Fazlur Rahman
Published September 13, 2026 - Washington, D.C. In 2026, the RN (Registered Nurse) earns 37% more than the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). The national median RN salary is $98,000 versus $62,000 for LPNs, a $36,000 annual gap. The RN path requires a 2-year ADN or 4-year BSN; the LPN path requires a 12-18 month diploma. The RN has broader scope of practice, more career paths, and better long-term prospects. The LPN path is faster to start working, but the LPN-to-RN bridge is a common path (BLS OES, May 2025; NCSBN, 2026).
Data last verified September 13, 2026 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics May 2025 release, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) 2026 LPN scope of practice survey, and the American Nurses Association (ANA) 2026 Workforce Report.
Quick Answer
RN vs LPN salary in 2026: RN national median $98,000 vs LPN $62,000 (37% gap). RN education: 2-year ADN or 4-year BSN. LPN education: 12-18 month diploma. RN scope: comprehensive assessments, care plans, IV push. LPN scope: vital signs, basic wound care, oral/IM medications. BLS projects RN growth 6% through 2034, LPN growth 3%. Top states for both: California, Texas, Florida, New York (BLS OES, May 2025).
RN vs LPN salary by state (top 10, May 2025 BLS data)
| State | RN average (2026) | LPN average (2026) | Gap (RN-LPN) | Gap % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $140,000 | $78,000 | $62,000 | 44% |
| Hawaii | $128,000 | $72,000 | $56,000 | 44% |
| Oregon | $115,000 | $68,000 | $47,000 | 41% |
| Washington | $112,000 | $67,000 | $45,000 | 40% |
| Massachusetts | $110,000 | $68,000 | $42,000 | 38% |
| Alaska | $108,000 | $68,000 | $40,000 | 37% |
| New York | $105,000 | $65,000 | $40,000 | 38% |
| Connecticut | $102,000 | $63,000 | $39,000 | 38% |
| Nevada | $98,000 | $60,000 | $38,000 | 39% |
| New Jersey | $98,000 | $60,000 | $38,000 | 39% |
| Texas | $90,000 | $55,000 | $35,000 | 39% |
| Florida | $80,000 | $50,000 | $30,000 | 38% |
| Pennsylvania | $85,000 | $52,000 | $33,000 | 39% |
| North Carolina | $83,000 | $50,000 | $33,000 | 40% |
| Alabama | $60,000 | $40,000 | $20,000 | 33% |
| Mississippi | $58,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | 34% |
RN vs LPN education and scope of practice
| Aspect | RN (Registered Nurse) | LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 2-year ADN or 4-year BSN | 12-18 month diploma |
| Total tuition | $10,000-$120,000 | $5,000-$25,000 |
| Licensing exam | NCLEX-RN (75-145 questions, 5 hours) | NCLEX-PN (75-205 questions, 5 hours) |
| Scope: comprehensive assessment | Yes | No |
| Scope: care plans | Yes (create, modify) | No (only implement) |
| Scope: medications | All routes including IV push | Oral, IM, subcutaneous, IV (varies by state) |
| Scope: blood products / chemotherapy | Yes | No |
| Scope: titrate medications | Yes | No |
LPN job outlook and demand
The LPN job outlook is mixed: BLS projects 3% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, slower than the 4% average for all occupations. The slower growth is due to the substitution of LPNs by RNs and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in acute care settings. However, demand for LPNs remains strong in long-term care (nursing homes, assisted living), home health, and skilled nursing facilities. The aging US population (especially baby boomers over age 75) is driving demand for LPNs in long-term care. The top states for LPN jobs in 2026 are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania (BLS OOH, 2026).
LPN to RN bridge program
The LPN to RN bridge program lets LPNs earn an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) in 12-24 months instead of 2-4 years from scratch. The LPN-to-ADN bridge takes 12-18 months and is offered at community colleges; the LPN-to-BSN bridge takes 18-24 months and is offered at universities. LPNs receive advanced standing credit for their LPN coursework and clinical experience, which shortens the program. After completing the bridge, graduates take the NCLEX-RN exam and earn the RN credential. The bridge path is popular with working LPNs who want to advance their careers (NCSBN, 2026).
Which path should you choose?
Become an RN if you have 2+ years and can afford the tuition, because the salary, career ceiling, and job flexibility are substantially higher. Become an LPN if you need to start working in healthcare quickly (12-18 month program versus 2-4 years for RN) and plan to bridge to RN later. The LPN path is also right for: (1) people with family obligations who cannot commit to a 4-year BSN; (2) people testing whether nursing is the right career before investing in a longer program; (3) people planning to work in long-term care, home health, or skilled nursing facilities where LPN scope is sufficient. The LPN-to-RN bridge is a common path - roughly 15% of LPNs bridge to RN within 5 years of licensure (BLS, 2026).
Next steps
For RN salary details, see our RN salary by state. For the NP career path, see our how to become an NP guide.
Related Coverage
RN vs LPN: education and career path comparison
The RN-LPN pay gap (37% national average) reflects the substantial difference in education and scope of practice. RN education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, 2 years) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, 4 years). The BSN is now the preferred credential for hospital employment (Magnet hospitals require BSN for 80%+ of RN staff by 2024). LPN education: Certificate or diploma (typically 12-18 months at community college or vocational school). Scope of practice: RNs assess patients, develop nursing diagnoses, administer medications (including IV push), perform patient education, and supervise LPNs and CNAs. LPNs provide basic nursing care under RN supervision (vital signs, wound care, medication administration via oral/IM/SC routes only, catheterisation). Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs take 12-18 months full-time and are offered at community colleges; many employers offer tuition reimbursement (BLS OES, May 2025; ANA, September 2026).
RN vs LPN: education and career path comparison
The RN-LPN pay gap (37% national average) reflects the substantial difference in education and scope of practice. RN education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, 2 years) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, 4 years). The BSN is now the preferred credential for hospital employment (Magnet hospitals require BSN for 80%+ of RN staff by 2024). LPN education: Certificate or diploma (typically 12-18 months at community college or vocational school). Scope of practice: RNs assess patients, develop nursing diagnoses, administer medications (including IV push), perform patient education, and supervise LPNs and CNAs. LPNs provide basic nursing care under RN supervision (vital signs, wound care, medication administration via oral/IM/SC routes only, catheterisation). Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs take 12-18 months full-time and are offered at community colleges; many employers offer tuition reimbursement (BLS OES, May 2025; ANA, September 2026).
RN vs LPN: education and career path comparison
The RN-LPN pay gap (37% national average) reflects the substantial difference in education and scope of practice. RN education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, 2 years) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, 4 years). The BSN is now the preferred credential for hospital employment (Magnet hospitals require BSN for 80%+ of RN staff by 2024). LPN education: Certificate or diploma (typically 12-18 months at community college or vocational school). Scope of practice: RNs assess patients, develop nursing diagnoses, administer medications (including IV push), perform patient education, and supervise LPNs and CNAs. LPNs provide basic nursing care under RN supervision (vital signs, wound care, medication administration via oral/IM/SC routes only, catheterisation). Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs take 12-18 months full-time and are offered at community colleges; many employers offer tuition reimbursement (BLS OES, May 2025; ANA, September 2026).
RN vs LPN: education and career path comparison
The RN-LPN pay gap (37% national average) reflects the substantial difference in education and scope of practice. RN education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, 2 years) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, 4 years). The BSN is now the preferred credential for hospital employment (Magnet hospitals require BSN for 80%+ of RN staff by 2024). LPN education: Certificate or diploma (typically 12-18 months at community college or vocational school). Scope of practice: RNs assess patients, develop nursing diagnoses, administer medications (including IV push), perform patient education, and supervise LPNs and CNAs. LPNs provide basic nursing care under RN supervision (vital signs, wound care, medication administration via oral/IM/SC routes only, catheterisation). Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs take 12-18 months full-time and are offered at community colleges; many employers offer tuition reimbursement (BLS OES, May 2025; ANA, September 2026).
RN vs LPN: education and career path comparison
The RN-LPN pay gap (37% national average) reflects the substantial difference in education and scope of practice. RN education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, 2 years) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN, 4 years). The BSN is now the preferred credential for hospital employment (Magnet hospitals require BSN for 80%+ of RN staff by 2024). LPN education: Certificate or diploma (typically 12-18 months at community college or vocational school). Scope of practice: RNs assess patients, develop nursing diagnoses, administer medications (including IV push), perform patient education, and supervise LPNs and CNAs. LPNs provide basic nursing care under RN supervision (vital signs, wound care, medication administration via oral/IM/SC routes only, catheterisation). Most LPN-to-RN bridge programs take 12-18 months full-time and are offered at community colleges; many employers offer tuition reimbursement (BLS OES, May 2025; ANA, September 2026).
