Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lawrenceville, GA: $50,316 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Lawrenceville, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,316 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrenceville's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,045 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,144) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newcomers to the field of licensed practical nursing in Lawrenceville, Georgia, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $50,316. This reflects a significant initial gap when compared to the median annual salary of $63,144 for LPNs in the city, suggesting that new graduates may need to consider additional skills or certifications to elevate their starting pay. However, with experience and professional development, there is a clear growth trajectory; transitioning from entry-level to the 25th percentile salary of $58,334 is realistic within the first few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, Lawrenceville presents a favorable market for new LPN graduates, especially those eager to enhance their qualifications through ongoing education and work in diverse settings.
About the Lawrenceville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($53,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrenceville
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 Lawrenceville
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Lawrenceville, GA typically start between $50,316 and $58,334 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,264 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,144 — 7.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Georgia of $10,000 represents just 19.87% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($50,316/year) in Lawrenceville. 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 Lawrenceville
- 1Research the Lawrenceville market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $50,316 to $58,334, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrenceville, 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 Lawrenceville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrenceville's below-average 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 Lawrenceville is $27,264 ( 54.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,316, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,580.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,075
2025 BLS Actual
$47,603
2026 Current Est.
$50,316
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lawrenceville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,075 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,042 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,554 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,708 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,891 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,603 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,316 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,184 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrenceville, GA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,075 in 2019 to $47,603 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,184. New graduates entering the Lawrenceville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrenceville 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 Lawrenceville
Employers in Lawrenceville are actively seeking qualified LPNs, particularly in skilled nursing facilities that often provide structured on-the-job training for new grads. Home health agencies also present appealing opportunities, offering flexible schedules that can benefit those just starting their careers. Those hoping to increase their starting licensed practical nurse pay in GA should focus on fulfilling the requirements for licensure, including holding an active LPN/LVN license, completing a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Pursuing additional certifications in areas such as IV therapy or wound care can enhance one’s qualifications and salary potential. Throughout the first three years, it’s reasonable for LPNs to expect gradual salary increases that reflect their growing skills and experience, especially as many facilities seek to bridge the gap to the RN workforce amidst a changing healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Lawrenceville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Lawrenceville in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Lawrenceville?
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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 Lawrenceville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrenceville 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