Registered Nurse (RN) Salary Report 2025
April 3, 2026
It’s that time of the year again where we breakdown Medscape’s LPN salary report. Whether you’re a new LPN exploring your first role or an experienced nurse considering your next move, understanding current LPN salary trends is key to making informed career decisions. From regional pay differences to how work settings and experience impact earnings, the latest data reveals where nurses are earning the most and why.
Every year Medscape invites nurses to participate in an online survey to gather data on the year-to-year differences in compensation. From April 2nd to July 7th, 2025, Medscape invited 1,536 Licensed Practical Nurses to participate in a 10-minute online survey. In this blog, we take a closer look at the answers LPNs provided about their compensation and breakdown Medscape’s Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Report 2025.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary Report 2025:
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation:
Below is the breakdown from Medscape’s results including both gross income and income after taxes. Licensed Practical Nurses reported their average salary as:
- Base: $59,000
- Total Compensation: $62,000
LPNs are continuing to see steady growth in compensation, with average base salaries reaching $59,000 and total compensation climbing to $62,000. This reflects a strong upward trend, with LPN pay increasing approximately by $10,000 which is an 12.73% increase since the 2023 compensation report. The consistent rise highlights the continuation of the strong demand for skilled nursing professionals across the healthcare industry.
Which Regions do LPNs Make the Most?
- LPN Salary by region:
- North: $66,000
- South: $58,000
- Midwest: $61,000
- West: $71,000
Geography plays a significant role in LPN earnings, with the highest salaries reported in the West region at $71,000, followed by the North at $66,000, continuing on the same trend from the 2024 LPN salary report. These regional differences are often driven by cost of living, demand, and staffing shortages, making location an important consideration for nurses evaluating opportunities.
- LPN Salary by community type:
- Urban: $65,000
- Suburban: $63,000
- Exurban: $60,000
- Rural: $57,000
LPNs working in urban and suburban areas tend to earn the highest salaries, averaging $65,000 and $63,000 respectively. Compensation decreases in less densely populated areas, with exurban nurses earning around $60,000 and rural nurses averaging $57,000. These trends reflect differences in patient volume, facility resources, and regional demand for healthcare services.
Which Work Setting Do LPNs Make the Most?
- LPN Salary per setting
- Skilled nursing facility/other long-term care: $68,000
- Home health/visiting nurse: $65,000
- Hospital-inpatient care: $62,000
- Hospital-based outpatient setting or clinic: $61,000
- Non-hospital-based medical office/urgent care clinic: $55,000
The type of work setting LPNs are in have a major impact on salary. Nurses in skilled nursing facilities/other long-term care settings are still earning the highest average salary at $68,000, followed by home health/visiting nurse at an average of $65,000. Higher-paying environments often come with increased patient acuity and workload.
Do LPNs Make More in a Salary or Hourly Position?
- LPN Salary vs Hourly:
- Salary: $65,000
- Hourly: $62,000
LPNs in salaried roles report higher earnings on average, bringing in about $65,000 annually compared to $62,000 for hourly positions. This difference may reflect leadership roles, advanced responsibilities, or additional benefits often associated with salaried positions. However, hourly roles can offer greater flexibility and overtime opportunities, which may appeal to many nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse Income By Years of Practice:
- 6 – 10 years: $58,000
- 11 – 20 years: $63,000
- 21 years+ : $62,000
As with most professions, the more experience a nurse has, the higher compensation they receive. Nurses with 6–10 years of experience earn around $58,000, while those with 11–20 years see a notable increase to $63,000. Interestingly, earnings plateau slightly for those with 21+ years of experience at $62,000, suggesting that while experience is valuable, other factors like role, specialization, and setting also influence long-term earning potential.
Final Thoughts
As the demand for LPNs continue to rise, there’s never been a better time to take control of your career and earning potential. Whether you’re looking to increase your salary, explore new locations, or transition into a higher-paying specialty or setting, understanding today’s LPN compensation trends puts you one step ahead. The right opportunity can make all the difference and not just financially, but in your overall job satisfaction and quality of life.
At Horizon Healthcare Staffing, we’re here to help you find that next step. Explore our current LPN job openings and connect with our team today to discover opportunities that align with your goals!
