Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Richmond, IN: $50,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Richmond, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,752 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,588 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,788) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newly graduated licensed practical nurses (LPNs) entering the workforce in Richmond, Indiana, starting salaries are anticipated to be around $50,752 in 2026. This entry-level salary is noticeably lower than the median annual salary of $66,788 for all LPNs in the area, indicating a substantial gap. However, over the first few years, new nurses can expect a steady increase in their pay as they gain experience. By advancing to the 25th percentile mark at approximately $64,102, many new graduates could see their earnings rise as they familiarize themselves with their roles and responsibilities. Overall, the Richmond job market appears favorable for entry-level positions, especially given the growth rate of 5.70% projected for this profession over the next five years.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Richmond, IN typically start between $50,752 and $64,102 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,222 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,788 — 1.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Indiana of $12,000 represents just 23.64% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($50,752/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $50,752 to $64,102, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $31,222 ( 61.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,752, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,974.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,361
2025 BLS Actual
$48,015
2026 Current Est.
$50,752
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,361 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,336 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,086 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,015 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,645 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, IN grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,361 in 2019 to $48,015 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,645. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
Employers in Richmond typically hiring new graduate licensed practical nurses include skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. These environments often provide essential orientation that helps graduates transition into their new roles. Home health agencies, in particular, may offer flexible scheduling, which can be appealing for those just starting their careers. To enhance starting pay in Indiana, new LPNs should focus on obtaining an active LPN/LVN license, completing a 12- to 18-month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN. Additionally, securing optional certifications in areas like IV therapy or wound care can bolster credentials. As entry-level nurses navigate their initial years, they should consider the LPN scope of practice, which varies by state, and explore LPN-to-RN bridge programs, especially since many hospitals now prefer all-RN staffing models. Realistically, salary growth in the first three years could range from modest increases as they advance through varying LPN roles within long-term care and other healthcare settings.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Richmond in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Richmond?
Is nursing school worth it in Richmond?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Richmond?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Indiana?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Indiana
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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richmond 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