From Shoshone Falls—the Niagara Falls of the West—to an unreal landscape that seems to be from outer space, Idaho has fantastic things to offer to its residents. Furthermore, Idaho has an excellent healthcare system and outstanding licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs.
As an LPN, you must wonder what the average salary is in Idaho per year and per hour. The national average wage for licensed practical nurses is around 2 percent higher than in the Gem State. However, wages in Idaho vary by metropolitan area.
This resource provides publicly available information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the MIT Living Wage Calculator about average LPN salaries, employment, location quotient, and living wage in Idaho (most recent information as of February 2024). While Nursa currently offers independent contractor LPNs in Idaho the opportunity to access per diem jobs that pay on an hourly basis rather than access to salaried or wage-based employment opportunities, this information may be a helpful frame of reference for you as you assess the market landscape both regarding per diem jobs and employment opportunities.
What’s the Average LPN Salary in the State of Idaho?
The pay of a licensed practical nurse in Idaho varies due to many factors, including location and work setting. However, the average LPN wage in Idaho is $54,710 per year or $26.30 per hour.
The following list shows an overview of the Idaho LPN wage range in percentiles:
- 10th percentile: $41,100
- 25th percentile: $46,880
- 50th percentile: $50,850
- 75th percentile: $61,760
- 90th percentile: $72,530
The percentiles show the number of LPNs that earn less than the indicated amount. Therefore, 10 percent of LPNs in Idaho earn less than $41,100, and 90 percent earn more.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Idaho?
You already know the average compensation for LPNs in the Gem State. However, there is a way to earn higher hourly wages and more flexibility in your life, and you can obtain those benefits by simply searching for per diem or PRN nursing jobs. The following list has direct links to per diem jobs in different cities of Idaho:
These jobs are not only for LPNs. If you have a friend who is a registered nurse (RN) or a certified nursing assistant (CNA), they can also find high-paying per diem shifts in Idaho or other parts of the country. Keep reading to learn more about PRN nursing jobs.
Highest-Paying Cities in Idaho
The Gem State welcomes LPNs and offers them excellent compensation for their work. However, as is the case in other states, some cities pay more than others.
The Lewiston, Boise City, and Coeur d’Alene metropolitan areas have the highest LPN pay in Idaho. Therefore, working in counties or cities in these metropolitan areas may give you better job opportunities with higher compensation.
Cost of Living Considerations in Idaho
Knowing how much you can earn in Idaho may help you choose the best option when considering independent contractor work or applying for salaried or wage-based employment. However, various factors come to mind when making significant financial decisions, which is why being well-informed is crucial. In particular, knowing about the cost of living in Idaho is essential to help you determine whether the average licensed practical nurse salary is enough to live on or if you need to work extra hours.
Idaho has a lower cost of living than other higher-paying states for LPNs. You must earn $21.33 per hour working full-time to cover your basic expenses. If you live with a partner and only you work, you must earn $30.11 per hour. However, if you and your partner work, each must earn $15.05 per hour. The mentioned data doesn’t include the added expenses of having children or other dependents.
LPN Employment by Area in Idaho
In general, your outlook for finding LPN jobs in Idaho is solid. Nevertheless, knowing which areas of Idaho employ more LPNs may help you decide which cities have more job opportunities.
The following chart shows LPN employment and location quotient (LQ) by area:
The location quotient represents the concentration of LPNs in an area compared with the national average. An LQ of one represents the national average. Therefore, an LQ above or below one means that the concentration of LPNs in that area is higher or lower than the national average.
How Can I Become an LPN in Idaho?
Becoming an LPN in the Gem State can take 9 to 12 months. Projections Central estimates that LPN jobs in Idaho will grow by 17.7 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is excellent news if you are considering this profession or are already an LPN.
There are excellent LPN programs and nursing schools in Idaho that can help you achieve your career goals. Nevertheless, you must ensure that the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and/or the Idaho Board of Nursing accredits the LPN program of your interest to avoid future problems.
After completing a practical nursing program, you must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Once you meet these and other state requirements, you can become an LPN. Once you obtain your practical nurse license, you can use this tool for Idaho LPN license verification.
Also, if you are already an LPN and want to continue your studies, Idaho has numerous LPN-to-RN bridge programs that can help you conquer your goal
What Are Per Diem Independent Contractor Jobs?
As mentioned, LPNs in Idaho have excellent projections for the foreseeable future, which is fantastic. However, you can improve your prospects even more with a particular type of LPN job that offers significantly higher hourly rates: per diem independent contractor LPN jobs.
Per diem LPN jobs are fixed-time contracts with hospitals and other healthcare centers. Usually, nurses commit to working a single shift at a facility. If they don’t like the work environment, they simply don’t pick up more shifts at that location. On the other hand, if the facility and the nurse are a good fit, the PRN job may even lead to a full-time position. You also gain flexibility if you work per diem full-time since you choose where and when to work.
Although you must pay self-employment taxes and obtain your health insurance as an independent contractor, the competitive pay makes up for these expenses.
How Can I Find Per Diem LPN Jobs in Idaho?
Having a more precise concept of per diem LPN jobs, you are probably interested in knowing where you can find such opportunities in Idaho. Nursa is an open nurse market that connects you with hospitals and facilities that need your services. You can access Nursa through your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. Download Nursa, complete the requirements, and access your new way of life with PRN nursing jobs.
Sources:
