LPN to RN Salary Comparison & Job Outlook
After some time accruing experience, many LPNs wish to advance their careers to become registered nurses. While they require more schooling, RNs enjoy more employment opportunties, broader specialization options, increased responsibility, room for career advancement, and as expected, higher salaries. But how much more does an RN earn compared to an LPN? Read on to explore more.
LPN Employment and Salary Overview
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a favorable outlook for LPNs through the next decade, with a projected 5% employment increase through 2032 - a rate that's faster than average for other professions. Over 54,000 LPN job openings are expected each year through 2032. As of May 2023 (most recent data), the median salary for LPNs lands at $59,730 annually. While things like employer and level of experience factor into pay rates for LPNs, location is a significant factor. The highest-paying states for LPNs include:
- California
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Alaska
- Massachusetts
RN Employment & Salary Overview
The job outlook for RNs is strong. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the number of RN jobs available is projected to increase by 6% through 2032. The need for high-quality nurses will also increase due to a large number of baby boomers in their retirement years, compounded by the current nursing shortage and the possible future shortage of Master's-prepared nurses. The median yearly pay for RNs is $86,070 (latest data available, May 2022). RN salary varies and can range from $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on the place of employment, education level, specialty, and prior experience. Read more about finding a job after RN graduation.
How Can an LPN Become an RN?
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 be awarded, or the program may allow LPNs to "test out" of certain classes. This means credit is received without taking the class if test scores are high enough on a certain subject exam. 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