In this article, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will find information about average wages in Nevada to better understand their earning potential in this state.
This resource provides publicly available information about average LPN salaries in Nevada. While Nursa currently offers independent contractor LPNs in Nevada 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 in regard to per diem jobs and employment opportunities.
What’s the Difference between an LPN and an RN?
To begin with, let’s establish the difference between an LPN and an RN. Above all, it is essential to note that both are nurses and have many similar functions. However, while registered nurses (RNs) apply their knowledge to managing and supervising patient treatment plans, LPNs generally follow these plans, i.e., their work tends to be more practical than theoretical. Overall, the big difference is the length of study, and the academic level reached: An RN has completed a four-year bachelor’s or a two-year associate degree in nursing, whereas an LPN has usually completed a one-year practical nursing program.
What’s the Average LPN Pay in the State of Nevada?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage for LPNs in Nevada is $63,910 annually or $30.73 hourly. This income is higher than the national average for LPNs, which is $55,860 annually or $26.86 per hour.
Of course, LPN income varies, as nurse pay depends on many factors. The following percentiles represent the typical LPN pay range in Nevada:
- 90th percentile: $81,950
- 75th percentile: $72,680
- 50th percentile: $60,920
- 25th percentile: $57,670
- 10th percentile: $50,450
It is thanks to these percentiles that we can observe how the wages of LPNs in the state of Nevada vary. For instance, the 90th percentile indicates that ten percent of LPNs earn above $81,950 per year and that 90 percent of LPNs in Nevada earn below that figure. Accordingly, the 10th percentile indicates that 90 percent of LPNs in Nevada earn above $50,450 per year, and so on.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Nevada?
For greater context, we have prepared the following table comparing the licensed practical nurse wage in Nevada to those in neighboring states:
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (Most recent data as of October 2023)
Nevada has a higher mean LPN wage than most states in the region, except California and Oregon. Nevertheless, the income difference between Nevada and these two states is minimal, and Nevada still has an average wage that is $8,050 higher than the national average.
What’s the Average LPN Pay in Nevada per Hour?
If we break down the licensed practical nurse income in Nevada to the hourly wage, it averages $30.73. However, when LPNs work per diem shifts (also called PRN shifts), they have the potential to increase their hourly earnings significantly.
Below is a comparison of the four metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in Nevada, divided into cities and towns that share the same average wages. LPNs can search for the area of Nevada where they live or wish to live to find the wage details.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (Most recent data as of October 2023)
Below is a list of some of the highest-paying cities in Nevada for licensed practical nurses:
As mentioned, the hourly earnings of these per diem shifts are higher than the state average. Furthermore, there is great demand for per diem LPNs in various healthcare facilities throughout Nevada.
What is the Average Cost of Living in Nevada?
Knowing how much you can earn in Nevada may help you choose the best option when considering independent contractor work or applying for salaried or wage-based employment. Furthermore, cost of living considerations can help put the earning potential of LPNs in perspective. In many cases, having a very high income does not mean having a better standard of living since the cost of living for the region may be very high. That is why LPNs in Nevada must consider how much they must earn to cover their basic needs, as shown below:
Data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Most recent information as of October 2023)
The cost of living in Nevada depends on the number of people working and the number of children or dependents in the household. By working per diem LPN shifts, practical nurses can earn higher hourly wages and comfortably support their families and themselves in Nevada.
LPN Employment in Nevada
Nevada has few LPNs and, therefore, a high demand for these nursing professionals. In fact, for every 1,000 jobs, Nevada has only 2.24 licensed practical nurses. Furthermore, the location quotient of LPNs in Nevada is 0.53, meaning that the concentration of LPNs in Nevada is nearly half the national average.
How to Make More as an LPN in Nevada?
Having a higher income is vital for LPNs. A higher wage means saving more, living more comfortably, and being able to concentrate on patient care since financial worries are less pressing. However, many factors can influence the wages of LPNs:
- Location: Income varies by location. For example, LPNs in rural areas generally earn less than in cities.
- Setting: For example, hospitals generally pay higher hourly wages than long-term care facilities.
- PRN shifts: Working PRN shifts with Nursa provides LPNs with competitive hourly pay.
Undoubtedly, these factors influence LPN income to a greater or lesser extent. However, per diem LPN jobs in Nevada consistently offer nurses high hourly wages.
How Can I Become an LPN in Nevada?
There are licensing requirements to become an LPN in Nevada. Candidates must complete an LPN program approved by the Nevada State Board of Nursing. After graduation, LPNs must prove their knowledge by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). With some exceptions, successful candidates may then apply for licensure. Once licensed, LPNs must renew their licenses every two years.
There are different LPN programs in nursing schools throughout Nevada. Here are some of the top colleges offering nursing programs for LPNs in Nevada:
- Nevada State College, Henderson
- Touro University Nevada
- Arizona College of Nursing
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Chamberlain University
- Roseman University
Becoming a licensed practical nurse in Nevada has excellent advantages, including landing high-paying LPN jobs in top hospitals throughout the state.
Other Healthcare Professions in Nevada
In the following table, we compare the wages of LPNs with those of other healthcare professionals in Nevada:
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (Most recent data as of October 2023)
Find Per Diem Independent Contractor LPN Jobs in Nevada
Finding LPN jobs in Nevada is accessible through platforms connecting healthcare facilities with LPNs looking for high-paying per diem shifts. Nursa allows healthcare facilities to find per diem clinicians to fill their shifts. It also enables clinicians to access high-paying LPN, RN, and certified nursing assistant (CNA) jobs in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. LPNs need options that provide flexibility in choosing their shifts, which is precisely what Nursa offers. Nurses can search for jobs near them and request only the shifts that meet their needs. Discover flexible, high-paying LPN jobs today.
