How Much Does LVN Earn and Which Are the Best Paying States and Cities?
One of the most sought-after careers in nursing is vocational nursing or practical nursing. The need for vocational nurses is continuously growing in the United States. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that 66,000 new jobs will be available in this field every year by 2029. Becoming a licensed vocational nurse requires minimal education while providing valuable experience in a rewarding field. Let’s look at what a licensed vocational nurse is, what they do and earn, and the best-paying states and cities for LVN’s.
What is a Licensed Vocational Nurse?
A career in nursing provides numerous entry-level job opportunities to choose from, the most in-demand position being vocational nursing. But, what exactly is a licensed vocational nurse?
Simply put, a licensed vocational nurse is a healthcare professional that offers basic nursing care. LVNs job responsibilities can vary based on the environment that they work. But, generally, they have to monitor a patient’s health, provide fundamental nursing care, assistance, and other comfort measures to their patient.
This profession requires minimum education. Licensed vocational nurses generally attend school for only one or two years. After finishing their studies and getting their license, they can provide primary nursing care in many different healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, home health care agencies, correctional facilities, and long-term care facilities.
Interested in pursuing an LVN degree in California?
Fill out the form and get all the detailed information you need regarding your chosen program.
What is the difference between LVN and LPN?
Licensed vocational nursing and licensed practical nursing are the same professions. LVNs and LPNs have the same qualifications, and they both work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. The only difference is the terminology, as the term ‘licensed vocational nurse’ is used in California and Texas. In contrast, ‘licensed practical nurse’ is used throughout the rest of the United States.
How much does an LPN make?
A licensed practical nurse or a licensed vocational nurse’s average wage in the United States is $49,864 per year. Still, there may be various opportunities for advancement and a higher salary based on location, experience, and skill level.
How much does an LPN make an hour?
The average hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse in the United States is $23.97. However, the hourly wage can range from $11,54 to $32,69 based on the LPN’s skill level, location, and years of experience.
LVN salaries based on years of experience
According to Payscale, a licensed vocational nurse’s hourly wage ranges from as low as $21.23 to as high as $25 based on their years of experience.
For example, an entry-level licensed vocational nurse with less than one year of experience earns an average of $21.23 per hour, while an LPN with one to four years of experience earns $22.54 per hour.
In contrast, LVNs with 10 to 19 years of experience earn an average of $24.56 per hour, while those with over 20 years of experience earn up to $31 per hour.
Best paying states for LVN and LPN
Licensed vocational nurses and practical nurses made a median salary of $47,480 in 2019, with the highest-paid 25 percent earning $56,040 and the lowest-paid 35 percent making $40,810 a year. But the average licensed vocational nurse salary varies significantly from state to state and city to city.
Alaska is the best state to be an LPN as the annual average salary there accounts for $63,850. They are followed by Massachusetts, where LPNs are paid $60,340 per year. California comes in third place, as LVNs here make an average of $60,240. With just $380 less than California, Rhode Island comes fourth, with LVNs making $59,860. With an annual LPN salary of $58,470, Nevada ranks as the fifth-best state for LVNs.
Best paying regions in California for LVN
The median hourly wage in California for a licensed vocational or practical nurse is $29.08, while the median annual pay is $60,480. The best-paying regions for licensed vocational nurses and licensed practical nurses in California are:
Orange County: A licensed vocational nurse in the region of Orange County earns a median hourly wage of $28.60 and a median annual wage of $59,498.
Inland Empire Area: A licensed vocational nurse in the region of Inland Empire Area earns a median hourly wage of $27,62 and a median annual wage of $57,457.
Los Angeles County: A licensed vocational nurse in the region of Los Angele County earns a median hourly wage of $28,27 and a median annual wage of $58,813.
San Diego County: A licensed vocational nurse in the region of San Diego County earns a median hourly wage of $30,36 and a median annual wage of $63,156.
San Francisco Bay Area: A licensed vocational nurse in the San Francisco Bay Area region earns a median hourly wage of $34,79 and a median annual wage of $72,360.
Best paying cities for LVN and LPN
Comparing cities across the US, west-coast cities come as the best places to work as an LVN. The best-paying cities in the United States for licensed vocational nurses and licensed practical nurses are:
San Francisco, California: A licensed vocational nurse and practical nurse in San Francisco, California, earns a median annual wage of $69,490.
San Jose, California: A licensed vocational nurse and practical nurse in San Jose, California, makes a median yearly salary of $68,160.
Vallejo, California: A licensed vocational nurse and practical nurse in Vallejo, California, earns a median annual wage of $67,990.
Anchorage, Alaska: A licensed vocational nurse and practical nurse in Anchorage, Alaska, earns a median annual salary of $65,420.
Santa Rosa, California: A licensed vocational nurse and practical nurse in Santa Rosa, California, earns a median annual wage of $65,260.
LVN salaries vs. other nursing jobs
In 2019, a licensed vocational nurse earned a median salary of $48,500 that is in the country's mid-range.
Here is a comparison of how much nurses made in 2019:
A nurse practitioner earned an average salary of $111,840;
A registered nurse earned an average salary of $77,460;
A licensed vocational nurse earned an average salary of $48,500;
A medical assistant earned an average salary of $35,720 in 2019;
A nursing aide earned an average salary of $30,720 in 2019.
The Bottom Line
Vocational nursing offers the education and training needed to perform the duties and responsibilities required by a practical or vocational nurse. This profession is often chosen by those who want to start working as soon as possible since it requires minimal school time. As we mentioned previously, the salary depends on the state or city you work in and your skill level and experience. But, there is an opportunity for increasing your wage by gaining more experience, knowledge, and skills. You can also devote time to your additional education, which generally equals more income.