological nursing certification — may qualify for higher-paying positions. Supervisory roles (charge nurse, unit lead) also command higher wages.
Get Started: LPN Licensing Requirements
Ready to begin your LPN career? Check your state’s specific licensing requirements, education hours, and fees:
Salary data on this page is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Licensing cost data is from our verified state-by-state database. Actual earnings vary by location, experience, work setting, and shift schedule. Visit bls.gov for the most current figures.
Interested in This Career?
Check your state's licensing requirements, costs, and timeline to get started.