LPN/LVN Salary Guide 2025: Median Pay Hits $64,400 — But Some States Pay $80,000+
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) earn a national median salary of $64,400, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The average wage is $67,050, or roughly $31 per hour. High earners in the 90th percentile bring home $83,440, while entry-level positions start around $49,740.
The occupation employs 648,410 workers nationwide, with projected growth of 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 54,400 openings each year, mostly from workers leaving the field.
How much Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earn
The BLS reports median annual pay of $64,400, meaning half of LPNs/LVNs earn more and half earn less. The bottom 10% earn up to $49,740, while the top 10% make at least $83,440. Hourly, the mean wage is about $31, though rates vary by setting and location.
Industry also matters. LPNs/LVNs in home health care services average $70,000+, while those in nursing homes or residential care typically earn near the median. Government jobs and hospitals tend to pay above average.
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically changes your paycheck. Washington tops the list at $83,150, followed by Alaska ($80,800), Oregon ($80,470), Massachusetts ($80,220), and Rhode Island ($80,090). These states often have higher costs of living and stronger labor demand.
At the lower end, West Virginia pays $55,360, South Dakota $52,750, and Mississippi $50,220. Even within states, urban areas generally offer higher wages than rural ones.
How to become Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurse
The typical path takes about 12–18 months. You need a high school diploma or GED, then enrollment in a state-approved practical nursing program — often at community colleges or vocational schools. Courses cover anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care, plus supervised clinical hours.
After graduation, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to get licensed. All states require licensure. Some LPNs/LVNs later advance to registered nurse (RN) roles through bridge programs.
- Step 1: Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Step 2: Complete an accredited LPN/LVN program (usually 1 year).
- Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.
- Step 4: Apply for state licensure where you plan to work.
Job outlook
Employment of LPNs/LVNs is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average across all occupations. That growth is driven by aging baby boomers needing long-term care and by chronic disease management. The BLS expects about 54,400 openings each year, mostly to replace workers retiring or leaving the field.
Opportunities should be good in nursing homes, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. States with older populations, like Florida and Maine, may see above-average demand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest-paying state for LPNs/LVNs?
Washington pays the most at $83,150 per year, followed by Alaska ($80,800) and Oregon ($80,470).
How long does it take to become an LPN/LVN?
Most programs take 12 to 18 months. You need a high school diploma, complete a state-approved practical nursing program, then pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
What is the job growth for LPNs/LVNs?
The BLS projects 2.6% growth from 2024 to 2034, about average. Roughly 54,400 job openings are expected each year due to retirements and turnover.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses data.