LPN salary questions

[KimPN]

Ok... I've been reading couple of topics regarding LPN pay... It's really low to the point where I don't think it's worth working getting paid less than $20. Even pharmacy technicians make close to $16/hr in illinois. So... I wonder... When you go on interview, do you ask for pay first? or how does this work? Can you negotiate? I really can't afford to get paid 14-18 dollars an hour. I was expecting as low as $21. This is scary...

[NurseDaCosta]

From what I've heard they just got one.

Oh wow cool I guess

[ejm123]

I just started my first LTC job as a new grad 19/hr in NC

[akanini, MSN, RN]

LPNs I know make $26 (no bennies) Home Care 12 hour shift here in NYC, and $22 in LTC (1199, FULL benefits).

[tonya mays]

Depends on where u r. Remember the more u make it could be related to the cost of living, high turn over etc.

[NurseGuyBri]

Lets just use an example. Average in Southeastern VA is around 15/hr for LPN. The average is low because your range could be 13 to 21 to start depending on if it is a hospital, LTC, ALF, SNF, Office, Specialty center, Plasma center, Dialysis, etc. (you get my point). Majority are FT and have benefits. Back to the 15/hr. Salary is $31,200. Your employer pays a huge chunk of your healthcare. Ours is about 2200/yr. Add 12 sick days a year. That's $1440. Add 10 vacation days a year. $1200. Add 401 k 1/2 match. $1560. This is an ESTIMATE. 31,200 + 2,200 + 1,440 + 1,200 + 1,560. Total: 37,600. 18/hr. So this is not exact math, just imagine you started at 18/hr, your really getting 21-22/hr with benefits. Be careful when you try to haggle a base, there's more value.

Not to mention nurses where I'm at work Mon-Fri. That's a benefit all in itself.

[indiechic, LPN]

In Washington, the starting is generally $20. I had two jobs when I first got my license, one paid $24/hr and the other $21/hr. In my experience, confidence in the interview translates into higher starting wage. Almost two years later, I'm over $31/hr. Anything is possible! :)