How Much Do Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Make?

According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) salary data, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs) earn an average hourly wage of $29.23 or $60,790 per year. This critical health care role is responsible for providing basic nursing care and monitoring patients' health under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. With over 630,000 LPNs/LVNs employed nationwide, these professionals are vital in supporting the health care system and ensuring quality care for patients.

Highest Paying States for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

The BLS data reveals that licensed practical and vocational nurses earn the highest salaries in coastal and northeastern states. California tops the list, with LPNs/LVNs earning an average hourly wage of $36.82, which translates to an annual mean salary of $76,580. Other high-paying states include Rhode Island, Washington, Alaska, and Massachusetts, all with average hourly wages over $35 and annual salaries above $73,000.

How Do Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salaries Vary Across Different Industries?

BLS data reveals that Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs) are employed across a variety of health care settings, with the largest concentrations found in nursing care facilities (171,290 employed), general medical and surgical hospitals (84,870), home health care services (78,100), physician offices (74,850), and continuing care retirement communities (41,760).

Wages also vary by industry, with LPNs/LVNs in nursing care facilities earning the highest average annual salary of $63,730, followed by those in continuing care retirement communities ($61,390) and home health care services ($61,050).

While hospitals employ a sizable number of LPNs/LVNs, their average annual pay in this setting is lower at $55,380. Understanding these industry employment trends can help aspiring LPNs/LVNs identify the highest-paying job opportunities that align with their interests and career goals.

Of the top industries for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) pay the most, offering an average annual wage of $63,730 and an hourly mean wage of $30.64.

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses vs. Paramedics vs. Surgical Technologists

The chart below highlights how the salaries of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses compare to other healthcare professions, specifically paramedics and surgical technologists. licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earn an average annual salary of $60,790, or $29.23 per hour, which is slightly lower than the $62,250 earned by surgical technologists. paramedics earn an annual salary of $57,450, or $27.62 per hour, which is lower than the salaries of both Licensed Practical and licensed vocational nurses and surgical technologists.

Bottom Line

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LPNs/LVNs) are vital members of the health care workforce, providing essential care and support under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. If you’re thinking about becoming a vocational nurse, it’s important to have a sense of how much you can expect to earn, especially if you’re considering other health care careers.