LPN to RN Salary Comparison & Job Outlook
The job outlook for RNs is strong. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the number of RN jobs available will increase by 7% through 2029. The need for high-quality nurses will also increase due to a large number of baby boomers, and will be compounded by the current nursing shortage and the possible future shortage of Master's-prepared nurses. The median yearly pay for RNs is $75,330 (latest data available, May 2020). RN salary varies and can range from $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on the place of employment, education level, and prior experience. Read more about finding a job after RN graduation.
LPN to RN programs are popular choices because they build on the knowledge already obtained as an LPN. In addition, LPN bridge programs build on the experience obtained by working as an LPN. There is no substitute for experience. Stepping up the nursing ladder one step at a time is a great way to collect experience. Most LPN to RN bridge programs offer credit for LPN education or working experience. This may simply be awarded or the program will allow LPNs to "test out" of certain classes. This means if test scores are high enough on a certain subject exam, credit is received without taking the class. This varies from one LPN to RN bridge program to the next. Be sure to research this and find out the educational requirements. These programs also usually accept transfer credits from other colleges if applicable.
LPN to RN Salary Comparison
| State | LPN Annual Salary | RN Annual Salary | Percent Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 35,570 | 56,470 | 58.8% |
| Alaska | 54,380 | 85,740 | 57.7% |
| Arizona | 50,760 | 71,300 | 40.5% |
| Arkansas | 36,040 | 56,480 | 56.7% |
| California | 51,700 | 98,400 | 90.3% |
| Colorado | 46,780 | 69,600 | 48.8% |
| Connecticut | 55,170 | 76,370 | 38.4% |
| Delaware | 47,700 | 70,160 | 47.1% |
| District of Columbia | 52,680 | 80,040 | 51.9% |
| Florida | 41,540 | 62,720 | 51.0% |
| Georgia | 38,010 | 62,350 | 64.0% |
| Hawaii | 46,520 | 88,230 | 89.7% |
| Idaho | 39,430 | 60,320 | 53.0% |
| Illinois | 44,870 | 68,030 | 51.6% |
| Indiana | 40,580 | 58,900 | 45.1% |
| Iowa | 38,750 | 54,020 | 39.4% |
| Kansas | 39,460 | 56,800 | 43.9% |
| Kentucky | 38,090 | 57,980 | 52.2% |
| Louisiana | 37,810 | 60,230 | 59.3% |
| Maine | 41,750 | 63,320 | 51.7% |
| Maryland | 50,440 | 72,210 | 43.2% |
| Massachusetts | 53,820 | 85,770 | 59.4% |
| Michigan | 44,310 | 67,180 | 51.6% |
| Minnesota | 42,000 | 71,450 | 70.1% |
| Mississippi | 36,400 | 56,560 | 55.4% |
| Missouri | 37,660 | 58,040 | 54.1% |
| Montana | 38,760 | 61,810 | 59.5% |
| Nebraska | 38,760 | 57,550 | 48.5% |
| Nevada | 52,760 | 80,240 | 52.1% |
| New Hampshire | 47,590 | 65,790 | 38.2% |
| New Jersey | 52,950 | 78,330 | 47.9% |
| New Mexico | 46,360 | 65,790 | 41.9% |
| New York | 45,660 | 77,110 | 68.9% |
| North Carolina | 41,730 | 60,030 | 43.9% |
| North Dakota | 39,790 | 58,120 | 46.1% |
| Ohio | 40,790 | 62,490 | 53.2% |
| Oklahoma | 38,320 | 57,830 | 50.9% |
| Oregon | 48,550 | 82,940 | 70.8% |
| Pennsylvania | 43,550 | 66,570 | 52.9% |
| Rhode Island | 52,110 | 75,510 | 44.9% |
| South Carolina | 39,070 | 59,670 | 52.7% |
| South Dakota | 35,210 | 53,970 | 53.3% |
| Tennessee | 36,420 | 57,030 | 56.6% |
| Texas | 44,880 | 68,590 | 52.8% |
| Utah | 43,080 | 61,100 | 41.8% |
| Vermont | 44,420 | 64,320 | 44.8% |
| Virginia | 40,500 | 63,880 | 57.7% |
| Washington | 49,220 | 78,540 | 59.6% |
| West Virginia | 35,020 | 56,390 | 61.0% |
| Wisconsin | 42,820 | 65,590 | 53.2% |
| Wyoming | 43,300 | 60,790 | 40.4% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data extracted on February 18, 2016