Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians.
They work in nursing care facilities, hospitals, physician offices, and home health settings.
As of 2026, the median annual wage for LPNs and LVNs is approximately $59,730 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salaries vary by work setting, geographic location, and years of experience.
LPNs in home health and specialty settings often earn above the overall median.
For a full picture of the nursing career ladder, compare the CNA salary at the entry level, the registered nurse salary above LPN, and the nurse practitioner salary at the advanced practice level.
The guide on highest-paid nursing specialties helps LPNs identify which RN specialty is worth the additional education investment.
LPN/LVN Salary Overview
The BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $59,730 for LPNs and LVNs. The bottom 10% earn approximately $42,000, while the top 10% earn more than $79,000. Work setting is one of the most important factors in LPN salary variation.
LPNs can also compare their median against the medical assistant salary to understand how additional nursing credentials translate to higher pay.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Salary by Work Setting
Employment services and home health care services tend to pay LPNs above the median. Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing and long-term care) employ the largest share of LPNs. Hospitals pay near the median.
Physician offices often pay below the median for LPN roles.
Specialty clinics and correctional facilities may offer above-median pay.
LPNs in top-paying states like Alaska and California should evaluate local cost of living — the cost of living in Alaska and cost of living in California guides help assess real take-home pay differences.
LPN vs. RN Salary Comparison
LPNs earn considerably less than registered nurses (RNs), who require a higher level of education (typically an associate degree or bachelor's degree) and hold a broader scope of practice.
The median RN wage is approximately $81,220, roughly $20,000 more than LPNs.
Many LPNs choose to advance their education to become RNs, often using LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
After completing the RN-to-BSN pathway, nurses who specialize in NICU, labor and delivery, or ICU care can reference the NICU nurse salary and labor and delivery nurse salary to understand how much specialty differentials increase total compensation above the base RN median.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of LPNs and LVNs to grow by approximately 5% through 2032.
Demand is driven by an aging population requiring more long-term care and home health services.
However, some healthcare settings are shifting toward all-RN staffing models, which may limit LPN employment growth in certain sectors.
LPNs maximizing their financial wellness on a modest income should review savings benchmarks, consider opening a high-yield savings account for emergency and short-term goals, and ensure they contribute to any available employer retirement plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an LPN in 2026?
The median annual wage for LPNs and LVNs is approximately $59,730 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do LPNs earn more than medical assistants?
Yes. LPNs earn considerably more than medical assistants, whose median wage is approximately $38,000. LPNs have a broader clinical scope and require additional training and licensure.
What is the difference in pay between LPNs and RNs?
The median LPN salary is approximately $59,730 vs. approximately $81,220 for RNs, a difference of roughly $21,000 annually per BLS data.
What state pays LPNs the most?
Alaska, California, and Connecticut tend to report the highest LPN wages. States with strong healthcare sectors and high costs of living typically offer above-median LPN compensation.
Can LPNs advance to become RNs?
Yes. Many LPNs complete LPN-to-RN bridge programs (typically 1 to 2 years) that credit prior nursing education toward an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN).
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — LPNs — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing — NCLEX-PN — https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex/about-nclex-pn.page
Last updated: April 27, 2026