Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Plymouth, MN: $49,043 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Plymouth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,043 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,790 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,686) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the nursing profession in Plymouth, Minnesota, the starting licensed practical nurse salary reflects both the local job market and the broader economic landscape. In 2026, entry-level positions begin at approximately $49,043, which may appear modest when compared to the median annual salary for LPNs in the area, which stands at $66,686. This highlights a significant gap that new graduates must be prepared to bridge over their initial years of employment. As they navigate their early careers, many can expect to see substantial growth in their earnings, moving from the P10 salary of $49,043 to the P25 figure of $62,749 within just a few years, demonstrating Plymouth’s potential as a conducive market for new hires in the field of practical nursing.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($59,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Plymouth, MN typically start between $49,043 and $62,749 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,857 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,686 — 2.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $16,000 represents just 32.62% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($49,043/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $49,043 to $62,749, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $34,857 ( 71.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,043, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,900.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,238
2025 BLS Actual
$46,398
2026 Current Est.
$49,043
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,238 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,654 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,601 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,398 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,838 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MN grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,238 in 2019 to $46,398 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,838. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
New graduates looking to secure entry-level positions in Plymouth should target skilled nursing facilities, which are typically the largest employers of LPNs and offer structured on-the-job orientation. Home health agencies are also appealing, often providing more flexible scheduling options, while physician offices generally prefer candidates who possess specific clinic experience. To enhance their starting salaries, new LPNs should ensure they have completed a state-approved practical nursing diploma, passed the NCLEX-PN, and hold an active LPN license. Those who pursue additional certifications in areas like IV therapy or wound care may also find themselves in a better position to negotiate pay. Given that the landscape for LPNs is continuously evolving, early-career professionals will find that pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs is a strategic move, promoting their career advancement and potentially leading to significant salary increases within the first few years in their roles.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is nursing school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Plymouth?
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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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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