Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Duluth, MN: $52,015 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Duluth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,015 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Duluth's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,597 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,403) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those beginning their careers as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Duluth, Minnesota, the expected starting salary in 2026 is around $52,015. This entry-level pay reflects the lower end of the salary range, which spans from $52,015 to $75,206. When compared to the median annual salary for LPNs in Duluth, which is projected to be $64,403, new graduates can anticipate a gap of approximately $12,388 in their first year. However, as they gain experience and enter positions that may pay closer to the 25th percentile, new LPNs can expect to make around $56,201, suggesting a gradual increase over the first few years. Taking into account the city’s overall healthcare landscape, Duluth currently presents a promising market for new graduates looking to establish themselves in the nursing profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Duluth
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 Duluth
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Duluth, MN typically start between $52,015 and $56,201 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,191 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,403 — 5.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $16,000 represents just 30.76% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($52,015/year) in Duluth. 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 Duluth
- 1Research the Duluth market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $52,015 to $56,201, 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 Duluth, 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 Duluth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Duluth'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 Duluth is $23,191 ( 44.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,015, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,206.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,770
2025 BLS Actual
$49,210
2026 Current Est.
$52,015
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,015 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,980 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Duluth, MN grew 33.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,770 in 2019 to $49,210 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,980. New graduates entering the Duluth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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 Duluth
Looking at employment opportunities in Duluth, various healthcare facilities actively recruit new LPN graduates. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer comprehensive on-the-job orientations, which can be invaluable for first-time LPNs. Additionally, home health agencies often provide flexible schedules that can attract new graduates seeking work-life balance. For those targeting positions in physician offices, relevant clinical experience can be beneficial. It is imperative for aspiring LPNs to hold an active license and have completed a practical nursing diploma program to maximize their earning potential. Furthermore, pursuing additional credentials such as IV therapy or wound care certifications could enhance starting pay. While LPNs in Minnesota see a gradual growth in their salary trajectory from entry-level to more experienced roles, the shift towards Registered Nurse (RN) staffing models means that many LPNs may find themselves considering LPN-to-RN bridge programs within their first few years to secure more advanced positions and higher salaries.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Duluth in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Duluth?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Duluth?
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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 Duluth. 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