How Much Does a Licensed Vocational Nurse Make? (2025)
Understanding the licensed vocational nurse salary is important for employers and job candidates. As of September 2025, the average annual salary for a licensed vocational nurse in the United States is $57,440 per year, or approximately $28 per hour, according to recent data.
This salary guide explores the role of a licensed vocational nurse, including job responsibilities, earnings, and factors influencing income, such as location, experience, and specialized knowledge.
What Does a Licensed Vocational Nurse Do?
A licensed vocational nurse offers essential healthcare services to individuals who are sick, injured, recovering, or living with disabilities.
LVNs often work in diverse settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home healthcare, sometimes covering the night shift or working during holidays to ensure continuous patient care.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and other key health conditions.
- Assisting with routine patient care, including wound care, bathing, dressing, and supporting activities like eating.
- Communicate with patients about their care and address any concerns they may have
- Sharing updates on a patient's condition with registered nurses, physicians, or nurse practitioners.
- Keep accurate records of the care provided and update patient health documentation.
- Assisting with medical procedures under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse.
According to the BLS, aspiring LVNs must complete a state-approved program, typically lasting about one year and offered at community colleges, technical schools, or some high schools.
What is Licensed Vocational Nurse Overview?
As mentioned above, the licensed vocational nurse salary in the United States is $57,440 per year or $28 per hour, as of September 2025.
Based on our data, the licensed vocational nurse salary is between $52,320 to $64,203 per year, with most earning reported between $54,760 and $60,980. The licensed vocational nurse salary per month is $4,787.
Moreover, licensed vocational nurses often earn an average of $28 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $25 to $31. The average weekly of licensed vocational nurse salary is $1,105, with pay ranging from $1,006 to $1,235.
2025 Licensed Vocational Nurse Average Salary: $57,440 per year ($28 per hour)
Meanwhile, the core median salary for licensed vocational nurse is $80,520 per year. This includes salary and bonuses and varies depending on the percentile.
The average total salary for a licensed vocational nurse is $80,520, according to our report. The total compensation package for the job title includes benefits like healthcare ($6,374), time off ($7,911), and Social Security ($4,253), which make up 23% of the total compensation.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $57,440 | 71.3% |
| Bonus | $-1,850 | -2.3% |
| Value of Benefits | ||
| Social Security | $4,253 | 5.3% |
| 401K/403B | $2,224 | 2.8% |
| Disability | $1,112 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $6,374 | 7.9% |
| Pension | $3,057 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $7,911 | 9.8% |
| Total Compensation | $80,520 | 100% |
What Can Affect Licensed Vocational Nurse Salaries?
The licensed vocational nurse average salary varies based on factors such as experience, geographical location, and skills. Here's a breakdown of these key factors:
By Experience Level
According to our report, licensed vocational nurses with less than one year of experience earns an average salary of $56,416 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average of $59,169 per year. More years of experience typically lead to higher salaries.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,416 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Vocational Nurse | $56,509 |
| Senior Level Licensed Vocational Nurse | $57,687 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Vocational Nurse | $59,070 |
| Expert Level Licensed Vocational Nurse | $59,169 |
LVNs with a strong track record and expertise in basic medical care or complex procedures often earn higher salaries.
By Geographic Location
Apart from experience level, the licensed vocational nurse average salary in the United States also varies by location, influenced by factors such as cost of living, local economy, and industry presence.
For example, metropolitan area like San Jose has the highest average salary at $72,450 per year, while Miami and Dallas report lower median salaries of $55,190 and $56,720 per year, respectively.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $69,070 | $72,450 | $76,920 |
| San Francisco, California | $68,390 | $71,730 | $76,160 |
| Washington, D.C. | $60,640 | $63,590 | $67,520 |
| Miami, Florida | $52,620 | $55,190 | $58,590 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $56,590 | $59,360 | $63,020 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $61,080 | $64,060 | $68,020 |
| New York, New York | $63,470 | $66,560 | $70,670 |
| Dallas, Texas | $54,080 | $56,720 | $60,220 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive salary increases for licensed vocational nurses. Our Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that those with group therapy skills see a salary increase of +10.71%, while those with equipment maintenance skills see an increase of +9.72%. The demand for these skills is 10.50% and 10.60%, respectively.
| Skill | Demand | Salary Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Group Therapy | 10.50% | 10.71% |
| Equipment Maintenance | 10.60% | 9.72% |
| Patient Safety | 10.60% | 7.93% |
| Patient Education | 10.70% | 7.64% |
| Nursing Code of Ethics | 10.60% | 7.18% |
| Breast Imaging/Mammography | 10.50% | 7.17% |
| Emotional Support | 10.80% | 6.87% |
| Health Screening | 10.90% | 6.73% |
Skills such as health screening, emotional support, and patient education are critical for supporting patients' daily living and health conditions and mastering these can lead to significant salary increases.
How to Become a Licensed Vocational Nurse
Becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) involves a structured path of education, licensure, hands-on training, and skill development.
- Complete Your Education: Start with a high school diploma or GED, then complete a 12-18-month state-approved vocational nursing program at a community college or technical school, combining classroom and clinical training. Most LVNs hold a diploma or certificate, while some have an associate degree, which can improve pay and job prospects.
- Obtain Licensing and Certification: After completing your nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed and legally practice as an LVN. This standardized exam evaluates your knowledge and readiness to provide safe and effective nursing care.
- Gain Relevant Experience: LVN programs often include supervised clinical training. After licensure, working in settings like hospitals or clinics builds experience. Salaries usually rise after 2-4 years and increase further after 5-8+ years.
- Develop Key Skills: LVNs must be proficient in both technical nursing skills and soft skills. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments are crucial. Skills such as group therapy, health screening, and emotional support are highly valued.
- Build Your Career: With experience, LVNs can specialize in fields like dialysis, pediatrics, or correctional care, which offer varied salaries. Many also advance to Registered Nurse (RN) roles through bridge programs. Continuing education and certifications boost earnings and career growth.
What are the FAQs about Licensed Vocational Nurse?
Here are some common questions about licensed vocational nurse salary:
Is licensed vocational nurse a good job?
Yes, becoming an LVN is a highly rewarding career. It offers job stability, competitive salaries, and the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives. LVNs are in high demand across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health care. The profession is ideal for those looking to enter the medical field quickly and gain hands-on experience.
What skills do you need to be a licensed vocational nurse?
To be a successful Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), you need strong clinical and interpersonal skills like health screening, emotional support, patient education, and equipment maintenance. Mastering these skills improves patient care and can boost your salary by up to 10.71%.
How do additional certifications impact salary?
While basic licensure (via the NCLEX-PN) is required to practice, pursuing additional specialized training or certifications can lead to higher-paying opportunities. For example, LVNs working in dialysis centers, correctional facilities, or pediatrics often earn more due to the unique skills required. Also, gaining 2-4+ years of experience generally leads to a noticeable increase in salary.
