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Licensed practical nurses or LPNs assist medical doctors and registered nurses caring for sick or injured patients in hospitals or overseeing the long-term care or rehabilitation of those in nursing care facilities or outpatient clinics. Their responsibilities often vary by the type of institution at which they're employed. Most LPNs are generalists, but they may be trained especially for service in nursing homes or in home health care.

As a result, the licensed practical nurse salary can also vary based on the nurse's level of education, experience, employer, or regional cost of living.

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary around the Nation

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that licensed practical nurses had a median annual salary of $39,820 ($19.14 per hour) in 2009, with the top ten percent earning more than $55,090 and the bottom 10 percent less than $28,890.

The top paying states for licensed practical nurses in 2009 were:

• Connecticut: $25.15 hr/$52,300 per year
• New Jersey: $24.21 hr/$50,350 per year
• Rhode Island: $24.04 hr/$50,010 per year
• California: $24.01 hr/$49,940 per year
• New Mexico: $23.92 hr/$49,760 per year

The BLS reported that four of the five-highest LPN salaries in metropolitan areas were in California, with the other in New Mexico:

• Salinas, CA: $28.69 hr/$59,670 per year
• San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $27.48 hr/$57,150 per year
• Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA: $27.47 hr/$57,140 per year
• San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA: $27.37 hr/$56,920 per year
• Albuquerque, NM: $26.96 hr/$56,080 per year

The National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN, is typically required by most states, and ongoing training or degree work may substantially affect a licensed practical nurse salary.