What are The Top 10 Destinations for LPNs?
If you are considering entering the wonderful world of nursing, you may be aware that there’s currently a shortage of approximately 309,000 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in the United States.
Not surprisingly, job growth is expected to continue over the next decade, with a projected 117,300 additional LPN jobs by 2024—a remarkable 16 percent increase, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Fortunately, the field of nursing is not just in demand; it is also an extremely rewarding occupation that features a very comfortable salary range. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, LPNs earn an annual median wage of $42,490 in the U.S. While LPNs who are employed in some of the lower paying areas average just $31,640 annually, those who work in higher paying areas can earn as much as $61,590 per year.
Locations that Offer the Highest Pay for LPNs
Below are the Metropolitan destinations that offer the highest pay for LPNs in the United States and the average wage for each.
- San Francisco, San Mateo and Redwood City, California Metropolitan Division - $61,590
- Oakland, Fremont and Hayward, California Metropolitan Division - $61,270
- Santa Cruz and Watsonville, California - $59,990
- San Jose, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, California - $59,540
- Peabody, Massachusetts NECTA Division - $59,380
- Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Goleta, California - $57,690
- Lowell, Billerica and Chelmsford, Massachusetts-New Hampshire NECTA Division - $57,480
- Sacramento, Arden, Arcade and Roseville, California - $57,380
- Hartford, West Hartford and East Hartford Connecticut - $56,490
- Barnstable Town, Massachusetts - $55,880
Being an LPN in California
If you enjoy feeling the warm sand in your toes, experiencing the splash of cool waves to refresh you after a day of rewarding work, and being part of a thriving population, you will be delighted to know that various metropolitan areas in the state of California top the list for the highest paying LPN destinations. Licensed Practical Nurses can obtain employment in a wide variety of areas within the nursing field in California as well, including home health care agencies, hospitals, physicians' offices and nursing care facilities. In order to recruit and retain qualified nurses, many of these places offer incentives such as flexible schedules, student loan reimbursements and even sign-on bonuses.
While LPNs who work in general and surgical hospitals generally earn the highest salaries, many find that becoming an LPN in a physician's office is more consistent with their lifestyle despite the lower pay. In California, nursing care facilities and home health care agencies are currently the fastest growing potential employers. Therefore, those who are in immediate need of employment or who do not have a lot of experience may choose to begin working in these areas. If you are considering beginning your career in California due to the high rate of pay, however, it is important to note that a high cost of living offsets the impressive salary.
Life as an LPN in Massachusetts
There are a growing number of opportunities for LPNs in Massachusetts, and since three of the state's metropolitan areas made our top ten list for the highest paying in the nation, the area is definitely one worth looking into. Ranked 16th in the nation for LPNs when it comes to the comfort score, Massachusetts is an excellent destination. (The comfort score is determined by factoring the LPN's salary in relation to the cost of living.)
The demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in the state continues to rise, and numerous positions are available in hospitals, physicians’ offices, nursing care facilities and home health care agencies. Many of these Massachusetts employers offer perks like student loan reimbursement, higher rates of pay, flexible schedules, and sign on bonuses in order to entice new nurses and retain current staff. Since the state has a higher cost of living and is ranked 4th in the nation for highest incomes taxes, however, prospective residents may want to consider this when evaluating the higher than average salary.
Being a LPN in Connecticut
When considering the state as a whole, Connecticut has the highest annual mean salary for LPNs in the nation. A comfort rating of 86 places the state of Connecticut 11th for LPNs as well, meaning that a nurse’s salary will likely go further than it would in California or Massachusetts. While nursing positions in metropolitan areas will typically pay more than non-metropolitan areas, those choosing to live away from the hustle and bustle can increase their earnings by working nights or weekends.
For more information about how you could obtain your Practical Nursing Diploma in as little as 15 months, contact ECPI University today. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
I can't wait to my CNA program this summer and then ECPI nursing school to become an LPN, life is coming along, just gotta get through HS
— Joy (@JoyToTheWorld34) February 14, 2015
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