LPN Pay (2026 Guide): Average Salary, Hourly Rates & Top States

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Trying to understand LPN pay in 2025? Whether you’re already a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or thinking about becoming one, it helps to know how much LPNs make, which states pay the most, and how to increase your income over time.

This guide breaks down licensed practical nurse salary in simple terms: national averages, hourly vs annual pay, pay by setting, highest-paying states, and realistic ways to boost your earnings.

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💰 What Is the Average LPN Pay in the U.S.?

Across the U.S., LPN salary typically falls in the mid-$50,000s per year, with many LPNs earning somewhere between $23–$30 per hour depending on location, experience, and setting.

• Typical annual LPN pay: around $50,000–$60,000
• Typical hourly LPN pay: around $23–$30 per hour
• Entry-level LPN pay: often closer to $20–$23 per hour
• Experienced LPN pay: can reach $30+ per hour in some areas

Your actual LPN pay can be higher or lower depending on your state, employer, shift differentials, overtime, and whether you work in high-demand settings like long-term care, home health, or corrections.

📊 LPN Pay by Experience Level

Experience Level	Approx. Hourly Pay	Approx. Annual Pay
New Grad / First Year LPN	$20–$23	$41,000–$48,000
2–5 Years Experience	$23–$27	$48,000–$56,000
5+ Years / High-Demand Settings	$27–$32+	$56,000–$65,000+

These ranges are general estimates. Travel LPNs, agency LPNs, and those working frequent overtime can sometimes earn more.

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🗺️ Highest- and Lowest-Paying States for LPNs

LPN pay can vary by tens of thousands of dollars per year depending on where you live. Some states pay more but also have higher cost of living.

Examples of Higher-Paying States for LPNs

• States on the West Coast and Northeast often offer higher pay.
• Urban areas and hospital systems may pay more than rural clinics.
• States with nursing shortages may offer sign-on bonuses, differentials, or agency rates.

Examples of Lower-Paying States for LPNs

• Some southern and midwestern states may offer lower hourly rates.
• Facility type matters—small clinics or long-term care may pay less than large systems.

To get the most accurate LPN salary for your area, search job postings in your state and compare hourly rates for the settings you’re interested in (hospital, long-term care, home health, corrections, etc.).

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🏥 LPN Pay by Work Setting

Where you work can impact how much LPNs make just as much as the state you live in.

• Long-Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): Common employers for LPNs; pay often includes differentials for nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Home Health & Hospice: May offer per-visit or hourly pay; travel time and mileage policies are important.
• Clinics & Physician Offices: Usually more predictable hours, but sometimes lower pay than SNFs or hospitals.
• Hospitals: Not all hospitals employ LPNs, but those that do may offer higher salaries and strong benefits.
• Corrections & Government Facilities: Often higher base pay and excellent benefits, but may come with unique safety considerations.
• School Nursing: Typically lower pay but regular daytime hours and school-year schedules.

If your goal is to maximize LPN salary, long-term care, home health, and corrections are common high-paying settings. If you value work-life balance more than pay, clinics or schools may be a better fit.

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📈 How to Increase Your LPN Pay

You don’t have to change careers to improve your LPN pay. Here are practical ways to earn more:

• Work evening, night, or weekend shifts: Many employers offer shift differentials.
• Pick up extra shifts or PRN work: Per-diem roles can pay higher hourly rates.
• Move to higher-paying settings: SNFs, home health, and corrections often pay more than clinics.
• Consider travel or agency LPN work: Higher hourly rates in exchange for flexibility and short-term contracts.
• Specialize: Experience in high-demand areas (wound care, rehab, hospice) can raise your value.
• Advance your license: Many LPNs later bridge to RN to access higher-paying roles.

Your long-term earning potential depends on your experience, reliability, and willingness to work in roles or locations that fewer people want.

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🧭 LPN Pay vs RN Pay

A common question is whether to stay an LPN or bridge to RN. In most areas, RN salary is significantly higher than LPN salary, especially over a full career.

• LPN pay: Often in the mid-$50,000s with typical ranges between about $45,000–$60,000+.
• RN pay: Frequently ranges from the upper-$60,000s to $90,000+ depending on state and specialty.

LPN roles can be a great long-term fit, especially if you like direct patient care and don’t want to return to school. But if you want leadership roles, hospital jobs, or advanced specialties, bridging from LPN to RN can significantly increase your pay options.

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💻 Remote & Non-Bedside Options for LPNs

While many remote jobs are RN-only, some organizations hire LPNs in non-bedside or hybrid roles. Examples may include:

• Office-based or remote triage support (under RN or provider oversight)
• Insurance member services or care coordination support roles
• Scheduling, care navigation, or patient outreach
• Clinical support in telehealth practices (scope varies by state)

If your goal is to move away from bedside care and into computer-based or phone-based work, your experience as an LPN can still be valuable—even if the role itself is not titled “LPN.”

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🔗 Helpful Next Steps

To make the most of your LPN pay and long-term earning potential, you can:

• Explore remote and non-bedside options in our work from home nursing jobs guide.
• Polish your resume using our Registered Nurse Resume guide for wording and bullet ideas (many tips apply to LPNs too).
• Keep your license active and compliant by reviewing our renewal requirements database for CE rules and board links.

❓ LPN Pay – FAQ

How much do LPNs make per hour?

Many LPNs earn around $23–$30 per hour, with new grads closer to $20–$23 and experienced LPNs or high-demand settings reaching $30+ per hour. Exact LPN hourly pay depends on your state, experience, and work setting.

What is the average LPN salary per year?

The typical LPN salary is often in the $50,000–$60,000 range. Some LPNs earn less, and others earn significantly more with overtime, differentials, or travel contracts.

Which states have the highest LPN pay?

States on the West Coast and Northeast often report higher LPN pay, especially in urban areas and hospital systems. However, these states may also have higher cost of living. Always compare local job postings to see current rates.

Can an LPN make six figures?

It’s uncommon in a standard full-time role, but some LPNs approach or exceed six figures through travel or agency work, frequent overtime, high differentials, or multiple jobs. Most LPNs will earn less than that in a typical schedule.

Is it worth going from LPN to RN for higher pay?

For many nurses, yes. RNs generally have higher earning potential, more specialty options, and access to leadership roles. However, it depends on your finances, family situation, and whether you want the additional responsibility that comes with RN roles.

Do LPNs get paid more in hospitals than in nursing homes?

It depends on your area. Some hospitals pay more, but many nursing homes and long-term care facilities offer higher hourly rates and strong overtime opportunities. Comparing specific job postings is the best way to see real numbers where you live.

Can LPNs work from home?

Some remote roles are open to LPNs, especially in member services, care coordination support, scheduling, or telehealth support. Many fully clinical remote roles are RN-only, but LPN experience can still help you qualify for non-bedside positions.