Best LPN Programs in Buffalo 2026

The healthcare and human services sector is a vital component of Buffalo’s economy, offering a robust and diverse range of employment opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). This sector is a significant driver of regional employment and growth within the Buffalo Niagara area, consistently ranking as a top employer across most regions of New York State. The healthcare and social assistance industries now account for nearly one in five jobs statewide.

While overall jobs in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY, saw a decline from 2018 to 2023, looking ahead, the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area is projected to see an overall job growth of 3.8% from 2020 to 2030. Demand for healthcare professionals, including LPNs, is particularly strong, with an anticipated 10.3% growth for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in the region during the same period, indicating a stable and growing demand. LPNs in Buffalo earn an average annual salary of $54,950, which translates to approximately $26.42 per hour. Entry-level LPNs (10th percentile) with less than one year of experience can expect an average total compensation of around $19.49 per hour ($40,540 annually), while those with one to four years of experience (25th percentile) typically earn around $22.43 per hour ($46,650 annually). The majority of LPNs in Buffalo earn between $46,650 and $60,280 annually (25th to 75th percentile).

LPNs provide essential basic nursing care across a wide array of facilities in Buffalo, including:

• Nursing Homes and Extended Care Facilities:These facilities are significant employers for LPNs, offering roles in long-term care, rehabilitation, and specialized services such as memory care and hospice. Prominent examples include Safire Rehabilitation of Northtowns, The Grand Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Delaware Park, Lockport Rehab & Health Care Center, Ellicott Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing, and Buffalo Center. Additionally, Beechwood Continuing Care in Getzville, a five-star nursing facility, provides complex nursing care and is a notable employer.
• Hospitals:LPNs find roles in hospital settings, particularly within outpatient clinics. Kaleida Health, which includes Children’s Hospital, and Sisters of Charity Hospital are examples of facilities within major healthcare systems that utilize LPNs.
• Private Practices and Medical Offices:Many private and family medical practices throughout Buffalo and surrounding areas like Hamburg and Williamsville seek LPNs for telephone triage, general medical office duties, and outpatient clinic support, such as those at UBMD Neurology.
• Rehabilitation Centers:Facilities dedicated to helping patients recover from illness or injury, such as Catholic Health facilities and GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster, actively employ LPNs.
• Senior Living Facilities:Assisted living facilities like Orchard Heights Senior Living, Heathwood Assisted Living in Orchard Park, and Sacred Heart Home Assisted Living frequently hire LPNs to provide resident care and supervision.
• Home Health Agencies:The field of home care is a growing area for LPN employment. Agencies such as Aurora Home Care, Inc. and various private duty nursing companies hire LPNs to develop and manage patient care plans in home settings.
• Other Settings:LPNs may also find opportunities in behavioral health centers, ambulatory surgery centers like Buffalo Ambulatory Surgery Center, and school nurse positions.

Major healthcare systems and networks in Buffalo and Western New York known for hiring LPNs include:

• Catholic Health: A prominent employer across its hospitals, home care, long-term care, and primary care facilities throughout the region.
• Kaleida Health: Includes facilities such as Children’s Hospital.
• Beechwood Continuing Care: A five-star nursing facility in Getzville.
• Elderwood: A network with LPN openings and specialized programs.
• The GreenFields: Which includes GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster.
• UBMD Primary Care and UBMD Neurology: Medical group practices with LPN roles.
• Aspire of WNY: An organization in Cheektowaga supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Premier Senior Living, LLC: Which operates facilities like Eden Heights of West Seneca.

Beyond these large systems, numerous smaller family and private medical practices in communities such as Hamburg, Williamsville, and East Aurora also contribute significantly to LPN employment. Staffing agencies also frequently list LPN travel and per diem opportunities in Buffalo and nearby cities.