Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Andover, MN: $53,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Andover, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,928 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,749 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,936) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated licensed practical nurses in Andover, Minnesota, can expect a starting salary around $53,928, placing them at the 10th percentile of local pay. This figure indicates a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $64,936, showing that entry-level positions will naturally command lower prices. However, there's a gradual growth potential as new LPNs gain experience, with the possibility of reaching $61,552 at the 25th percentile within a few years on the job. Overall, Andover represents a favorable market for new graduates due to its steady projected growth of 5.70% annually in the LPN sector, giving early-career professionals a path for salary improvement as they build their skills and credentials.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($59,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
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 Andover
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Andover, MN typically start between $53,928 and $61,552 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,543 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,936 — 4.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $16,000 represents just 29.67% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($53,928/year) in Andover. 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 Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $53,928 to $61,552, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, 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 Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover'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 Andover is $28,543 ( 52.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,928, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,471.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,449
2025 BLS Actual
$51,020
2026 Current Est.
$53,928
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,449 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,485 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,106 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,532 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,845 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,002 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MN grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,449 in 2019 to $51,020 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,002. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
Employers in Andover looking to recruit entry-level licensed practical nurses often include skilled nursing facilities that provide extensive on-the-job training, making them prime options for new grads. Home health agencies are another popular choice, offering flexible scheduling that appeals to many new graduates. For those aiming to secure positions in physician's offices, having specific clinic experience can enhance job prospects. To boost starting licensed practical nurse pay in MN, new entrants should ensure they have an active LPN/LVN license from the state board of nursing, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing program, and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN. Additionally, pursuing optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further elevate their marketability. Given the significant variation in LPN scope of practice across states, understanding these differences—especially in settings like long-term care, where about 35% of LPNs are employed—can impact long-term job satisfaction and salary trajectories. In light of these factors, new licensed practical nurses in Andover should anticipate steady salary growth over the first few years of their careers, as they gain experience and explore potential pathways to RN licensure through LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
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 Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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