Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Monroe, LA: $47,512 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Monroe, LA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,512 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Monroe's local price level (BEA RPP 83.6 — 16% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,835 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,516) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

For new graduates seeking a career as a licensed practical nurse in Monroe, Louisiana, the starting salary offers a realistic entry point into the healthcare field. In 2026, the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in Monroe is projected to be around $47,512, which falls below the city’s median annual salary of $58,516. This gap highlights the natural progression many new LPNs can expect as they gain experience; within the first few years, salaries typically rise through ranges such as $50,863 at the 25th percentile to higher averages with experience. The job market in Monroe suggests promising opportunities for recent grads, supported by a 5.70% annual growth rate, making it an attractive location for new healthcare professionals to build their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Monroe
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 Monroe
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Monroe, LA typically start between $47,512 and $50,863 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,857 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,516 — 14.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Louisiana of $9,000 represents just 18.94% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($47,512/year) in Monroe. 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 Monroe
- 1Research the Monroe market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $47,512 to $50,863, 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 LA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Monroe, 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 Monroe for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Monroe'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 Monroe is $18,857 ( 39.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,512, experienced hygienists can earn up to $66,369.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,130
2025 BLS Actual
$44,950
2026 Current Est.
$47,512
2019–2027 Growth
+66.7%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Monroe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,512 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,220 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Monroe, LA grew 49.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,130 in 2019 to $44,950 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,220. New graduates entering the Monroe job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Monroe 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 Monroe
For those entering this field, understanding potential employers in Monroe can provide a head start in finding suitable positions. Skilled nursing facilities are significant hiring grounds for newly licensed LPNs, often offering on-the-job training and orientation to help ease the transition from school to practice. Home health agencies provide flexibility in scheduling that appeals to many new grads, while physician offices tend to prefer candidates with some clinical experience. To enhance earning potential and marketability in Louisiana, obtaining credentials like an active LPN/LVN license, completing a diploma from an accredited program, passing the NCLEX-PN, and seeking additional certifications in areas like IV therapy or wound care can set candidates apart. Early career goals for LPNs often include focusing on gaining diverse experiences and pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs, especially as the scope of practice for LPNs evolves. With thoughtful career planning in place, realistic salary growth in the first three years may reflect the increase in both responsibility and expertise gained in Monroe’s healthcare settings.
More salary data for Monroe, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Monroe in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Monroe?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Monroe?
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Related Pages
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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 Monroe. 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