Average Licensed Practical Nurse Salary: $60,184 (2026)

The average licensed practical nurse salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $60,184 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $50,362 in El Paso, TX to $82,159 in San Jose, CA.

The average hourly rate for licensed practical nurses is $28.93 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $24.21/hour in lower-paying areas to $39.50/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.

San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for licensed practical nurses, with a median salary of $82,159 per year. This is 37% above the national average of $60,184. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.

Entry-level licensed practical nurses (10th percentile) typically earn around $39,221 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $60,184 within 3-5 years of career growth.

The average licensed practical nurse salary of $60,184 is 2% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $88,301 or more annually.

El Paso, TX has the lowest licensed practical nurse salary at $50,362 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $31,797.

There are approximately 32,325 licensed practical nurses employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a moderate-sized job market with opportunities in healthcare industries nationwide.

The biggest factors affecting licensed practical nurse salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $31,797 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, State and geographic location — California and Alaska LPNs earn median wages 40–50% above the national median, Work setting — home health and hospice LPNs often earn more than facility-based roles. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.

In-demand skills that boost licensed practical nurse salaries include: Clinical nursing skills including wound care, catheter insertion, and medication administration, Strong observational skills to detect patient deterioration early, Physical stamina for long shifts that involve standing, lifting, and patient transfers, Compassionate bedside manner and patient communication, Accurate documentation and medical record keeping. State and geographic location — California and Alaska LPNs earn median wages 40–50% above the national median Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($75,056).

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $60,184 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.