Salary and Job Outlook for LPNs
If you are looking for a career full of advancement opportunities and endless job openings, licensed practical nursing might be the career for you. In 2008, there were 753,600 jobs held by licensed practical nurses (LPN) and licensed vocational nurses (LVN). Approximately 28 percent of these jobs were located in nursing facilities; 25 percent were in hospitals; and 12 percent were in offices. The remaining 35 percent worked for other types of organizations, such as outpatient care facilities or government agencies. LPNs work varied shifts, including weekdays, nights, weekends, and holidays. The majority of LPNs work a full-time schedule of 40 hours per week. Others work in part-time, travel, contract, per diem, or on-call positions.
Salary & Benefits
Salaries for LPNs vary depending on a number of factors, including location, education, experience, and the type of employer. The average salary for an LPN is $40,000 per year. The average annual salary for LPNs who have less than one year of work experience is between $27,181 and $39,886. LPNs with more than 20 years of experience can earn up to $46,549 per year. In the U.S., the highest-paying state for LPNs is Connecticut, where LPNs earn on average $25.28 per hour. Idaho has the lowest pay rate for LPNs, averaging $14.67 per hour.
Aside from salary, benefits are also an important consideration for aspiring nurses. Most employers offer healthcare benefits to LPNs since overall health and wellness is such an important aspect of this career. Dental insurance may or may not be included in the healthcare benefits. Other benefits, such as a retirement or savings plan, are also important considerations for long-term employees.
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LPN Career Outlook
In the next eight years, employment for LPNs is expected to grow by 21 percent. There are many factors that account for this increase, including:
- As the average lifespan increases, individuals are often living longer with physical or mental conditions that require long-term care. This will create additional LPN postitions.
- More job opportunities in the home health services segment will open up as the elderly population increases.
- The nurse workforce as a whole is aging—the average age of a registered nurse is 46—therefore many nurses are nearing retirement age. And even if a nurse doesn't retire at 60 or 65 years of age, many older nurses are leaving hospitals and clinical facilities in order to pursue teaching opportunities or to take on managerial positions. In the coming years, this will lead to an increased need for new nurses.
- More and more procedures are being performed in clinics and other non-hospital facilities. In order to help contain medical costs, these facilities will need more LPNs to care for individuals who have been discharged from the hospital but are not yet able to return home.
Article Resources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Simply Hired: LPN Salary
2008 National LPN Salary Survey