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What’s the Average LPN Salary in Utah, and Cost of Living?

Average wages. Highest-paying cities. Flexible jobs. If you are a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in the state of Utah or planning to become one, don’t miss out on the excellent job opportunities that Nursa has to offer.

This resource provides publicly available information about average LPN salaries in Utah. While Nursa currently offers independent contractor LPNs in Utah 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.

LPNs can enjoy the benefits of charming cities in Utah where the cost of living is low, and their dollar can stretch.

What’s the Average LPN Pay in the State of Utah?

LPNs make an annual mean income of $55,790, bordering on the national average of $55,860. As part of a framework for your financial planning, compare licensed practical nurse pay in Utah with wages in the surrounding states.

State

State Annual Mean Wage Hourly Mean Wage
Nevada $63,910 $30.73
Arizona $61,920 $29.77
Colorado $60,310 $29.00
New Mexico $59,400 $28.56
Utah $55,790 $26.82
Wyoming $54,880 $26.39
Idaho $54,710 $26.30
National Mean $55,860 $26.86

Source: Chart based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Most recent information as of November 2023)

As shown in the table above, location is one of the critical factors determining nurse pay. Utah LPNs earn more than those in Idaho and Wyoming but less than those in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also provides the typical range of wages for LPNs in each state. These percentiles show how much LPNs earn compared to their peers. For example, 10 percent of Utah LPNs receive up to $40,930, and 90 percent earn more; 90 percent of Utah LPNs make up to $70,010, and only 10 percent make more. The list below shows the income percentiles for LPNs in Utah, which indicate the typical distribution of wages for this occupation.

  • 90th percentile: $70,010
  • 75th percentile: $62,850
  • 50th percentile: $55,290
  • 25th percentile: $48,600
  • 10th percentile: $40,930

Working per diem—also called PRN—allows you to earn a higher hourly wage as an LPN. You can easily find per diem shifts in facilities requiring your skills through Nursa. Check the following links for high-paying per diem LPN job openings in Utah.

How Much Do Nurses Make in Utah?

To show how the pay for a practical nurse in Utah varies by location within the state, the table below presents the annual and hourly mean wages by area. 

Area Annual Mean Wage Hourly Mean Wage
Salt Lake City $60,370 $29.02
Ogden-Clearfield $57,650 $27.72
St. George $54,770 $26.33
Provo-Orem $52,590 $25.28
Logan $48,430 $23.28
Central Utah $49,100 $23.61
Eastern Utah $47,620 $22.89

Source: Chart based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Most recent information as of November 2023)

As you can see, the hourly LPN wage typically varies from around $23 to $29, a $6 difference for every hour worked. To learn more about how much you can make as a nurse, read this resource guide on nurse pay.

Which Are the Highest-Paying Cities in Utah for Nurses?

The table below links to some cities in Utah offering flexible per diem LPN jobs with competitive pay on average, which can be LPN salary or hourly-based income. The list is in order from the typically highest-paying cities in Utah to those generally offering lower pay. However, with per diem jobs, any city is a high-paying city.  

How Do LPNs Make More Money in Utah?

As you can see by clicking on the city links above, one immediate way to earn more as a nurse is to work per diem. Whether you take on extra shifts along with your regular job or work only per diem with a flexible schedule, this option can help you significantly increase your income.

How Much Do Other Nursing Professionals Make in Utah?

In nursing, the higher the level of licensure, the higher the pay. The table below shows how this is true for the three most common work settings for LPNs, comparing the annual mean wage for nurses with three licensure levels.

Work Setting Licensure Level Mean Annual Pay
Skilled Care Facilities (Nursing Homes) Nurse Practitioner (NP) Data not available
Registered Nurse (RN) $77,190
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $58,440
Home Health Care Services Nurse Practitioner (NP) $148,960
Registered Nurse (RN) $82,920
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $56,370
Medical and Surgical Hospitals Nurse Practitioner (NP) $129,330
Registered Nurse (RN) $90,600
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $51,360

Source: Chart based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Most recent information as of November 2023)

You may wonder why registered nurses have a significantly higher pay scale than licensed practical nurses. Find out in this article: What’s the Difference between an LPN and an RN?

How Many LPNs Does Utah Employ?

Knowing how much you can earn in Utah may help you choose the best option when considering independent contractor work or applying for salaried or wage-based employment. In addition, you may want to know which areas within the state employ more RNs. But first, let’s understand the terminology.

What Is Location Quotient?

The location quotient is a measure of how common an occupation is in a particular area or state compared to the whole country, with a value of one assigned to the national average. Consequently, a location quotient under one is lower than the nationwide average, and an LQ over one is higher. What is the concentration of LPS in each area of Utah?

Area Number of LPNs Location Quotient
Salt Lake City 480 0.15
Ogden-Clearfield 270 0.22
St. George 90 0.25
Provo-Orem 240 0.20
Logan 70 0.25
Central Utah 90 0.37
Eastern Utah 120 0.33

Source: Chart based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Most recent information as of November 2023)

The entire state employs 1,340 LPNs and has a location quotient of 0.19. Utah’s location quotient indicates a sparse concentration of LPNs compared to the national average—the lowest in the US.

What is the Average Cost of Living in Utah?

Depending on your family situation, the amount you need to cover expenses in Utah varies substantially. A single adult typically needs approximately $36,233 annually, while a single parent with one child needs over double that amount.

Find a wealth of helpful information in Working in Utah: Resource Guide for Nurses.

Still weighing the pros and cons of per diem jobs? Pick up a shift with Nursa today.

How Can I Become an LPN in Utah?

To become an LPN in Utah, you typically need to complete an accredited LPN program, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), and apply for your license. Check with the official governing body’s requirements for details, as some exceptions may apply. You need not fear the exam, given that LPN nursing schools in Utah prepare students well for the NCLEX-PN and have an impressive first-time pass rate. Here are just a few of Utah’s top nursing schools with LPN programs.

  • Bridgerland Technical College
  • Ogden-Weber Technical College
  • Davis Technical College
  • Dixie Technical College
  • Mountainland Technical College

Once you have successfully finished a program and passed the exam, you can apply for an LPN license from the Utah Board of Nursing.

How to Find Independent PRN LPN Contractor Jobs near Me?

Nursa puts nurses into direct contact with facilities needing LPNs, CNAs, or RNs to fill per diem shifts. You can request only the jobs that fit your schedule and location and receive high hourly rates. You can find LPN hospital jobs, shifts at nursing homes, and gigs in many other healthcare settings. Find a high-paying LPN job near you today with Nursa.

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