How Much Does a LVN Make?

One of the key factors that greatly influence the salaries of Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) is experience. Just like in any other profession, the more experience an LVN has, the higher the pay. With experience, LVNs gather more skills, knowledge, and abilities to handle a wide range of medical conditions, which in turn increases their value to employers. Another critical factor is the level of education. LVNs with advanced nursing degrees or certifications tend to earn higher salaries compared to those with basic training. This is because advanced education equips them with additional skills that enhance their nursing practice.

Another factor that plays a vital role in determining LVN salaries is specialization. LVNs who specialize in certain fields such as gerontology, pediatrics, or emergency care typically earn more than those who practice general nursing. This is because specialized services are often more demanding and require additional training and skills. Finally, the geographical location can also significantly impact an LVN's salary. Locations with a high demand for nursing services like urban areas or states with a high population of elderly people generally offer higher salaries to LVNs. Additionally, cost of living in different regions can also affect salary rates. These factors combined can greatly impact the earning potential of an LVN.

LVN Estimated Salary

High
$32.28/hour/hr
National Average
$29.23/hour/hr
Low
$24.35/hour/hr

Top Salary Locations for LVN Jobs

Top Salary Locations for LVN Jobs
25%+
15% to 24%
5% to 14%
Industry Average
-5% to -14%
-15% to -24%
-25% or more

Salary for LVN Jobs Nationwide

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireNursing research efforts.
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How Do You Negotiate Salary as a LVN?

Knowing your value and having the confidence to negotiate your salary as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is important. Salary negotiation can feel intimidating, but it's an essential part of your professional journey. To start, make sure you've researched your value in the current market using tools like the iHireNursing Salary Research tool. This will give you a clear picture of the average LVN salary in your location and help you set a fair and realistic target.

For those who are already employed, asking for a raise requires a strategic approach. First, document your accomplishments and present them in a way that shows your value to your employer. Be sure to demonstrate how your work positively impacts patient care. If you're a new hire, remember, the negotiation starts when you're offered the job. Don't accept the first offer right away; instead, express your interest in the position and ask if the salary is negotiable. Then, based on your research, confidently present your salary expectation. Always maintain a positive and professional tone throughout the negotiation process. This is a business transaction, but it's also an exercise in relationship-building.

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by LVNs
Less than 1 year
35.9%
1-2 years
34.5%
None
22.6%
2-4 years
7.0%