If you are thinking about becoming an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), you undoubtedly want to know how much the typical LPN salary is. While the average salary stands at $46,000 a year in the USA, there are several variables which come into play which can affect the salary.
Factors Affecting LPN Salary
1. Healthcare Facility
LPNs can be found working in hospitals, clinics, nursing care centers, private homes and doctor's offices. While the job duties are similar, the salary differs depending on where one works.
Nursing Home: $42,400
Retirement Home: $31,900
Hospital: $39,950
Home healthcare services: $42,400
Doctor's offices and clinics: $36,800
2. Location
The location of where an LPN works plays an important role in affecting the salary of LPNs. Sometimes the difference in salary can be quite large, especially if you compare an LPN working in a metropolitan area to a suburban area.
High Paying States
California: $50,000
Connecticut: $52,250
New Jersey: $50,200
New Mexico: $49,720
Rhode Island: $50,100
High Paying Metropolitan Areas
Albuquerque, NM: $55,980
Oakland -Fremont-Hayward, CA: $57,100
Salinas, CA: $60,000
San Jose, CA: $57,050
San Francisco - San Mateo, CA: $55,550
3. Experience
Whatever the career, the more experience a person has, the more they will be paid - working as a licensed practical nurse is no exception. Take a look at the average LPN salary relative to experience:
Less than 1 year: $28,000 - $45,000
1 to 4 years: $30,000 - $48,000
5 to 9 years: $31,000 - $51,000
10 to 19 years: $32,000 - $ $54,000
20 years>: $35,000 - $56,000
How Career Advancement Affects LPN Salary
As mentioned, moving to a different state, acquiring more experience or working in a different healthcare facility all play a role in affecting an LPN salary. However, many LPNs decide to advance their careers, not only to earn a higher wage but also to take on more job responsibility which results in a more rewarding career. Many LPNs take their career to the next level by becoming "Change Nurses," meaning that they have the additional responsibility of supervising other LPNs working in the healthcare facility. However, this position is not available in all healthcare settings - nursing homes seem to employ the highest percentage of change nurses.
Many LPNs have taken to advancing their career by going back to school and completing an LPN to RN Bridge program. As a registered nurse is able to earn double the amount an LPN earns and has a higher level of job responsibility, it is no surprise that enrolling in this type of bridge program is a popular choice.
Now you know what the average LPN salary is relative to location, experience and setting. While the majority of people do not go into the nursing field for the money, most people would agree that money matters. If you are one of the many people who shares this opinion, it is recommended that you enrol in an LPN to RN bridge program as soon as possible to advance your career, and thus start earning a higher salary.
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