A licensed practical nurse, or LPN, works directly under a registered nurse or doctor. They are generally in charge of handling basic medical tasks in a hospital or medical facility. If you are considering becoming an LPN, it’s vital to understand nurse compensation.
This article will discuss whether licensed practical nurses receive an hourly wage or an LPN salary.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation
As a licensed practical nurse, being a salaried employee or being paid hourly is possible. This will likely depend on your specific employer and circumstances. There are benefits and drawbacks to both.
The average hourly and salary rate varies depending on your state. The rough average of an hourly LPN in the United States is $20-$45 per hour, while the rough average of a salaried employee is around $46k per year.
LPN Hourly Benefits and Drawbacks
As an hourly employee, certain benefits may be preferred for some. For instance, if you worked over 40 hours in a workweek, you would be eligible to receive 1.5 times your usual pay rate. This makes it possible to earn more by picking up extra shifts and makes it easier to pick up side jobs (due to hour flexibility).
A potential downside or drawback to working hourly is less financial security. While there may be more flexibility as an hourly LPN, there is no guarantee that you will earn a consistent, reliable income.
LPN Salary Benefits and Drawbacks
The primary benefit of being a salaried LPN is financial stability. Since the hours, days, and compensation are built into the contract, there is a much stronger sense of security than an hourly employee. This makes it easier to budget and ensures you have consistent money coming in.
A drawback of having a salaried position is that it’s difficult to strike a work/life balance. It can be challenging to separate yourself from the job. This is because you’ve made a firm commitment to the job; therefore, there’s less flexibility.
LPN vs RN Salary
When it comes to LPN vs RN salary, registered nurses earn more. On average, registered nurses average roughly $70k per year, which is $34k more than an LPN on average. This may vary depending on the state.
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