The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for a Practical Nursing around the country.
What We Do
Licensed practical nurses are a form of nursing professional who can provide basic care to patients within a variety of different care based settings. These individuals will monitor and maintain patient health, as well as perform wound care, updating regular patient records, and taking vital signs. Some of these professionals will even be responsible for assisting patients with their personal hygiene. To many, becoming a licensed practical nurse or vocational nurse represents one of the simplest ways to enter the field of health care without the need for years of schooling. Many individuals begin working after two years of further education.
Work Environment
Licensed practical nurses will be able to apply their skills for patient care in a wide variety of different healthcare settings. These health professionals are regularly employed by nursing homes, independent doctors’ offices, hospice facilities, and companies for home health care. Many of these licensed practical nurses work full time, and although most of them work in only one facility, some of them will divide their hours between a range of locations.
How to Become a Practical Nursing
Those who are planning to have a career as a licensed practical nurse will begin with the completion of a training program approved by the state. LPN programs are often available at community colleges, hospitals, and technical schools, and they can last one year, after which a diploma is provided. Curricula may include plenty of practical experience in clinical settings and courses in medical terminology, basic nursing, life span health care, infection control, and pharmacology.
Training & Certification Requirements
Once you have completed your basic training as a practical nurse, you will need to be registered by passing the national licensure examination for all practical nurses that is offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This exam will require the payment of a fee, and can sometimes be taken over the computer. Once the exam is passed, candidates will receive their LPN license and may then practice their profession.
Practical Nursing Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Practical Nursing.
Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
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LPN CMA Rma | $30,000 |
Practical Nurse Sign Up | $23,000 |
LPN Givh PRN | $42,000 |
Nurse Licensed Practical | $38,000 |
Ops Senior LPN | $16,000 |
CNA Rrmc | $29,000 |
Nurse Assistant Emanuel | $33,000 |
Senior LPN | $35,000 |
Account Manager Healthcare | $58,000 |
LPN Long Term Care | $33,000 |
Practical Nursing Earning Potential
As of May 2015, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has reported that most licensed practical nurses and vocational nurses were earning a yearly income of approximately $43,170.
Practical Nursing Job Outlook
According to the BLS, employment opportunities for licensed practical nurses and vocational nurses are expected to see a growth of 16% from 2014 to 2024. This growth in demand is likely to be caused by the senior population, which is constantly increasing and spurring a larger demand for healthcare.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Practical Nursing was $51,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide are 12% lower than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Practical Nursing Salary by State
The following lists Practical Nursing salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $64,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $31,000.
Alaska – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Providence Health & Services, Workplace Alaska, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and South Peninsula Hospital. | |||||||||||
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Alabama – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Golden Living Centers, Amedisys, Inc., Vaughan Regional Medical Center, and Corizon Health. | |||||||||||
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Arkansas – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Correct Care Solutions, Kindred At Home, Catholic Health Initiatives, and Washington Regional. | |||||||||||
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Arizona – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like HonorHealth, Terradin LLC, Banner Health, and Brookdale. | |||||||||||
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California – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, PSA Healthcare, Palmdale Regional Medical Center, and BrightStar Care. | |||||||||||
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Colorado – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Correct Care Solutions, Vivage, and Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver, CO. | |||||||||||
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Connecticut – $59,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Dungarvin, MASONICARE, and Genesis Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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DC – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Genesis Healthcare, Maxim Healthcare Services, and Quadrant, Inc.. | |||||||||||
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Delaware – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like BAYADA Home Health Care, Interim HealthCare, Epic Health Services Inc., and Genesis Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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Florida – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Shands Healthcare, BayCare, and Maxim Healthcare Services. | |||||||||||
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Georgia – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Pediatria Healthcare for Kids, PruittHealth, and Golden Living Centers. | |||||||||||
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Hawaii – $31,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Kaiser Permanente, DSI Renal Inc., Hawaii Nursing Solutions, and RCM Health Care Services. | |||||||||||
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Iowa – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Catholic Health Initiatives, UnityPoint Health, Mercy Cedar Rapids, and Terradin LLC. | |||||||||||
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Idaho – $33,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Corizon Health, St. Luke’s Health System, ResCare, and Kindred Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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Illinois – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Maxim Healthcare Services, UnityPoint Health, and BrightStar Care. | |||||||||||
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Indiana – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dungarvin, Golden Living Centers, Accessible Medical Staffing, and Trilogy Health Services. | |||||||||||
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Kansas – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, Terradin LLC, Phoenix Home Care, and Brookdale. | |||||||||||
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Kentucky – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Terradin LLC, Maxim Healthcare Services, Signature HealthCARE LLC, and Genesis Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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Louisiana – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Tulane Medical Center, Ochsner Health System, and Christus Health. | |||||||||||
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Massachusetts – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Maxim Healthcare Services, Genesis Healthcare, and Kindred Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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Maryland – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Genesis Healthcare, NMS Healthcare, Golden Living Centers, and Wexford Health Sources, Inc.. | |||||||||||
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Maine – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MAS Medical Staffing, Genesis Healthcare, Correct Care Solutions, and Maxim Healthcare Services. | |||||||||||
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Michigan – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, Botsford Hospital, Terradin LLC, and Henry Ford Allegiance Health. | |||||||||||
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Minnesota – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Dungarvin, Golden Living Centers, Mayo Clinic, and Sholom Community. | |||||||||||
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Missouri – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Phoenix Home Care, Corizon Health, Maxim Healthcare Services, and Heartland Health. | |||||||||||
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Mississippi – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Golden Living Centers, Compassus, Orianna Health Systems, and Kindred At Home. | |||||||||||
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Montana – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like St. Vincent Healthcare, Billings, MT, Holy Rosary, Miles City, MT, EmpRes Healthcare, and Billings Clinic. | |||||||||||
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North Carolina – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Novant Health, BAYADA Home Health Care, and Duke University and Duke University Health System. | |||||||||||
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North Dakota – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health, Altru Health System, Essentia Health, and Catholic Health Initiatives. | |||||||||||
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Nebraska – $37,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Unlisted Company, Golden Living Centers, Maxim Healthcare Services, and Five Star Senior Living. | |||||||||||
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New Hampshire – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Genesis Healthcare, Catholic Medical Center, Maxim Healthcare Services, and Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene. | |||||||||||
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New Jersey – $55,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, BAYADA Home Health Care, Maxim Healthcare Services, and Dungarvin. | |||||||||||
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New Mexico – $44,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Terradin LLC, Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Genesis Healthcare, and Accountable Healthcare Staffing. | |||||||||||
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Nevada – $39,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Fundamental, NaphCare, Inc., BrightStar Care, and Mountain View Care Center. | |||||||||||
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New York – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Cross Country Healthcare, Centers Health Care, and Maxim Healthcare Services. | |||||||||||
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Ohio – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, Mercy Health, Interim HealthCare, and Brookdale. | |||||||||||
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Oklahoma – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, HILLCREST MEDICAL CENTER, Aspire Home Care, and Aspire Homecare. | |||||||||||
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Oregon – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Providence Health & Services, Tuality Healthcare, and Asante. | |||||||||||
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Pennsylvania – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Maxim Healthcare Services, BAYADA Home Health Care, and Golden Living Centers. | |||||||||||
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Rhode Island – $46,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like MAS Medical Staffing, Genesis Healthcare, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, and BAYADA Home Health Care. | |||||||||||
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South Carolina – $50,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, McLeod Health, ResCare, and Correct Care Solutions. | |||||||||||
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South Dakota – $38,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Sanford Health, Golden Living Centers, Regional Health, and Welcov Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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Tennessee – $47,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Elk Valley Health Services LLC, and At Home Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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Texas – $49,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Epic Health Services Inc., Encompass Home Health, and SAVA SENIOR CARE. | |||||||||||
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Utah – $40,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, Premier Health Partners, Rocky Mountain Care, and Harmony Home Health and Hospice. | |||||||||||
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Virginia – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Golden Living Centers, Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County, and Sentara Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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Vermont – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Genesis Healthcare, MHM Services Inc., Kindred Healthcare, and The University of Vermont Medical Center. | |||||||||||
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Washington – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like PSA Healthcare, Multicare Health System, Alliance Nursing, and Maxim Healthcare Services. | |||||||||||
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Wisconsin – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Maxim Healthcare Services, Correct Care Solutions, Aurora HealthCare, and Home Health United. | |||||||||||
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West Virginia – $48,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Genesis Healthcare, ResCare, Interim HealthCare, and Maxim Healthcare Services. | |||||||||||
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Wyoming – $42,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
Average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Practical Nursing salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like West Park Hospital, Executive Search Solutions, State of Wyoming, and EmpRes Healthcare. | |||||||||||
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