Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Boise City, ID: $55,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Boise City, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,672 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boise City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.4 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,582 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,766) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of nursing, the starting licensed practical nurse salary in Boise City, ID holds promising potential. The entry-level pay, anticipated at $55,672 in 2026, is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $70,766, suggesting that while recent graduates may begin on the lower end, there is ample room for financial growth. In the early years, LPNs can progress across a salary range that extends to $66,306 as they gain experience—an achievable milestone within the first 3-5 years. For those considering a career in practical nursing, Boise City is currently an advantageous market, with a projected growth rate of 5.70%, indicating a welcoming environment for newly licensed professionals seeking their first job.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boise City
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 Boise City
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Boise City, ID typically start between $55,672 and $66,306 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,863 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,766 — 3.96% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Idaho of $10,000 represents just 17.96% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($55,672/year) in Boise City. 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 Boise City
- 1Research the Boise City market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $55,672 to $66,306, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Boise City, 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 Boise City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boise City'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 Boise City is $27,863 ( 50.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,672, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,535.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,480
2025 BLS Actual
$52,670
2026 Current Est.
$55,672
2019–2027 Growth
+75.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Boise City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,846 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Boise City, ID grew 57.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,480 in 2019 to $52,670 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,846. New graduates entering the Boise City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise City 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 Boise City
In Boise City, various employers provide opportunities for entry-level licensed practical nurses, particularly skilled nursing facilities that typically focus on the hiring and training of recent graduates. Home health agencies are also attractive options, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate personal commitments. Aspiring LPNs are encouraged to gain additional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, which can enhance starting pay and job prospects. Essential credentials include an active LPN/LVN license from the state board of nursing, a 12- to 18-month diploma from an approved program, and a successful pass on the NCLEX-PN. In the first few years of employment, new grads may experience a gradual increase in pay as they hone their skills and potentially engage in LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which can lead to opportunities in various healthcare settings. While advancement is possible, understanding the local job market dynamics and specific employer needs will be crucial for long-term success.
More salary data for Boise City, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Boise City in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Boise City?
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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 Boise City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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