Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Long Beach, NY: $51,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Long Beach, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,461 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Long Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,401 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,515) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of practical nursing, the starting licensed practical nurse salary in Long Beach, NY, is projected to be around $51,461 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the city's median annual salary of $65,515, indicating that new graduates may initially face a challenge in reaching that average pull. However, there is a promising trajectory for salary growth during the first few years of employment, with potential earnings climbing to approximately $59,925 after gaining some experience. With a steadily growing job market and a projected growth rate of 5.70% for LPN positions, Long Beach presents a favorable environment for new grads as they transition from academia to the workforce.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Long Beach
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 Long Beach
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Long Beach, NY typically start between $51,461 and $59,925 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,116 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,515 — 3.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in New York of $22,000 represents just 42.75% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($51,461/year) in Long Beach. 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 Long Beach
- 1Research the Long Beach market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $51,461 to $59,925, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Long Beach's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Long Beach is $28,116 ( 54.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,461, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,577.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,828
2025 BLS Actual
$48,686
2026 Current Est.
$51,461
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,828 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,816 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,363 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,632 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,702 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,416 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,686 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,394 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Long Beach, NY grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,828 in 2019 to $48,686 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,394. New graduates entering the Long Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Skilled nursing facilities in Long Beach are the primary employers of newly graduated licensed practical nurses, often providing structured orientations to help them acclimate to the job. Additionally, home health agencies can offer flexible scheduling, making them attractive options for recent graduates who may still be adjusting to their professional responsibilities. To enhance starting salary and improve job prospects, it is essential for new LPNs to hold an active license, complete a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Pursuing additional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can also give candidates a competitive edge. In the early years, building a robust skill set and considering LPN-to-RN bridge programs can open new doors and facilitate salary increases, as the LPN scope of practice can vary widely by state, influencing available opportunities and earnings potential.
More salary data for Long Beach, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Long Beach in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Long Beach?
Is nursing school worth it in Long Beach?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Long Beach?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in New York?
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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 Long Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Long Beach 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