The Highest Paid LPN State in US

Massachusetts is the state that leads the pack.  It is the highest paid LPN state in US with an average LPN salary of USD 48,180 a year, closely followed by District of Columbia with average annual wages of USD 45,450. Rhode Island places third with average LPN wages of USD 43,460, while LPNs in Delaware earn USD 41,460 a year, on average. New Jersey’s average LPN salary stands at USD 41,240 a year, and LPNs in Maryland also earn over 40K a year with salaries averaging USD 40,600 annually in 2010.  These figures are drawn from a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

LPN Income Considerations – A Word Of Caution

From the report you can easily see that all the states where LPNs earn over USD 40,000 a year are located on the East Coast of the United States. However, it should be noted that these figures are probably well justified as the drivers behind the salary numbers are economic and demographic ones.

The Eastern states are more developed and industrialized, in general. Hence, the standard of living is higher but so too is the cost of living.  As a result LPN pay of USD 49,000 in New York will probably only buy the same food as a salary of USD 16,000 in Puerto Rico.  A similar situation may well be the case with other living expenses, such as rent, for example. Thus, measured against the cost of living and price levels despite the difference in absolute levels of salary that are attainable, the average LPN salary actually provides enough for a decent living standard for professionals in all states.

The East coast features also a relatively dense population of upper class households, determining the higher price of health-care related services which results in higher LPN salary range in these states. The fast growing metro population that needs medical care in the big cities of the East is another factor which leads to higher LPN wages in this part of the country.

All in all, if the absolute level of salary is your yardstick then living in the east coast of the U.S. will mean that your earnings will be at the top end of LPN salaries available.  This is food for thought if you are considering moving to where you might get a better salary.  However, as is clear from above, with higher salaries comes higher costs and it may be the case that chasing the holy dollar may not result in you eating or living any better.

There are many accounts in the media and on the web which suggest that there is a chronic shortage of nurses, both Registered Nurses (RN’s) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) and as a consequence there is almost no doubt that having qualified all a new nurse has to do is to show themselves to prospective employers and they will be welcomed with open arms and overflowing pay-packets. All appears rosy for the prospective LPN looking to start their career in nursing. But, if there is indeed a shortage of nurses in the sector then presumably the LPN salary will be commensurately high in reflection of the urgent need that healthcare employers have to locate suitable job candidates.

Unfortunately, while it would be easy to report here that this situation was indeed the case and that anyone considering training to become an LPN should just jump in with both feet and if they do so then they will never look back as the opportunities are boundless and enriching, the real truth is far from clear. It is true that many employers, especially hospitals report difficulties in recruiting nurses, but the sad reality is that despite encountering such difficulties in recruitment, these same hospitals have cut back their LPN staff at what would appear to be a critical time.

This is clearly demonstrable by reference to the average starter LPN salary. Using payscale.com you can see that the typical LPN salary that is earnt in the early years is in the range $31,973 – $44,783. This rises to and LPN salary range of $46,014 – $66,112 for more experienced practitioners. But what do these figures mean? Many reading this article will simply not be able to qualify with other opportunities.

Well, as a good source of reference in 2008 the national average wage for employees working in the private sector was $50,028, and the average wage for those working in the Federal Civilian sector was $79,197 (an average salary so significantly ahead of where the private productive sector is that it may surprise many reading this). However, given the difficult economic circumstances our country currently faces and the fact that the federal and state sectors are shedding jobs quickly this particular number may not be that relevant. What the above numbers do show however, is that the starter LPN can expect an LPN salary somewhat below the national average, but the more experienced worker may well be at or even slightly higher than the average.

Going back to the question asked in the title to this article – is the LPN salary worth the effort of qualification? The answer would therefore appear to be a tentative “Yes”. The typical LPN salary would appear to be reasonable although clearly not great, the role of the LPN while pretty tough has good prospects, provides great access to further training and development, and gives good job security to those who work hard. These are all important characteristics when the employment environment we currently face is best described as bleak and will likely remain so for the near future.

There are many factors to consider regarding the LPN salary range. These deciding factors include qualifications and experience, geographic location, and industry type.

According to recent studies made by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a significant 14 percent increase in employment rate from 2007 to 2015 is expected, and starting May 2007, the average annual LPN salary range per year is $27,370 to $52,160.

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a licensed vocation nurse (LVN) performs nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse. Their task can include performing primary nursing care, like checking vital signs and assisting in routine patient activities like dressing, eating, and bathing. However, they cannot perform complex tasks such as anesthesia administration.

Experience is also a big factor in determining the LPN salary range. A LPN with less than a year of experience earns an annual average income of $29,391, which is not much if you compare it to the $39,184 annual average income of someone with 19 or more years of experience.

The salary of licensed practical nurses greatly varies for each industry; living expenses are considered in choosing a nursing job. The top three States that provide high LPN hourly wages are Connecticut ($24.39), Massachusetts ($22.72), and New Jersey ($22.50). On the other hand, the top three low LPN hourly paying states are North Dakota ($15.41), Missouri ($15.38), and Louisiana ($15.14).

The services of licensed practical nurses are not limited in the hospital setting. In fact, a lot of establishments spend a great amount of money on LPN salaries, and these include nursing homes, clinics, home care services, and employment services like the travel nursing industry.

However, these leading industries do not accommodate all job applicants and offer limited slots. If you are hired you can expect a rewarding salary, because the projected yearly salary range can be around $43,490 to $50,850.

There are actually countless resources to learn about the LPN salary range. You could check out your local newspapers, websites, and speak to employers that hire LPNs. The job opportunities for LPNs are countless, and with the right tools, you’ll be getting one in no time!