Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) remain in high demand across the nation, with opportunities flourishing in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
So, it’s no surprise that questions about the highest-paid states for LPNs frequently surface among new grads and seasoned LPNs alike. For answers, you are exactly where you need to be.
This article covers the top 10 highest-paying states for LPNs, and the following details:
- The average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual LPN wages in each state
- The lowest and highest LPN income ranges in each state
- How the pay relates to each state’s cost of living
LPN salary at a glance
On average, licensed practical/vocational nurses in the United States make $30.84 per hour or $64,150 per year. However, as any nurse knows, 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 Mississippi, Alabama, and South Dakota.
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.
For more information on the various factors affecting LPN salary, read the LPN salary statey-by-state guide, or keep reading to discover which states pay practical nurses the most.
How does this lineup compare to last year?
There are some clear changes in this year’s lineup: Connecticut and the District of Columbia—regulars in past top ten lists—have dropped out as wage growth stagnated relative to their peers. Instead, Arizona and Nevada join the top ten, reflecting increased demand for LPN talent throughout the West.
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 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.
The 10 highest-paying states for LPNs
Ready to learn which state pays LPNs the most?
We’ve crunched the latest wage numbers from the BLS Occupation Employment Statistics (OES) survey (data gathered throughout 2024 and published in April 2025).
Here’s where an LPN can make the most money this year:
1. Washington: $79,970
This year, Washington beats out California for the number one slot as the highest-paying state for LPNs with an average annual salary of $79,970.
This state also ranks number two on the list of the highest-paying states for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and fourth on the list of the highest-paying states 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: $38.45
- Average weekly rate: $1,538
- Average monthly rate: $6,664.17
- Average annual rate: $79,970
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 ($26.36 per hour for a single adult with no children). Without further ado, here are the LPN wage tiers in Washington:
- 10th percentile: $62,400
- 25th percentile: $73,140
- 50th percentile: $79,700
- 75th percentile: $86,550
- 90th percentile: $96,680
Washington also has several metropolitan areas in the top ten highest-paying cities nationwide for LPNs. Click on the links to discover PRN LPN jobs in these top-paying cities:
2. California: $79,090
California dropped a spot this year for licensed vocational nurses but retains its number one spot as the highest-paying state for registered nurses and holds the number three position for the highest-paying states for CNAs.
Despite the drop on this list, the average annual salary for LVNs increased by almost $3,000 from the year prior, coming in at $79,090.
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: $38.02
- Average weekly rate: $1,520.80
- Average monthly rate: $6,590.83
- Average annual rate: $79,090
To put LVN income into perspective, the living wage in California for a single adult is $28.72 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: $62,390
- 25th percentile: $68,960
- 50th percentile: $77,170
- 75th percentile: $85,700
- 90th percentile: $99,840
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. Furthermore, the highest-paid LVNs make more than many RNs in other states.
Although no longer the top-paying state for LVNs, the Golden State 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:
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
- San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont
- Santa Rosa-Petaluma
- Napa
- Vallejo
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville
In summary, California is undoubtedly a great place to maximize your earning potential as a nurse.
3. Oregon: $78,160
Oregon leapt from the eighth position last year up to third with an average annual LPN salary of $78,160—less than $1,000 per year behind California.
How much do LPNs make in Oregon?
Oregon offers LPNs more than enough to cover their living expenses since Oregon’s living wage is $25.16 per hour. Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual LPN wages in Oregon:
- Average hourly rate: $37.58
- Average weekly rate: $1,503.20
- Average monthly rate: $6,513.33
- Average annual rate: $78,160
Highest- and lowest-paid LPNs in Oregon
The lowest-paid LPNs in Oregon make more annually than their counterparts in Washington, California, and Alaska, making this state an excellent option for newly graduated LPNs. The following are the LPN wage percentiles in Oregon:
- 10th percentile: $62,980
- 25th percentile: $67,750
- 50th percentile: $76,570
- 75th percentile: $82,390
- 90th percentile: $94,880
Oregon cities such as Portland, Hillsboro, and Grants Pass also appear in the nation’s top-paying metropolitan areas.
4. Alaska: $77,850
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 $77,850.
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: $37.43
- Average weekly rate: $1,497.20
- Average monthly rate: $6,487.50
- Average annual rate: $77,850
Considering that the living wage in Alaska is only $24.11 per hour, an LPN’s salary stretches even further in this state than in the others topping this list.
Interestingly, Alaska’s nonmetropolitan area ranks near California, Oregon, and Washington’s highest-paying cities. Check out pay rates on PRN LPN jobs in these Alaska communities:
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: $60,060
- 25th percentile: $68,340
- 50th percentile: $77,670
- 75th percentile: $86,070
- 90th percentile: $96,490
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 several other states, including Texas, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania.
5. Rhode Island: $77,240
Rhode Island stands out as one of the highest-paying states for LPNs, with an average annual LPN wage of $77,240—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 29 cents behind Alaska’s and well above the living wage of $24.36 per hour. Here is the breakdown of LPN wages in Rhode Island:
- Average hourly rate: $37.14
- Average weekly rate: $1,485.60
- Average monthly rate: $6,436.67
- Average annual rate: $77,240
Take a look at LPN shifts available in Little Rhody’s highest-paying cities: Providence and Warwick.
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. Here are the wage tiers for LPNs in Rhode Island.
- 10th percentile: $62,540
- 25th percentile: $70,220
- 50th percentile: $77,940
- 75th percentile: $79,000
- 90th percentile: $90,720
6. Massachusetts: 76,400
Massachusetts ranks sixth among the states with the best salaries for LPNs, with an average annual wage of $76,400.
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 $28.88 per hour.
Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LPNs in Massachusetts:
- Average hourly rate: $36.73
- Average weekly rate: $1,469.20
- Average monthly rate: $6,366.67
- Average annual rate: $76,400
Highest- and lowest-paid LPNs in Massachusetts
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: $62,990
- 25th percentile: $66,960
- 50th percentile: $76,560
- 75th percentile: $81,010
- 90th percentile: $90,230
Check out the PRN LPN job rates in the Bay State’s biggest cities:
7. New Hampshire: $73,850
New Hampshire is one of the best-paying states for CNAs and LPNs, 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 $2,550 lower than in Massachusetts, its living wage is significantly lower as well—$24.78 per hour. Here are the average LPN wages in New Hampshire:
- Average hourly rate: $35.51
- Average weekly rate: $1,420.40
- Average monthly rate: $6,154.17
- Average annual rate: $73,850
LPN income variations in New Hampshire
Besides boasting a lower cost of living than several other states on this list, 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: $54,800
- 25th percentile: $64,270
- 50th percentile: $74,660
- 75th percentile: $79,880
- 90th percentile: $94,130
8. Arizona: $72,840
A new arrival to the list this year is Arizona, coming in at eighth place with an average annual wage of $72,840.
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: $35.02
- Average weekly rate: $1,400.80
- Average monthly rate: $6,070
- Average annual rate: $72,840
Typical salary range for LPNs in Arizona
The living wage in the Grand Canyon State is $24.42—lower than the hourly wage of even the lowest paid LPNs. Here’s the breakdown of wage percentiles for LPNs in Arizona:
- 10th percentile: $58,330
- 25th percentile: $63,640
- 50th percentile: $74,020
- 75th percentile: $79,650
- 90th percentile: $82,580
Check out PRN job pay rates in Arizona’s highest-paying cities: Flagstaff, Prescott, Phoenix, and Mesa.
9. Maine: $72,600
Maine dropped from seventh to ninth place this year, close behind Arizona, with an average annual LPN salary of $72,600.
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 ($23.22 per hour) on this list.
The following are the average LPN wages in Maine:
- Average hourly rate: $34.90
- Average weekly rate: $1,396
- Average monthly rate: $6,050
- Average annual rate: $72,600
How much do the highest-paid LPNs in Maine earn?
The lowest-paid LPNs should comfortably cover their personal living expenses in this state. Here are the LPN wage tiers in Maine:
- 10th percentile: $50,840
- 25th percentile: $61,780
- 50th percentile: $70,870
- 75th percentile: $75,940
- 90th percentile: $99,860
Look for open LPN shifts in Maine.
10. Nevada: $71,460
Another new addition to the list this year is Nevada, closing out the top ten list with an annual average LPN wage of $71,460.
How much do LPNs make in Nevada?
Here are the average hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual wages for LPNs in Nevada:
- Average hourly rate: $34.36
- Average weekly rate: $1,374.40
- Average monthly rate: $5,955
- Average annual rate: $71,460
If you’re looking to maximize your hourly gains, take a look at PRN LPN jobs in Nevada’s highest-paying cities: Carson City, Reno, Las Vegas, and Henderson.
LPN income variations in Nevada
With a living wage of $23.85, 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: $59,190
- 25th percentile: $63,860
- 50th percentile: $73,820
- 75th percentile: $76,440
- 90th percentile: $85,120
Although lower than the salaries of its western neighbors on this list, Nevada’s average LPN wages are higher than those of its eastern neighbors Utah and Idaho.
Where licensed practical nurses earn the most
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 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 doing so, you can experience living and working in new places 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:
- LPN specializations such as pharmacology, IV therapy, geriatrics, hospice, and more may fetch higher rates.
- Bridge programs help LPNs fast-track to becoming RNs—who generally earn more (the current mean hourly wage is $47.32).
- 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
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—and changing states is not 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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