Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lebanon, NH: $57,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Lebanon, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,758 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lebanon's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,829 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,242) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lebanon, New Hampshire, new graduates entering the workforce as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect a starting salary around $57,758 in 2026. Although this figure reflects the lowest end of the salary range, the median salary in the area is projected at $70,242, which means new LPNs may find themselves at a significant gap compared to their more experienced counterparts. For many, the first few years in practice can lead to salary growth, with those starting at $57,758 seeing potential increases to $64,277 within a couple of years as they gain experience and hone their skills. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, Lebanon presents a stable job market for new grads, making it a viable choice for aspiring licensed practical nurses looking to start their careers.
About the Lebanon Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lebanon
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 Lebanon
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Lebanon, NH typically start between $57,758 and $64,277 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,000 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,242 — 3.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in New Hampshire of $18,000 represents just 31.16% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($57,758/year) in Lebanon. 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 Lebanon
- 1Research the Lebanon market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $57,758 to $64,277, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lebanon, 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 Lebanon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lebanon'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 Lebanon is $26,000 ( 45.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,758, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,758.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,967
2025 BLS Actual
$54,643
2026 Current Est.
$57,758
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,967 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,481 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,172 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,092 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,643 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,050 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Lebanon, NH grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,967 in 2019 to $54,643 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,050. New graduates entering the Lebanon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lebanon 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 Lebanon
New graduates in Lebanon should be aware that local employers who hire entry-level LPNs typically include skilled nursing facilities, which often provide robust on-the-job orientation programs. Additionally, home health agencies are a great option for those seeking flexible scheduling, while physician offices may prefer candidates with specific clinic experience. To enhance starting pay, new LPNs should ensure they possess a valid active LPN/LVN license, complete a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN. Those seeking to boost their credentials might also consider obtaining optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care. In the first three years of their careers, LPNs can expect to see salary increases as they gain expertise, particularly as they navigate the clinical variations in practice scope specific to New Hampshire. Transitioning to LPN-to-RN bridge programs further enhances career advancement potential, allowing licensed practical nurses to meet evolving healthcare demands.
More salary data for Lebanon, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Lebanon in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Lebanon?
Is nursing school worth it in Lebanon?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Lebanon?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
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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 Lebanon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lebanon 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