Vocational Nurse Salary: How Much Do LVNs Make?

• A typical LVN earns more than the median salary for all U.S. workers.
• Nursing salaries vary by education level, employer, and state.
• LVNs may earn more by returning to school or gaining experience.
• LVN programs at public schools cost less than at private schools.

Licensed vocation nurses provide basic patient care, communicate with families, and maintain patient paperwork. Learners can prepare for this nursing career by graduating from a state-approved LVN program. Students can make the most of their time in school by excelling in class and using their school's career counselors for resume writing and interview preparation help.

These and other resources help graduates land a job as soon as possible. Other advantages of using these services include planning for potential economic downturns affecting the healthcare field. Vocational nurses can increase their employability and salary potential by returning to school to become registered nurses (RNs).

What Is the Average Vocational Nurse Salary?

The median vocational nurse salary was $48,070 as of May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This number falls well below the median salary for nurses with master's degrees by nearly $80,000. A smaller salary gap exists between LVNs and RNs with bachelor's degrees.

Students and recent graduates may increase their salary potential by practicing negotiation skills, researching their employer, and completing mock interviews.

How Much Do Vocational Nurses Make in Your State?

Your lvn nursing salary depends on more than just your years of experience and employer. The different cost of living (COL) in each state means that LVNs in coastal states might make more than their peers.

Before moving to a different state to earn more, please consider the best and worst states to change careers. As of 2021, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Utah feature an affordable COL, a high median income, and an impressive job-growth rank.

Data from the BLS

Data sourced from the BLS

Job Growth for Vocational Nurses

The BLS projects that jobs for vocational nurses will grow by 8% between 2020-2030, which is at the same rate as the median projected growth for all U.S. professions. Strong growth can help recent graduates find a job quicker.

A poorer-than-expected job market prompts recent graduates and experienced professionals to explore new careers. Top jobs for a career change in 2022 exist in the business and information technology fields. Individuals wanting to stay in the healthcare field can return to school to become an RN or dental hygienist.

Related Nursing Programs for You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Does More Education Leads to a Higher Vocational Nurse Salary?

BSN Salary

The BLS reports that registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $77,600 in May 2021. However, nurses with a bachelor's make more than their peers with only an associate degree. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing's research shows that only 56% of RNs held a bachelor's as of 2019.

RNs with an associate or bachelor's degree can approach job hunting in the same way. They can use online resources to research and apply to top positions in their area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vocational Nurse Salary

Where do LVNs get paid the most?

LVNs earn the most in Washington, California, and Alaska. Professionals in these states make a median salary ranging from $61,160-$61,680. This range exceeds the national
median salary by approximately $15,500.

Other states with a high vocational nurse salary include Massachusetts and Nevada. However, please note that states with the most lucrative positions feature a higher-than-average cost of living. LVNs there pay more for housing and other essentials.

Employer affects LVN salary significantly. Licensed vocational nurses working for a government agency or nursing facility make more than their peers employed by a private hospital or home healthcare services company.

Are LVNs in high demand?

The BLS projects the need for licensed vocational nurses to grow by 9% between 2020-2030. This rate matches the median projected growth rate for all U.S. professions. Actual 9% growth translates to many open positions for recent graduates.

Many factors impact the BLS' projections. The BLS projects that as the U.S. population ages, more people will need help with chronic conditions that include obesity and diabetes. Vocational nurses treat these individuals in hospitals and outpatient care centers.

Please note that demand varies by state. Louisiana, West Virginia, and Arkansas feature the highest concentration of LVNs. Unfortunately, the median salary for workers in these states falls below the U.S. median salary.

How long is an LVN program?

The BLS projects the need for licensed vocational nurses to grow by 9% between 2020-2030. This rate matches the median projected growth rate for all U.S. professions. Actual 9% growth translates to many open positions for recent graduates.

Many factors impact the BLS' projections. The BLS projects that as the U.S. population ages, more people will need help with chronic conditions that include obesity and diabetes. Vocational nurses treat these individuals in hospitals and outpatient care centers.

Please note that demand varies by state. Louisiana, West Virginia, and Arkansas feature the highest concentration of LVNs. Unfortunately, the median salary for workers in these states falls below the U.S. median salary.

How much does LVN school cost?

Private LVN programs may charge more than $10,000 in tuition, fees, and related expenses. Learners on a budget should explore public community and junior colleges. Some public schools' total costs of attendance do not exceed $6,000.

Prospective students lower their tuition burden in more ways than attending a public school. The federal government gives learners with financial need grants and low-interest loans. Students may qualify for federal aid programs by submitting FAFSA results annually.

Other options include applying to schools with institutional aid. Some schools offer scholarships and grants to undocumented learners, as well.