Hiring a licensed practical nurse: the market today

The short answer · Sep 25, 2026

912 open postings ask for a licensed practical nurse as of Sep 25, 2026, from 163 employers. The median advertised minimum is $57,325. 419 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.

912open postings

163employers hiring

$57,325median advertised minimum

419new in 30 days

Who you're competing with

Veterans Health Administration105

Medical University Of South Carolina (Musc)67

State of Arkansas53

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania43

California Correctional Health Care Services30

Open postings · Ayla, 2026-09-25

What it pays

Lower quartile$51,117

Median$57,325

Upper quartile$65,810

Federal average, series 0620$75,904

Advertised minimum, 611 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Jul 2026

Questions buyers ask

How hard is it to hire a licensed practical nurse?

Hard. 163 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Veterans Health Administration with 105 open postings.

What should I pay a licensed practical nurse?

Advertised minimums center on $57,325. Federal staff in series 0620 average $75,904 in actual pay.