Why do LPNs only make $40K per year?

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In order to earn $40k a year, the nurse has to work throughout the year. RN or LPN/LVN, if you aren't working, you are unlikely to earn much. Even working full time, there are many LPN/LVN's who don't see $40k in a good year. LPN/LVNs who don't earn as much as $40k/yr are not valued. They are valued even less when their employers tell them that they will not be getting salary raises when the local minimum wage rises to $15/hr.

I'm an LPN for 8 years have worked SNF, Home Health, and now presently in Case Managment and I make 78K annually. It's all about location if you ask me. Some states pay higher than others.

Specializes in VA, Ortho, Med/Surg.

Oh, and if u want to make the REALLY good money, be a traveling nurse!

I've been a LPN for 6 months now. Although my base salary is about 45k I'm due to break the 60k mark this year all thanks to the sign on bonus and occasional OT. There is money to be made as a LPN but you have to put in some work to get it.

I worked in childcare at a daycare before I decided to get my LPN license. I just graduated and passed NCLEX. Currently job hunting. Working in childcare and making 16 to 18K a year and now maybe making double that...makes it worth it. I don't have kids to support so, 40K is enough to support me right now but I do plan on getting my RN. Hoping in the Spring to start on prereqs and get into a LPN-RN fasttrack program in a year or so.

I do not regret going the LPN route because I did not have the money for RN school and technical college was much cheaper because Pell Grants paid for most of it! Plus,it was small classes so I got a lot of one on one with professors in classroom and clinical sights. I think being a LPN for a year is going to help me be a better RN in the future.

I'm a LPN. I love what I do, home health. I spent a year on the floor when I first became a nurse in 2010. My pay has increased considerably. Averaging 50+ yearly. I have a lot less stress than the RNs. Pay is less also, which I'm fine with, i.e. Less stress. There are so many jobs in nursing and every one is important. The sky is the limit, good luck.

I've been a LPN for 36 years and I've made well over $40,000 for at least the last 20 years. I don't work weekends or overtime!

As a LPN you are working under a RN. These positions are to be signed off by a RN only. Are you aware of that?

Some nurses only make $50,000 per year.

Specializes in LTC, Assisted Living, Surgical Clinic.

How did you get into case management? Seems like around where I live you need to be a RN for MDS or case management. Would love to get a chance at that kind of job!

If you work those types of jobs in long term in MA the DON is the person " who technically covers that"

Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

That is incorrect unless you work in a facility with very few beds. I've been a DON for 15 years and NEVER was the person signing the MDSs- unless I did them. One building had 40 beds and it still wasn't me.

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