Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $43,770 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Idaho Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,770 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Idaho Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 94.4 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,361 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,705) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Idaho Falls, the starting licensed practical nurse salary in 2026 reflects a base pay of approximately $43,770, significantly lower than the projected median annual salary of $63,705 for all LPNs in the area. This entry-level income illustrates the initial challenges graduates may face as they begin their careers, showcasing a considerable gap that new nurses will need to bridge over time. While the pathway to better pay appears promising—progressing to the 25th percentile salary of $51,687 and potentially reaching the median within three to five years—the comparatively slower growth, especially against the national median of $68,071, indicates that new graduates must approach the job market with realistic expectations. Idaho Falls currently presents a fair opportunity for new grads, as demand in healthcare continues to rise, offering various entry points into the nursing field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Idaho Falls
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 Idaho Falls
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Idaho Falls, ID typically start between $43,770 and $51,687 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,706 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,705 — 6.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Idaho of $10,000 represents just 22.85% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($43,770/year) in Idaho Falls. 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 Idaho Falls
- 1Research the Idaho Falls market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $43,770 to $51,687, 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 Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Idaho Falls'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 Idaho Falls is $35,706 ( 81.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,770, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,476.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,280
2025 BLS Actual
$41,410
2026 Current Est.
$43,770
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Idaho Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,280 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,380 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,770 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,265 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Idaho Falls, ID grew 28.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,280 in 2019 to $41,410 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,265. New graduates entering the Idaho Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls
The job market for new grad licensed practical nurses in Idaho Falls is conducive to immediate employment as several local facilities are actively seeking fresh talent. Skilled nursing facilities typically onboard new graduates with structured orientation programs, providing a supportive environment as they gain practical experience. Home health agencies also have attractive offerings, including flexible schedules that can appeal to newly licensed nurses. However, those seeking positions in physician offices may find the competition stiff, as some employers prefer candidates with specific clinic backgrounds. To enhance their earning potential, entry-level LPNs should consider attaining additional credentials, such as an active state board license, completion of an accredited practical nursing diploma, and passing the NCLEX-PN. Continuing education, including certifications in IV therapy or wound care, can further help increase initial salaries. Over the first few years in the field, realistic salary growth is achievable as LPNs gain experience, especially considering the increasing demand for skilled nursing in Idaho, which may also pave the way toward pursuing an LPN-to-RN bridge program in the longer term.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Idaho Falls in 2026?
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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 Idaho Falls. 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