Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Nampa, ID: $52,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Nampa, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,190 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nampa's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,764 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,622) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new grads embarking on a career as licensed practical nurses in Nampa, Idaho, can expect to start with salaries around $52,190. This initial compensation represents a significant gap from the overall median annual salary of $69,622 in the city. However, early-career earnings can show a promising trajectory, particularly as new LPNs move from the starting pay at the 10th percentile toward the 25th percentile at $62,292 within just a few years. The local job market remains favorable for new graduates seeking opportunities, especially given the projected 5.70% annual growth rate within the profession over the next five years.
About the Nampa Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nampa
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 Nampa
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Nampa, ID typically start between $52,190 and $62,292 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,020 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,622 — 2.28% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Idaho of $10,000 represents just 19.16% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($52,190/year) in Nampa. 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 Nampa
- 1Research the Nampa market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $52,190 to $62,292, 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 Nampa, 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 Nampa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nampa'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 Nampa is $37,020 ( 70.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,190, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,210.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,307
2025 BLS Actual
$49,376
2026 Current Est.
$52,190
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Nampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,307 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,878 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,336 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,991 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,376 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,165 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Nampa, ID grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,307 in 2019 to $49,376 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,165. New graduates entering the Nampa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nampa 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 Nampa
Employers across Nampa often seek newly licensed nurses in various care settings, with skilled nursing facilities being the primary recruiters of entry-level talent. These facilities typically offer comprehensive on-the-job training and orientation for recent graduates to help them acclimate to the professional environment. Home health agencies attract many new LPNs with flexible scheduling options, while physician offices sometimes prefer candidates who possess specific clinic experience. It is essential for new graduates to hold an active LPN license, have completed a 12-18 month accredited practical nursing program, and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Furthermore, pursuing additional credentials like IV therapy or wound care certifications can enhance job prospects. LPNs eyeing career advancement may consider bridge programs to become RNs, given that many hospitals are moving towards an all-RN staffing model. Realistic salary expectations during the first few years will likely see gradual growth, aligning closely with local market demands and evolving responsibilities.
More salary data for Nampa, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Nampa in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Nampa?
Is nursing school worth it in Nampa?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Nampa?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Idaho?
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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 Nampa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nampa 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