Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Bloomington, MN: $53,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Bloomington, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,627 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,444 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,173) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent nursing graduates looking for their first job, the starting licensed practical nurse salary in Bloomington, MN, is projected to be around $53,627 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level threshold, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $68,173. However, there is a clear pathway for growth in the early years of employment; many new LPNs can expect to see their salaries rise towards the P25 value of $61,236 as they gain experience and prove their skills. Given a favorable growth trajectory of 5.70% annually, the market appears to be promising for new graduates entering the profession during this period.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($59,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
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 Bloomington
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Bloomington, MN typically start between $53,627 and $61,236 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,889 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,173 — 0.15% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $16,000 represents just 29.84% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($53,627/year) in Bloomington. 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 Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $53,627 to $61,236, 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 Bloomington, 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 Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington'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 Bloomington is $33,889 ( 63.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,627, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,516.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,251
2025 BLS Actual
$50,735
2026 Current Est.
$53,627
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,251 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,282 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,893 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,284 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,735 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,684 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, MN grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,251 in 2019 to $50,735 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,684. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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 Bloomington
In Bloomington, various employers actively seek out newly graduated licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities are the primary hirers of these entry-level candidates, often supporting their transition into the field with structured on-the-job training. Home health agencies provide additional flexibility with scheduling, which can be appealing to new grads. For those looking to enhance their initial salary, obtaining an active LPN/LVN license from the state board of nursing, completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN exam are essential steps. Moreover, earning additional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can provide an edge in the job market. As LPNs navigate their first few years, the industry trend indicates a growing demand in long-term care facilities, despite hospitals increasingly favoring RN staffing models. Consequently, strategic planning may include exploring LPN-to-RN bridge programs to further career advancement and salary potential within this evolving landscape in Bloomington, MN.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Bloomington in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Bloomington?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Bloomington?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Minnesota?
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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 Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington 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