Last Updated: May 2026
LPN Salary 2026: How Much Do LPNs and LVNs Make?
Quick Answer
LPNs earn $55,000/year ($26.44/hr) based on the latest BLS data nationally — $16,800/year more than CNAs and $23,000–$31,000/year less than RNs. California LPNs top the state rankings at $70,000/year. Home health and correctional facilities pay the most by work setting.
LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) — called LVNs in California and Texas — are essential to clinical care in nursing homes, home health, and outpatient settings. Pay varies by $10,000–$20,000 by state and employer type. Here's the full 2026 breakdown.
LPN Salary by State (2026)
Alaska edges California for the top LPN salary on a nominal basis, though California's LVN pay of $70,000/year reflects the state's higher cost of living and minimum wage floor. The spread between the highest and lowest states is $28,000/year.
LPN / LVN Average Salary by State
| State | Avg Annual Salary | Avg Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $62,000 | $29.81/hr |
| California | $70,000 | $33.65/hr |
| Massachusetts | $66,000 | $31.73/hr |
| Washington | $64,000 | $30.77/hr |
| New York | $60,000 | $28.85/hr |
| Oregon | $58,000 | $27.88/hr |
| National Average | $55,000 | $26.44/hr |
| Texas | $49,000 | $23.56/hr |
| Florida | $47,000 | $22.60/hr |
| Mississippi | $42,000 | $20.19/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025
LPN Salary by Work Setting
Home health agencies and correctional facilities pay LPNs the most. Nursing homes historically employed the largest share of LPNs, but home health has surpassed it in both employment volume and pay at many sites.
LPN Pay by Employer Type (2026)
| Work Setting | Avg Annual Salary | Avg Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health Agency | $58,500 | $28.13/hr |
| Hospital (inpatient) | $57,000 | $27.40/hr |
| Physician / Outpatient Office | $54,000 | $25.96/hr |
| Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) | $53,500 | $25.72/hr |
| Nursing Home / LTC | $52,000 | $25.00/hr |
| Correctional Facility | $60,000 | $28.85/hr |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025
LPN vs. CNA vs. RN: Career Ladder Salary
The LPN credential sits squarely in the middle of the nursing career ladder. It costs 12–18 months and $10,000–$20,000 in tuition, and the salary premium over CNA ($16,800/year) typically recoups that investment within the first year of employment.
Nursing Career Ladder — Salary by Credential
| Credential | Avg Annual Salary | Hourly Rate & Premium |
|---|---|---|
| CNA | $38,200/yr | $18.37/hr |
| LPN/LVN | $55,000/yr | $26.44/hr — +$16,800/yr vs CNA |
| RN (ADN) | $78,000/yr | $37.50/hr — +$23,000/yr vs LPN |
| RN (BSN) | $86,000/yr | $41.35/hr — +$31,000/yr vs LPN |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $126,000/yr | $60.58/hr — +$71,000/yr vs LPN |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 data
LPN to RN Bridge Programs: The ROI Case
LPN-to-RN bridge programs allow LPNs to earn an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) in as little as 12–18 months by crediting prior clinical experience. The salary jump from LPN ($55,000) to RN ($78,000–$86,000) is $23,000–$31,000/year. Most bridge programs cost $8,000–$20,000, making the ROI timeline under 1 year after graduation.
Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for LPN-to-RN programs — particularly in rural and underserved areas where RN recruitment is difficult.
Related Salary Guides
CNA Salary 2026
How LPN compares to the step below
New Grad RN Salary 2026
What RNs make starting out
Nurse Practitioner Salary 2026
Top of the nursing career ladder
RN Salary by Experience
How pay grows over a nursing career
📊 Data Methodology
Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.
Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LPNs make per hour in 2026?
How much does an LPN make a year?
How much more does an RN make than an LPN?
What is the difference between LPN and LVN salary?
What state pays LPNs the most?
Is LPN worth it over CNA?
Download your free nursing contract audit kit — scripts, checklists, and counter-offer language
- ✓ Word-for-word counter-offer emails for each red flag clause
- ✓ Scripts for negotiating with recruiters by phone
- ✓ Legal addendum language to modify bad clauses
- ✓ What to say if they push back or say "it's standard"
Instant access · Free · No credit card