Licensed Practical Nurse - LPN Salary

A career in health care can present many opportunities for growth--especially in the field of nursing. One area in particular, licensed practical nursing, is expected to offer potential job seekers prospects labeled "very good" by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Before devoting their futures to the practice, many licensed practical nurse (LPN) candidates first want to uncover what an LPN salary offers.

The BLS estimates that as of May 2009, the 728,670 licensed practical nurses in the United States earned a mean annual salary of $40,900, which works out to a mean annual rate of $19.66. Of these professionals, those earning an LPN salary of more than $55,090 annually, or $26,49 per hour, fall in the top 10 percent or earners, while those making less than the mean wage fall in the bottom 10 percent, earning approximately $28,890 annually or $13.89 per hour.

LPN Salary Ranges: It's Where You Work

Following completion of a practical nursing training program, and receiving licensure by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nurse, LPNs have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries. While nursing care facilities employ the highest number of LPNs, the employment services industry offers the highest annual LPN salary at $46,190 or $22.21 hourly.

In addition to the industry where an LPN works, the geographic location also can impact earnings. The five states which offer the highest LPN salaries include:

• Connecticut: $52,300 annually, $25.15 hourly
• New Jersey: $50,350 annually, $24.21 hourly
• Rhode Island: $50,010 annually, $24.04 hourly
• California: $49,940 annually, $24.01 hourly
• New Mexico: $49,760, $23.92 hourly

States that employ the most LPNs include Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and North Dakota.