Research Summary. Utilizing a combination of public government data and company insights, alongside information from numerous job postings, the Zippia data team has generated average salary estimates for licensed practical nurse positions across the United States. This analysis has pinpointed the highest-paying specialties within the licensed practical nursing field, reflecting the evolving labor market trends in 2026.
Below is a summary of our findings regarding the highest-paying roles for licensed practical nurses:
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Registered Nurse Med/Surg ranks as the highest-paid licensed practical nurse, boasting an average salary of $84,812 and an hourly wage of $40.77.
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The second highest-paying role is that of the Emergency Department Registered Nurse, with an average salary of $81,260.
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Overall, the average salary for licensed practical nurses stands at $52,912 annually, translating to an hourly rate of $25.44.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is an important consideration, it’s not the sole factor in your decision. For those aspiring to be licensed practical nurses, understanding the highest-paying specialties can significantly inform your career trajectory.
Here’s an overview of the top salaries for various licensed practical nursing roles:
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Registered Nurse Med/Surg
Average Salary: $84,812
Registered Medical-Surgical Nurses provide essential care for patients with both surgical and non-surgical needs. They support patients in managing their illnesses, preventing disease, and promoting overall health. Entry-level nurses typically follow established care plans, while those with more experience tailor their approaches to meet individual patient requirements. Becoming a medical-surgical nurse necessitates a nursing degree, strong assessment and observation skills, and proficiency in patient education.
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Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $81,260
Emergency Department Registered Nurses are the frontline responders to urgent medical situations. They handle cases involving trauma, allergic reactions, and various injuries, collaborating closely with physicians and healthcare teams to deliver high-quality emergency care. Key skills for this role include attention to detail, level-headedness, and strong communication abilities.
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Head Nurse
Average Salary: $80,173
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Field Nurse
Average Salary: $78,753
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Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $75,363
Practical Nurses are dedicated to delivering high-quality care to patients, assisting with daily activities, and monitoring health conditions. They may work in various settings, including healthcare facilities and private homes, ensuring that patient care plans align with individual needs and lifestyles.
Below is a comprehensive table detailing the average salaries for various licensed practical nursing roles, followed by an explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Licensed Practical Nurses
Methodology
Zippia sources publicly available data from government entities, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to develop its salary estimates.
Our data science team also analyzes job postings and corporate resources for the latest salary information specific to licensed practical nurses.
After gathering this data, the team computes a weighted average for each job title for which they estimate salaries. For further details on our salary estimates, please refer to our detailed methodology.
FAQs: Highest-Paying Types Of Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs
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What is the highest-paid licensed practical nurse job?
The highest-paid licensed practical nurse job is a registered nurse med/surg. Registered Nurse Med/Surgs earn an average salary of $84,812, translating to $40.77 hourly.
Registered medical-surgical nurses are tasked with caring for patients with surgical and non-surgical conditions, helping them manage their illnesses, preventing diseases, and promoting health. Entry-level nurses often follow standardized care plans, while those with more experience develop tailored care strategies. A nursing degree, strong assessment skills, and patient education expertise are essential for this role.
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What is a good salary for a licensed practical nurse?
A good salary for a licensed practical nurse is $52,912 or more. This average salary indicates that nurses earning at least this amount are above the average pay level.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that salaries may vary based on geographic location, as employers adjust their pay scales according to local living costs. Conducting research on local salary averages for your experience level is advisable for an accurate perspective on your compensation.
Additionally, entry-level licensed practical nurses can expect an average starting salary of approximately $46,424, so the overall average should not be your sole benchmark.
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Do licensed practical nurse jobs pay well?
Yes, licensed practical nurse jobs generally offer competitive salaries. While pay can vary by specific roles, the average licensed practical nurse salary of $52,912 is significantly higher than the average national salary of approximately $44,225 per year.
Furthermore, many licensed practical nurse positions come with substantial earning potential, as the top 10% earn an average of $68,562 annually.
Ultimately, salaries for licensed practical nurses will fluctuate based on factors such as experience, industry, and location. Be sure to research the current market rate for your expertise and don’t hesitate to negotiate your salary based on informed insights.
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Where do licensed practical nurses get paid the most?
Licensed practical nurses earn the highest salaries in Maine. In Maine, the average annual salary for licensed practical nurses is $56,520, which equates to an hourly wage of $27.17.
Other states with competitive salaries include New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, where average annual salaries are $57,082, $55,973, and $56,324, respectively.
The cities offering the highest salaries for licensed practical nurses are as follows:
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Boston, MA – $57,483
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New York, NY – $57,081
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Rochester, NH – $56,965
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
