The 10 Best-Paying States for LPN Salaries in 2024

Are you a licensed practical nurse (LPN) looking for the states that can offer you the highest pay? You are exactly where you need to be: This article covers the top 10 highest-paying states for LPNs, including the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual LPN wages in each state, the lowest and highest LPN income ranges in each state, and how this pay relates to each state’s cost of living.

The data on average LPN wages in this article comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Weekly estimates are based on 40-hour work weeks, and annual estimates are based on 2,080 work hours. Estimates do not include self-employed workers, who typically earn higher hourly wages.

How Much Do LPNs Make in the US?

On average, licensed practical/vocational nurses in the United States make $29.23 per hour or $60,790 per year. However, this pay varies substantially based on numerous factors, one of the primary factors being location. For example, in the highest-paid states for LPNs, practical nurses can make nearly $30,000 more than in some of the lowest-paid states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Furthermore, pay also varies significantly based on work setting. For instance, LPNs working in employment services or for insurance carriers can earn approximately $20,000 more per year than LPNs working in physicians’ offices.

For more information on the various factors affecting LPN salary, read the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary Ultimate Guide, or keep reading to discover what state pays practical nurses the most.

Top 10 Highest-Paying States for LPNs

Ready to learn which state pays LPNs the most? Here are the top 10 highest-paying states for licensed practical nurses in the United States:

California: $76,580
Rhode Island: $75,470
Washington: $75,410
Alaska: $74,260
Massachusetts: $73,400
New Hampshire: $71,770
Maine: $71,430
Oregon: $71,180
Connecticut: $68,150
Washington D.C.: $68,120

1. California: $76,580

No surprise here: California is also the highest-paying state for registered nurses (RNs) and among the highest-paying states for certified nursing assistants (CNAs). California tops the list of the highest-paying states for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), with an average annual salary of $76,580.

How Much Does an LVN Make in California?

Now that you know which state pays LVNs the most, you must still be eager to learn the specifics. Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LVNs in California:

Average hourly rate: $36.82
Average weekly rate: $1,472.80
Average monthly rate: $6,381.17
Average annual rate: $76,580

To put LVN income in perspective, the living wage in California for a single adult is $27.32 per hour. This is the amount a person must make in California per hour working full-time to cover living expenses. Therefore, single nurses—or those sharing living expenses—can comfortably live off an LVN salary in California.

Highest- and Lowest-Paid LVNs in California

Although incredibly useful, the average LVN salary doesn’t tell the whole story: How much do entry-level LVNs make in California? How much do the highest-earning LVNs make?

To provide a broader reference, here are the different wage tiers for LVNs in California:

10th percentile: $61,500
25th percentile: $65,140
50th percentile: $75,610
75th percentile: $82,150
90th percentile: $96,790

This wide range of LVN salaries offers some important insights. First, even the lowest-paid LVNs in California make enough to cover basic living expenses in that state. Furthermore, the highest-paid LVNs make more than many RNs in other states.

Not only is California, as a whole, the highest-paid state for LVNs, but the Golden State also has the top six metropolitan areas in the country with the highest pay. Click on the links to find PRN LVN jobs in these top-paying cities:

In summary, California is undoubtedly a great place to maximize your earning potential as a nurse.

2. Rhode Island: $75,470

Rhode Island stands out as one of the highest-paying states for LPNs, with an average annual LPN wage of $75,470—although it is not among the top 10 highest-paying states for CNAs or RNs.

How Much Do LPNs Make in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s average LPN hourly wage is merely 54 cents behind California’s. Furthermore, it has one of the lowest living wages ($24.24 per hour) on this list. In fact, one LPN salary is enough to cover the living expenses of two adults in this state. Here is the breakdown of LPN wages in Rhode Island:

Average hourly rate: $36.28
Average weekly rate: $1,451.20
Average monthly rate: $6,289.17
Average annual rate: $75,470

Typical Salary Range for LPNs in Rhode Island

As can be expected, even the lowest-earning 10 percent of LPNs in Rhode Island can comfortably cover their living expenses. Furthermore, the highest-paid LPNs in Rhode Island make significantly more than their counterparts in California, making this a great state to work in as a practical nurse. Here are the wage tiers for LPNs in Rhode Island.

10th percentile: $61,190
25th percentile: $64,400
50th percentile: $76,840
75th percentile: $78,410
90th percentile: $102,540

3. Washington: $75,410

Washington is also among the top 10 highest-paying states for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs. It is the fourth-best state for RNs and the fifth-best for CNAs, but it is the third-best state for LPNs, with an average salary of $75,410 per year.

How Much Does an LPN Make per Hour in Washington?

LPNs in Washington make only 2 cents less per hour than LPNs in Rhode Island. Here is the complete breakdown of the average LPN wages in Washington:

Average hourly rate: $36.26
Average weekly rate: $1,450.40
Average monthly rate: $6,284.17
Average annual rate: $75,410

As with the previous two states, LPNs in Washington are sure to cover their basic living expenses since the living wage in this state is $25.60 per hour.

How Much Do the Highest-Paid LPNs in Washington Make?

As can be expected, even the lowest-earning LPNs make more than the living wage in this state. Without further ado, here are the LPN wage tiers in Washington:

10th percentile: $59,190
25th percentile: $66,110
50th percentile: $76,190
75th percentile: $81,640
90th percentile: $92,540

After the top-paying cities in California, Washington has the next highest-paying cities for LPNs. Click on the links to discover PRN LPN jobs in these top-paying cities:

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
Mount Vernon-Anacortes

4. Alaska: $74,260

Alaska is another state among the top 10 highest-paying states for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs. Regarding LPN pay, Alaska comes in at number four with an average annual salary of $74,260.

How Much Do LPNs Make in Alaska?

Are you wondering how LPN salary in Alaska compares to other job opportunities? Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LPNs in the northernmost state:

Average hourly rate: $35.70
Average weekly rate: $1,428.00
Average monthly rate: $6,188.33
Average annual rate: $74,260

Considering that the living wage in Alaska is only $23.26 per hour, an LPN salary stretches even further in this state than it does in California.

LPN Pay Range in Alaska

Now, let’s take a look at the lowest and highest LPN wages in Alaska and everything in between:

10th percentile: $57,740
25th percentile: $65,700
50th percentile: $75,610
75th percentile: $80,010
90th percentile: $93,540

Once again, even the lowest LPN salary in Alaska is higher than the living wage. Additionally, the highest-paid LPNs make higher salaries than RNs in states such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

5. Massachusetts: $73,400

Massachusetts ranks fifth among the states with the best salaries for LPNs, with an average annual wage of $73,400.

How Much Do LPNs Make in Massachusetts?

LPNs in Massachusetts make slightly less than LPNs in Alaska; plus, the living wage in Massachusetts ($27.89 per hour) is even higher than in the previous states—both of which explain why this state is further down on the list. That said, LPNs in Massachusetts still make an excellent income—and more than enough to cover living expenses in this state. Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LPNs in Massachusetts:

Average hourly rate: $35.29
Average weekly rate: $1,411.60
Average monthly rate: $6,116.67
Average annual rate: $73,400

Highest- and Lowest-Paid LPNs in Massachusetts

Once again, although the average LPN salary is lower in Massachusetts than in the previous states, this state has a significant ace up its sleeve: The lowest-paid 10 percent of LPNs make more in Massachusetts than in any of the previous states. Therefore, this is an excellent state for entry-level LPNs to maximize their income. The following are the LPN wage percentiles in Massachusetts:

10th percentile: $62,230
25th percentile: $65,070
50th percentile: $73,380
75th percentile: $77,320
90th percentile: $82,850

6. New Hampshire: $71,770

New Hampshire is one of the best-paying states for CNAs and LPNs. Therefore, this state is an excellent option for those interested in working as CNAs while completing their LPN programs.

How Much Do LPNs Make in New Hampshire?

The living wage in New Hamshire ($23.58 per hour) is one of the lowest on this list. In fact, LPNs in New Hampshire can spend nearly $9,000 less annually on living expenses than LPNs in Massachusetts. Here are the average LPN wages in New Hampshire:

Average hourly rate: $34.51
Average weekly rate: $1,380.40
Average monthly rate: $5,980.83
Average annual rate: $71,770

LPN Income Variations in New Hampshire

Besides boasting a lower cost of living than most of the previous states, the highest-earning LPNs in New Hampshire make more annually than their counterparts in Massachusetts. The following are the wage percentiles for LPNs in New Hampshire:

10th percentile: $54,350
25th percentile: $62,520
50th percentile: $70,620
75th percentile: $77,270
90th percentile: $90,260

7. Maine: $71,430

Maine comes in close behind New Hampshire with an average annual LPN salary of $71,430.

How Much Do LPNs Make in Maine?

An important aspect to consider regarding working in Maine as an LPN is that it offers the lowest living wage ($22.04 per hour) on this list. In fact, one LPN salary can support two adults in this state. The following are the average LPN wages in Maine:

Average hourly rate: $34.34
Average weekly rate: $1,373.60
Average monthly rate: $5,952.50
Average annual rate: $71,430

How Much Do the Highest-Paid LPNs in Maine Earn?

Now, the lowest-paid LPNs might be unable to support another adult single-handedly, but they can still comfortably cover their personal living expenses in this state. Furthermore, the highest-paid LPNs in Maine make a whopping $124,330 annually—more than the highest-paid LPNs in any other state on this list. Here are the LPN wage tiers in Maine:

10th percentile: $51,240
25th percentile: $59,010
50th percentile: $63,950
75th percentile: $73,770
90th percentile: $124,330

8. Oregon: $71,180

Oregon is just $250 per year behind Maine, with an average annual LPN salary of $71,180.

How Much Do LPNs Make in Oregon?

Cents behind Maine’s hourly wage but dollars above its living wage, Oregon is the eighth-best state for LPNs. Oregon still offers LPNs more than enough to cover their living expenses since Oregon’s living wage is $24.30 per hour. Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual LPN wages in Oregon:

Average hourly rate: $34.22
Average weekly rate: $1,368.80
Average monthly rate: $5,931.67
Average annual rate: $71,180

Highest- and Lowest-Paid LPNs in Oregon

Although further down on the list of the highest-paying states, the lowest-paid LPNs in Oregon make more annually than their counterparts in Maine, New Hampshire, Alaska, and Washington, making this state an excellent option for newly graduated LPNs. The following are the LPN wage percentiles in Oregon:

10th percentile: $59,210
25th percentile: $63,300
50th percentile: $71,040
75th percentile: $77,280
90th percentile: $84,300

9. Connecticut: $68,150

Connecticut fell off the list of the best-paying states for CNAs, but it is still one of the best-paying states for LPNs and RNs.

How Much Do LPNs Make in Connecticut?

Although, on average, LPNs in Connecticut make less than in the previous states, it is one of the best states for LPNs to make high incomes—especially considering its relatively low living wage ($24.13 per hour). Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LPNs in Connecticut:

Average hourly rate: $32.76
Average weekly rate: $1,310.40
Average monthly rate: $5,679.17
Average annual rate: $68,150

Typical LPN Pay Range in Connecticut

Connecticut is another state that pays even entry-level LPNs enough to live comfortably. Here are the wage percentiles for LPNs in Connecticut:

10th percentile: $57,230
25th percentile: $63,140
50th percentile: $65,670
75th percentile: $72,230
90th percentile: $78,930

10. Washington, D.C.: $68,120

Although not technically a state, Washington, D.C., offers LPNs one of the highest annual salaries in the nation at $68,120.

How Much Do LPNs Make in Washington, D.C.?

Although Washington, D.C., has a higher cost of living ($24.76 per hour for a living wage) than many of the previous states, it is still significantly lower than those in higher-paying states, such as California and Massachusetts.

LPNs in this state earn more than enough to cover their living expenses. Here are the average LPN wages in the country’s capital:

Average hourly rate: $32.75
Average weekly rate: $1,310.00
Average monthly rate: $5,676.67
Average annual rate: $68,120

How Much Do the Highest-Paid LPNs in Washington, D.C., Earn?

Interestingly, although D.C. is last on the list of the highest-paying states for LPNs, it pays the lowest-earning LPNs more than Maine and New Hampshire. In other words, Washington, D.C., is an excellent option for newly graduated LPNs to find high-paying nursing jobs. Here are the wage percentiles for LPNs in D.C.:

10th percentile: $55,320
25th percentile: $60,990
50th percentile: $67,700
75th percentile: $76,610
90th percentile: $81,020

Are you ready to pack your bags and move to one of these states where you can make the most money as an LPN? If you have a multistate license from one of the Nursing Licensure Compact states, you can pick up jobs in any other compact state without applying for a new license. In fact, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could travel throughout these states, picking up available PRN LPN shifts along the way. In so doing, you can experience living and working in a new place before you commit to a long-term move.

Do LPNs Make Good Money?

Whether or not LPNs make good money depends on numerous factors, including the state and industry they work in. If LPNs want to make more money, they have nearly limitless opportunities for career and income growth: They can continue their studies to become RNs, increasing their mean hourly wage to $45.42; they can pursue master’s or doctoral degrees to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and choose one of the highest-paying nurse specialties.

That said, pursuing higher education is not the only way to make more money as an LPN—and changing states is not necessary either. Perhaps the easiest way to increase your income as a nurse is by picking up PRN jobs.

With Nursa, PRN nurses can increase their hourly pay and work as much as they want to meet their financial goals. Explore PRN LPN jobs near you with Nursa and begin earning what you deserve.

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