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2025 Updated Data

2025 LPN Salary by State

Discover your earning potential across America. From hourly rates to annual salaries, see where LPNs earn the most in 2025.


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$55,800

National Avg Salary

$72k+

Highest (California)

$41k

Lowest (West Virginia)

+6%

Job Growth 2025

In This Guide

National Salary Overview 2025

LPNs Are in Demand

The average salary for Licensed Practical Nurses has seen a steady increase. As of 2025, the national average stands at $55,800 annually, or roughly $26.83 per hour.

This represents a 3.5% increase from 2024, reflecting the growing need for skilled nursing care in aging populations and outpatient settings.

Hourly Mean Wage $26.83
Annual Mean Wage $55,800
Top 10% Earners $72,650+

Top 10 Highest Paying States for LPNs

1. California

$72,500/yr

Hourly: ~$34.85

Top Cities: San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento

2. Alaska

$69,800/yr

Hourly: ~$33.56

Top Cities: Anchorage, Fairbanks

3. Massachusetts

$68,100/yr

Hourly: ~$32.74

Top Cities: Boston, Worcester

4. Washington

$67,500/yr

Hourly: ~$32.45

Top Cities: Seattle, Tacoma

5. Nevada

$66,200/yr

Hourly: ~$31.83

Top Cities: Las Vegas, Reno

6. Oregon

$65,400/yr

Hourly: ~$31.44

Top Cities: Portland, Salem

7. Connecticut

$64,800/yr

Hourly: ~$31.15

Top Cities: Hartford, New Haven

8. Rhode Island

$63,900/yr

Hourly: ~$30.72

Top Cities: Providence

9. New Jersey

$62,500/yr

Hourly: ~$30.05

Top Cities: Newark, Jersey City

10. New Hampshire

$61,800/yr

Hourly: ~$29.71

Top Cities: Manchester, Nashua


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Complete State Salary Rankings

Rank State Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
1 California $72,500 $34.85 $6,041
2 Alaska $69,800 $33.56 $5,816
3 Massachusetts $68,100 $32.74 $5,675
4 Washington $67,500 $32.45 $5,625
5 Nevada $66,200 $31.83 $5,516
6 Oregon $65,400 $31.44 $5,450
7 Connecticut $64,800 $31.15 $5,400
8 Rhode Island $63,900 $30.72 $5,325
9 New Jersey $62,500 $30.05 $5,208
10 New Hampshire $61,800 $29.71 $5,150
11 Arizona $60,100 $28.89 $5,008
12 New York $59,800 $28.75 $4,983
13 Maryland $59,200 $28.46 $4,933
14 Delaware $58,500 $28.13 $4,875
15 Colorado $58,100 $27.93 $4,841

* Salaries based on 2024-2025 BLS projections and industry surveys.

Salary by Experience Level

Entry Level

0-2 Years

$48,500

Avg. Annual

Early Career

2-5 Years

$54,200

Avg. Annual

Experienced

5-10 Years

$59,800

Avg. Annual

Late Career

10+ Years

$64,500+

Avg. Annual

Where You Work Matters

Nursing Care Facilities

$58,400

The most common employer for LPNs. Steady hours and high demand.

Home Health Care

$57,200

Offers flexibility and independence. Growing rapidly with aging population.

Hospitals

$53,800

Fast-paced environment. Often offers better benefits packages.

Physician Offices

$49,500

Regular "9-to-5" hours, no weekends. Popular for working moms.

Factors That Affect Your Pay

Location

Urban areas and coastal states typically pay significantly more due to higher cost of living.

Shift Differentials

Working nights, weekends, or holidays can add $2-$5 per hour to your base rate.

Certifications

Adding IV therapy or wound care certifications makes you more valuable to employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is becoming an LPN worth it financially?

Absolutely. With a short training period (12 months), earning $55k+ is a fantastic return on investment compared to 4-year degrees.

Do travel LPNs make more money?

Yes! Travel LPNs can earn significantly more, often $1,500 - $2,500 per week, plus housing stipends.

How can I increase my LPN salary?

Get certified in IV therapy, work night shifts for differential pay, or consider working for a staffing agency for higher hourly rates.


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