Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Longmont, CO: $58,845 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Longmont, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,845 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Longmont's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,043 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,920) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the licensed practical nursing field in Longmont, Colorado can expect starting salaries around $58,845, a figure that serves as the baseline for entry-level positions. Compared to the median annual salary of $72,920 for LPNs in the city, there is a notable gap that reflects the growth trajectory available in this profession. With practical experience, salaries can rise significantly over the first few years, potentially reaching the 25th percentile average of $68,153 within that timeframe. Given these figures, Longmont presents an encouraging job market for new LPNs, particularly with its projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, indicating consistent demand for licensed practical nursing roles in the locality.
About the Longmont Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Longmont
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Longmont
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Longmont, CO typically start between $58,845 and $68,153 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,761 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,920 — 7.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $15,000 represents just 25.49% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($58,845/year) in Longmont. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Longmont
- 1Research the Longmont market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $58,845 to $68,153, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Longmont, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Longmont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Longmont's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Longmont is $36,761 ( 62.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,845, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,606.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,682
2025 BLS Actual
$55,672
2026 Current Est.
$58,845
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Longmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,682 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,581 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,319 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,117 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,184 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,672 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,845 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,199 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Longmont, CO grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,682 in 2019 to $55,672 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,199. New graduates entering the Longmont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Longmont metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Longmont
For those seeking positions, various employers in Longmont actively recruit newly licensed practical nurses, including skilled nursing facilities, which often provide thorough on-the-job training for recent graduates. Home health agencies offer attractive schedules for LPNs looking for flexibility, while larger physician offices may prioritize applicants with prior clinic experience. To enhance their initial pay in Colorado, new LPNs should ensure they have completed an accredited practical nursing diploma, maintain an active LPN/LVN license, and have successfully passed the NCLEX-PN exam. Additionally, pursuing optional certifications such as IV therapy or wound care can further elevate earning potential. In the first few years, salary growth is realistically achievable as LPNs gain practical experience, especially in the context of ongoing industry shifts towards long-term care and the implementation of LPN-to-RN bridge programs, allowing early-career professionals to expand their career options significantly.
More salary data for Longmont, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Longmont in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Longmont?
Is nursing school worth it in Longmont?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Longmont?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Colorado?
Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Longmont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Longmont is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov