Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Manhattan, KS: $52,089 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Manhattan, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,089 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manhattan's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,773 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,932) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
A new graduate entering the world of practical nursing in Manhattan, Kansas, can expect a starting salary of approximately $52,089 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level benchmark for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $64,932, creating a pay gap that new grads should be aware of as they begin their career. Over the first few years, there is room for growth; many LPNs can anticipate moving to $57,120 and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience. For recent graduates, Manhattan presents a viable job market, offering opportunities for practical nurses to secure employment and advance in their careers, especially considering the projected growth rate of 5.70% over the next five years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manhattan
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 Manhattan
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Manhattan, KS typically start between $52,089 and $57,120 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,029 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,932 — 4.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Kansas of $9,000 represents just 17.28% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($52,089/year) in Manhattan. 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 Manhattan
- 1Research the Manhattan market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $52,089 to $57,120, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manhattan, 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 Manhattan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manhattan'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 Manhattan is $30,029 ( 57.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,089, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,118.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,130
2025 BLS Actual
$49,280
2026 Current Est.
$52,089
2019–2027 Growth
+61.3%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,020 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,089 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,058 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Manhattan, KS grew 44.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,130 in 2019 to $49,280 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,058. New graduates entering the Manhattan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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 Manhattan
In Manhattan, the types of employers hiring newly licensed practical nurses typically include skilled nursing facilities that provide thorough on-the-job orientation. Home health agencies often favor recent graduates for their flexible scheduling options, while physician offices might look for specific clinical experience. To enhance their marketability, new LPNs should possess an active LPN license from the state board, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma, and pass the NCLEX-PN. Optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can also be advantageous. For those beginning their careers, it’s essential to recognize that LPN responsibilities can vary significantly by state; for instance, Kansas permits LPNs to perform certain IV therapies, unlike some states. In their first three years, new LPNs can expect realistic salary growth as they navigate the job market, with long-term care facilities employing a substantial portion of LPNs while hospitals continue to transition towards an all-RN staffing model. Thus, strategic career planning, including consideration of LPN-to-RN bridge programs, is vital for those seeking advancement in their nursing careers in Manhattan, KS.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Manhattan. 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