What Is the Salary Range of an LPN?

Earnings

As of May 2009 the national annual salary of licensed practical nurses ranged from $28,890 to $55,090 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage for LPNs was $39,820. Depending on the region, practical nurses may earn less or more than the national average.

Factors such as industry, experience and tenure have a direct impact on the amount of an LPNs earnings. Advancement potential gives LPNs the opportunity to increase their wages. Practical nurses can advance to specialties such as long-term care and pharmacology. Practical nurses can also train to become registered nurses. Registered nurses have more responsibilities and earn higher wages than licensed practical nurses.

Geographical location effects the salary range of LPNs. States that employ the highest number of practical nurses per thousand workers are Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee. However, the salaries of nurses in these states are lower than the national average. Practical nurses in northeastern states such as Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island earn annual mean wages ranging from $50,010 to $52,300, which is significantly higher than the national average.

The industry that employs the highest number of LPNs is nursing care facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing facilities paid LPNs an annual mean wage of $42,320 as of May 2009, more than the national average. The highest paid practical nurses are employed in the employment services, rooming and boarding housing and dental industries. Average annual salaries in these industries range from $43,220 to $46,190.

According to the BLS, the demand for licensed practical nurses is high because of the increase in the elderly population in need of medical care. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 21 percent through the year 2018. Job prospects in nursing and home health care facilities show the most promise for LPNs. Technological advances and the increase in procedures performed in outpatient centers has broadened the scope of practical nurse responsibilities and has increased the demand for their skills.