Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Shoreview, MN: $50,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Shoreview, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,966 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shoreview's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,742 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,833) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of practical nursing, the landscape is promising in Shoreview, Minnesota. The starting licensed practical nurse salary in Shoreview is projected at $50,966 in 2026, representing an essential foundation as they embark on their careers. This initial figure is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $63,833, but it offers a solid starting point, especially for entry-level positions. Growth potential exists, with salaries expected to rise progressively from the starting salary through to the 25th percentile and eventually aligning closer to the median as experience increases. Given the region's 5.70% projected growth rate over the next five years, Shoreview remains an attractive market for newly licensed nurses keen on building their career.
About the Shoreview Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($59,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shoreview
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 Shoreview
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Shoreview, MN typically start between $50,966 and $57,776 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,015 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,833 — 6.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $16,000 represents just 31.39% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($50,966/year) in Shoreview. 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 Shoreview
- 1Research the Shoreview market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $50,966 to $57,776, 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 Shoreview, 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 Shoreview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shoreview'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 Shoreview is $28,015 ( 54.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,966, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,981.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,502
2025 BLS Actual
$48,218
2026 Current Est.
$50,966
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Shoreview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,502 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,482 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,013 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,251 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,783 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,218 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,872 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Shoreview, MN grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,502 in 2019 to $48,218 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,872. New graduates entering the Shoreview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreview 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 Shoreview
In Shoreview, numerous employers are ready to accommodate new LPN graduates. Skilled nursing facilities are at the forefront, typically hiring fresh graduates and providing on-the-job orientation, which is crucial for adapting to real-world patient care. Home health agencies similarly extend flexible working hours, making them desirable for those balancing various commitments. For those considering positions in clinics, physician offices often prefer candidates with specific experience, adding an extra layer of complexity. To boost entry-level pay, new graduates should ensure they hold an active LPN license from the state nursing board and consider pursuing additional certifications in IV therapy or wound care. The first few years in this profession can also lead polished opportunities like LPN-to-RN bridge programs, given the significant variation in LPN responsibilities across different states. Overall, those gaining initial experience in Shoreview can expect salaries to rise steadily within the first three years as they develop their skills and credentials.
More salary data for Shoreview, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Shoreview in 2026?
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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 Shoreview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shoreview 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