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Top 10 Best and Worst States to be a LPN/LVN
NursingLink / CareerVoyages.gov
There is a projected need for 309,000 LPN and LVNs needed in the United States by 2016. LPN and LVNs are one of the most in demand professions in America, but with so many job openings, it begs the question: Where should you work? NursingLink is committed to providing its members with the most most pertinent career research available. Below is the 10 best and worst places to be a LPN and LVN based on starting salary and job openings.
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10 Highest Paying States for LPN/LVNs
| State | Salary (hourly) |
| 1. Connecticut | $24.39 |
| 2. Massachusetts | $22.72 |
| 3. New Jersey | $22.50 |
| 4. Maryland | $21.89 |
| 5. District of Columbia | $21.85 |
| 6. Rhode Island | $21.82 |
| 7. Delaware | $21.20 |
| 8. California | $21.19 |
| 9. Alaksa | $20.76 |
| 10. Nevada | $20.33 |
JzzE1
over 2 years ago
4 comments
Georgia needs to be in this list along with North Carolina!!!!
sweethoneydew
over 2 years ago
4 comments
i think i will move to Connecticut, pay here in N.C. is not enough to buy groceries, much more pay your utilities and house mortgage. thanks for letting us know states that pay more for this profession, i love my job for many years. i love my patients. my reward is for them to get better, at least.
micoud
over 2 years ago
2 comments
what is the hourly rate for new york
dreamake9729
over 2 years ago
4 comments
They only pay around 14-17 in GA, i think they are under-paid!
AMELIAALEXANDER53
over 2 years ago
2 comments
IM AN LPN FROM CHICAGO AND I MAKE $19 AT THE HOSPITAL, I COULD MAKE 20-30 WORKING IN THE
SUBURBS OR FOR AN AGENCY.I WANT TO RELOCATE TO VEGAS- A LOT OF THOSE JOBS CALL FOR A
UNRESTRICTED LICENSE AND YOU HAVE TO BE I.V. AND PHEBOTOMY CERTIFIED.SO NOW I HAVE
ENROLLED IN THE RN PROGRAM AND I AM 50 SOMETHING YRS OLD.
onepowerfullady
over 2 years ago
260 comments
Yep, Im in MS. I think I should be considering a move for awhile. LOL! I am going to go on and bridge for the RN as soon as I finish this program. I am short a couple of prerequisites as mines are over 11 years old.....This is sad!
Account Removed
over 2 years ago
While Ohio may have some of the most openings for LPNs, it has been one of the worst states to work in as an LPN. I've worked in several other states in my career as an LPN and Ohio has been the worst and most limiting in terms of scope of practice. If you start out in Ohio as an LPN I suppose it isn't a big issue, but for anyone who moves there and gets their license by endorsement it is a HUGE change and major limitations are put on you concerning what you can/cannot do.
dawn3pugs
over 2 years ago
2 comments
Those figures seem high to me too. The most I made with 25 years experience was 17.00 an hour doing home care/hospice. Private duty is around 22. But who can live like that, never knowing what will happen tomorrow. I currently make close to 16.00 an hour with my shift diff in a nursing home. I am in PA.
strgazr84
over 2 years ago
6 comments
I live in Mass and the the salary figures are true... but.....we are Taxachusetts and dont bring home that. Not even close. And dont think about working in a nursing home. they pay atleast $3 less/hr. Private duty nursing as an LPN is close to $22, if not more.
loveworklife
over 2 years ago
2 comments
I live in corpus christi, and I find that is untrue. There is a need for all nurses. Corpus christi is the fattest city in america. To act as if lvns aren't quote professional is obsurd. Secondly lvn training is about the same time length as medical assistants. Medical assistants get externships but not hospital rotations. Lvns are better trained, anyone who can't find a job in a hospital or clinic as an lvn here are just not trying. Its amazing how people like to say there isn't a need for lpns, but yet you don't see the job going anywhere.
sfccon
over 2 years ago
4 comments
to loneoak: about a yr ago you said there wouldnt be LVN's in the hosp? I'm still here at $29+/hr!! They have had that same rumor my whole career, and I continue to work! Not sure where y'all get your figures, but they dont agree with the world I'm living in.
LPNslave
over 2 years ago
4 comments
I would like to move to Cincinnati, Ohio. Wonder how they pay?
LPNslave
over 2 years ago
4 comments
Delaware pays very well for LPN?LVN I made 24/day shift and 26/night shift, now I'm in Louisiana only making 17.50 and they dont pay shift diff.
prettyblknurse
almost 3 years ago
2 comments
I have been search for employment in south carolina after making 28 in NY Im not ready for half the pay. This is real crazy!
yvonnejohnson
almost 3 years ago
2 comments
The state of Kentucky should be on the "worst" list. I'm an LPN and I don't even make $12 an hour working in a nursing home. The owners of the company said the reason we're not paid much is because the area we live in is considered a depressed area, so we should be willing to work for anything considering we're poor and all.