A licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocation nurse (LVN) in California and Texas is a part of the health care team under the supervision of nurses and doctors. They assist patients in daily care routine, administer certain medications, and monitor patient condition.

Compensation for LPNs is influenced by various factors such as experience and credentials, location, and industry type. On a survey conducted in 2006 by The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a licensed practical nurse receives an estimated $36,550 each year; the highest would be as high as $43,640 and the lowest would be as little as $26,380.

In a more recent survey by the US National Average Salary in 2009, a licensed practical nurse receives average earnings of $44,212 each year, much higher than the previous years.

Work experience is a big factor in determining how much a licensed practical nurse earns. In fact, an experience of less than a year could have an expected yearly wage of $26,027, which is less compared to the $47,211 annual income of someone with more than 15 years of experience. It is remarkable how experience can significantly increase the salary for LPN.

Choosing the right work location is an important factor in order to get a higher wage; Of course, you also have to consider the living expenses of an area, whether it is expensive or cheap. For example, Connecticut offers an average salary for LPN as high as $50,950 per year. However, if you work in states like North Dakota, you’ll expect an earning of only $29,085.

There are different industries that offer job opportunities for a licensed practical nurse. These can range from hospitals to employment services. The salary for LPN in medical and surgical hospitals approximately reaches $35,000 while those in the employment services have an average salary of $42,110. The prospect of employment for a LPN with specialization is mostly likely to be better.

The health care profession is a rewarding experience. You are called to serve those people who are ill and in need of your care. If you want to more about the salary for LPN, you can check out your local newspaper for job opportunities, the internet, or directly inquire from employers hiring LPNs.