Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) remain in high demand nationwide, with opportunities flourishing in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
This article covers the top 10 highest-paying states for LPNs in 2026, as well as:
- The average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual LPN salary by state
- LPN wage ranges
- The top states for LPN salaries adjusted for cost of living
- How the pay relates to each state’s cost of living
Disclaimer: The data on average LPN wages in this article comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Weekly estimates are based on 40-hour workweeks, and annual estimates are based on 2,080 work hours. Annual salaries are rounded by the BLS and may slightly deviate from exact hourly-to-annual calculations. Estimates do not include self-employed workers, who typically earn higher hourly wages.
So, what are the best states for LPN pay?
The 10 highest-paying states for LPNs
We’ve crunched the latest wage numbers from the BLS Occupation Employment Statistics (OES) survey. Here’s where an LPN can make the most money this year:
LPN salary at a glance
On average, licensed practical/vocational nurses in the United States make $32.24 per hour or $67,050 per year. However, as you already know as a nurse, wages can fluctuate significantly by state.
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, South Dakota, 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 $9,000 more per year than LPNs working in continuing care retirement communities and assisted living facilities.
How does this lineup compare to last year?
There are some clear changes in this year’s lineup:
New Jersey made it into the top 10 highest-paying states, while Maine is out of the list, having dropped out as wage growth stagnated relative to its peers. Additionally, Rhode Island moved up to number 4, while Alaska moved up to number 5 on the list.
The highest-paying state last year was only $79,970, while this year it has risen to $83,900.
Let’s begin with our LPN pay comparison by state.
1. Washington: $83,900
This year, Washington beats California for the number 1 spot as the highest-paying state for LPNs, with an average annual salary of $83,900.
This state also ranks first among the highest-paying states for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and fourth for registered nurses (RNs).
How much does an LPN make an hour in Washington?
Now that you know which state pays LPNs the most, you must still be eager to learn the specifics. Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LPNs in Washington:
- Average hourly rate: $40.34
- Average weekly rate: $1,613.60
- Average monthly rate: $6,991.67
- Average annual rate: $83,900
Highest- and lowest-paid LPNs in Washington
As can be expected, even the lowest-earning LPNs make more than the living wage in this state ($26.59 per hour for a single adult with no children).
Without further ado, here are the LPN wage tiers in Washington:
- 10th percentile: $64,230
- 25th percentile: $76,920
- 50th percentile: $83,150
- 75th percentile: $93,970
- 90th percentile: $100,950
Which city in Washington pays LPNs the most?
Washington has several metropolitan areas with high-paying jobs. Here are the top-paying areas in this state:
- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue: $87,360
- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro: $84,440
- Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater: $83,430
- Mount Vernon-Anacortes: $83,360
- Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard: $82,970
2. California: $82,340
The average annual salary for LVNs increased by almost $3,000 from the year prior to $82,340.
Notably, California retains its number 1 spot as the highest-paying state for registered nurses and ranks third among the highest-paying states for CNAs.
How much does an LVN make in California?
Ready to learn the specifics? Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LVNs in California:
- Average hourly rate: $39.59
- Average weekly rate: $1,583.60
- Average monthly rate: $6,862.13
- Average annual rate: $82,340
To put LVN income into perspective, the living wage in California for a single adult is $30.48 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 reasonably live off an LVN salary in California.
How much do the highest-paid LVNs in California make?
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: $64,390
- 25th percentile: $74,840
- 50th percentile: $79,750
- 75th percentile: $93,720
- 90th percentile: $100,450
This wide range of LVN salaries offers some important insights. First, the lowest-paid LVNs in California make enough to cover basic living expenses in that state. Second, the highest-paid LVNs in the state make more than RNs in several other lower-paying states.
Which city in California pays LPNs the most?
Although no longer the top-paying state for LVNs, the Golden State has the top 5 metropolitan areas in the entire country for LVN pay. These are the top-paying cities:
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara: $94,420
- San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont: $93,470
- Santa Rosa-Petaluma: $90,480
- Napa: $89,950
- Vallejo: $87,980
In summary, California is undoubtedly a great place to maximize your earning potential as a nurse.
3. Oregon: $81,420
Oregon stayed in third position from last year with an average annual LPN salary of $81,420—less than $1,000 per year behind California.
How much do LPNs make in Oregon?
Generally, Oregon offers LPNs more than enough to cover their living expenses since Oregon’s living wage is $26.46 per hour.
Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual LPN wages in Oregon:
- Average hourly rate: $39.15
- Average weekly rate: $1,566
- Average monthly rate: $6,785.87
- Average annual rate: $81,420
Highest- and lowest-paid LPNs in Oregon
This state is an excellent option for newly graduated LPNs. The following are the LPN wage percentiles in Oregon:
- 10th percentile: $64,000
- 25th percentile: $73,040
- 50th percentile: $80,470
- 75th percentile: $90,690
- 90th percentile: $98,990
Which cities in Oregon pay LPNs the most?
Oregon cities that also appear in the nation’s top-paying metropolitan areas include:
- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro: $84,440
- Grants Pass: $83,820
- Bend: $81,410
- Medford: $78,820
- Salem: $78,480
4. Rhode Island: $80,120
Rhode Island stands out as the fourth highest-paying state for LPNs, with an average annual LPN wage of $80,120—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 well above the living wage of $25.01 per hour. Here is the breakdown of LPN wages in Rhode Island:
- Average hourly rate: $38.52
- Average weekly rate: $1,540.80
- Average monthly rate: $6,676.67
- Average annual rate: $80,120
Typical salary range for LPNs in Rhode Island
Even the lowest-earning 10 percent of LPNs in Rhode Island can comfortably cover their living expenses. Here are the wage tiers for LPNs in Rhode Island.
- 10th percentile: $65,650
- 25th percentile: $77,890
- 50th percentile: $80,090
- 75th percentile: $81,170
- 90th percentile: $94,540
Which city in Rhode Island pays LPNs the most?
LPNs may find high salaries in Rhode Island cities such as Warwick and Providence, with an average annual salary of $76,870.
5. Alaska: $80,000
Another state among the top 10 highest-paying states for CNAs and RNs as well, Alaska ranks fifth for LPNs, with an average annual salary of $80,000.
How much do LPNs make in Alaska?
Are you wondering how the average 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: $38.46
- Average weekly rate: $1,538.40
- Average monthly rate: $6,666.27
- Average annual rate: $80,000
Considering that the living wage in Alaska is $24.98 per hour, an LPN’s salary stretches even further in this state than in the others, topping this list.
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: $62,400
- 25th percentile: $70,490
- 50th percentile: $80,800
- 75th percentile: $87,380
- 90th percentile: $96,700
Once again, even the lowest LPN salary in Alaska is higher than the living wage.
Which cities in Alaska pay LPNs the most?
Anchorage offers the highest annual LPN salary average at $81,070.
Interestingly, Alaska’s nonmetropolitan areas (cities like Bethel, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan) follow right behind at $81,010.
6. Massachusetts: $79,270
Massachusetts ranks sixth among the states with the best LPN pay, with an average annual wage of $79,270.
How much do LPNs make in Massachusetts?
LPNs in Massachusetts make slightly less than LPNs in Rhode Island but still more than the living wage in their state, which is even higher than in the previous states at $30.58 per hour.
Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LPNs in Massachusetts:
- Average hourly rate: $38.11
- Average weekly rate: $1,524.40
- Average monthly rate: $6,605.61
- Average annual rate: $79,270
Highest- and lowest-paid LPNs in Massachusetts
This is an excellent state for entry-level LPNs to maximize their income. The following are the LPN wage percentiles in Massachusetts:
- 10th percentile: $61,690
- 25th percentile: $72,610
- 50th percentile: $80,220
- 75th percentile: $84,570
- 90th percentile: $93,980
Which cities in Massachusetts pay LPNs the most?
Check out the PRN LPN job rates in the Bay State’s biggest cities:
7. New Hampshire: $76,570
New Hampshire is one of the best-paying states for LPNs and CNAs, making this state an excellent option for those interested in working as CNAs while completing their LPN programs.
How much do LPNs make in New Hampshire?
Although the average annual LPN wage in New Hampshire is $3,150 lower than in Massachusetts, its living wage is significantly lower (almost $5) as well, at $25.77 per hour.
Here are the average LPN wages in New Hampshire:
- Average hourly rate: $36.81
- Average weekly rate: $1,472.40
- Average monthly rate: $6,380.28
- Average annual rate: $76,570
LPN income variations in New Hampshire
The following are the wage percentiles for LPNs in New Hampshire:
- 10th percentile: $59,860
- 25th percentile: $67,650
- 50th percentile: $77,110
- 75th percentile: $82,760
- 90th percentile: $93,660
Which cities in New Hampshire pay LPNs the most?
What are some of the highest-paying areas in New Hampshire for LPNs?
- Boston-Cambridge-Newton: $80,770 (includes cities Portsmouth and Rochester
- Manchester-Nashua: $74,730
8. Arizona: $76,120
Arizona comes in at eighth place with an average annual wage of $76,120.
Perhaps that’s not so surprising considering it’s chock-full of cities known as retirement destinations, translating into a healthy demand for nurses.
How much do LPNs in Arizona make?
Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LPNs in Arizona:
- Average hourly rate: $36.60
- Average weekly rate: $1,464
- Average monthly rate: $6,343.88
- Average annual rate: $76,120
Typical salary range for LPNs in Arizona
The living wage in the Grand Canyon State is $24.47—lower than the hourly wage of even the lowest-paid LPNs. Here’s the breakdown of wage percentiles for LPNs in Arizona:
- 10th percentile: $61,050
- 25th percentile: $66,770
- 50th percentile: $77,070
- 75th percentile: $81,860
- 90th percentile: $89,850
Which city in Arizona pays LPNs the most?
Check out PRN job pay rates in Arizona’s highest-paying areas and cities:
9. New Jersey: $74,600
New Jersey rose to number nine this year, replacing Maine, which got bumped off the list of highest-paying states.
How much do LPNs make in New Jersey?
An important aspect to consider when working in New Jersey as an LPN is that the state offers a living wage of $27.35 per hour.
The following are the average LPN wages in New Jersey:
- Average hourly rate: $35.86
- Average weekly rate: $1,434.40
- Average monthly rate: $6,215.61
- Average annual rate: $74,600
How much do the highest-paid LPNs in New Jersey earn?
The lowest-paid LPNs should comfortably cover their personal living expenses in this state. Here are the LPN wage tiers in New Jersey:
- 10th percentile: $63,210
- 25th percentile: $66,890
- 50th percentile: $75,160
- 75th percentile: $79,980
- 90th percentile: $85,400
Which city in New Jersey pays LPNs the most?
Check out PRN job pay rates in New Jersey’s highest-paying areas:
- Trenton-Princeton: $75,220
- New York-Newark-Jersey City: $75,020
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington: $70,900
- Atlantic City-Hammonton: $70,220
- Vineland: $68,930
10. Nevada: $74,470
This year, Nevada keeps its place as the tenth highest-paying state for LPNs, closing out the top 10 list with an annual average LPN wage of $74,470.
How much do LPNs make in Nevada?
Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LPNs in Nevada:
- Average hourly rate: $35.81
- Average weekly rate: $1,432.40
- Average monthly rate: $6,206.95
- Average annual rate: $74,470
LPN income variations in Nevada
With a living wage of $24.16, Nevada is another state that pays even entry-level LPNs enough to live comfortably. Here are the LPN wage tiers in the Silver State:
- 10th percentile: $61,750
- 25th percentile: $65,930
- 50th percentile: $76,160
- 75th percentile: $79,570
- 90th percentile: $89,420
Which city in Nevada pays LPNs the most?
If you’re looking to maximize your hourly gains, these are Nevada’s highest-paying cities:
- Carson City: $78,670
- Reno: $76,700
- Henderson and Las Vegas: $73,850
Highest practical nurse salary adjusted for cost of living
This table shows the highest-paying salaries when adjusted for the cost of living (COL):
How to calculate the adjusted “real” salary
Take the raw average salary data from the BLS and factor in the local cost of living by using Regional Price Parities (RPPs) from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). RPP values in the table are the latest available from the BEA and cover all consumption goods and services, including housing rents by state.
By dividing the state’s salary by the RPP index and multiplying it by 100, the purchasing power of a paycheck for LPNs is revealed.
This comparison shows how much the money is worth when compared to a baseline national average.
Compact nursing states with the highest pay for LPNs
Are you ready to pack your bags and move to the state that pays practical nurses the most?
If you have a multistate license from a nursing licensure compact state, 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 doing so, you can experience living and working in new places before you commit to a long-term move.
However, out of all the compact states, where do LPNs earn the most?
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:
- LPN specializations such as pharmacology, IV therapy, geriatrics, hospice, and more may fetch higher rates.
- Bridge programs that help LPNs fast-track to becoming RNs—who generally earn more (the current national average hourly wage is $48.76).
- Pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree and becoming an advanced practice registered nurse can open the doors to the highest-paying APRN nurse specialties.
How to boost your LPN earnings
Now you know which are the states with the highest LPN salaries. Did your state not make the cut?
LPN salary varies greatly state-by-state. Although pursuing higher education is a great way to increase your income, it’s not the only way to make more money as an LPN—changing states isn’t necessary either.
Perhaps the easiest way to increase your income as a nurse is by picking up PRN shifts. Discover flexible opportunities that often pay premium wages for your skills—especially in high-paying states.
Looking to snag top-dollar shifts in one of these states?
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 in your area with Nursa and begin earning what you deserve.
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