Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Boise, ID: $49,786 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Boise, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,786 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boise's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,241 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,153) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the licensed practical nursing field in Boise, ID, can expect a starting salary around $49,786 in 2026. This is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $70,153, which sets a clear expectation for those just beginning their careers. Over the first few years of employment, new LPNs can anticipate gradual salary increases, with entry-level salaries potentially climbing to around $60,865 by the 25th percentile. This upward trend signifies a promising growth trajectory in Boise, suggesting that the local job market currently offers favorable conditions for entry-level positions, especially considering the projected 5.70% annual growth rate in the sector.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boise
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
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Boise, ID typically start between $49,786 and $60,865 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,643 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,153 — 3.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Idaho of $10,000 represents just 20.09% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($49,786/year) in Boise. 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
- 1Research the Boise market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $49,786 to $60,865, 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, 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 for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boise'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 is $43,643 ( 87.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,786, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,429.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,726
2025 BLS Actual
$47,101
2026 Current Est.
$49,786
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,726 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,683 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,179 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,247 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,099 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,101 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,786 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,624 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Boise, ID grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,726 in 2019 to $47,101 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,624. New graduates entering the Boise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise 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
In Boise, various employers actively seek new graduate licensed practical nurses, with skilled nursing facilities typically providing comprehensive orientation programs that cater to those just starting. Home health agencies may also appeal to recent graduates due to flexible scheduling options, while physician offices often prefer candidates with specific clinical experiences. To enhance entry-level pay in Idaho, prospective LPNs should ensure they have an active license from the state board of nursing, complete a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Additional credentials, such as certifications in IV therapy or wound care, can further elevate earning potential. As LPNs gain experience, they should consider LPN-to-RN bridge programs, especially since the primary employment options for LPNs increasingly lean toward long-term care and away from hospital settings. In years one through three, realistic salary expectations may show gradual growth as LPNs establish themselves in the workforce and gain vital experience.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Boise in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Boise?
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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. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boise 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