Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Concord, NC: $52,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Concord, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,292 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,868 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($69,980) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking positions as licensed practical nurses in Concord, North Carolina, the entry level licensed practical nurse salary offers a promising starting point. In 2026, entry-level positions begin around $52,292, significantly lower than the median annual salary of $69,980 for LPNs in the area. While this initial pay may seem modest, it opens a pathway for growth within the profession. Over the first three to five years, starting salaries can increase as nurses gain experience, with pay reaching approximately $62,433 at the 25th percentile and possibly approaching the median as skills and competencies develop. Overall, Concord appears to be a vibrant market for new LPN graduates, particularly as facilities look to fill these essential roles.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
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 Concord
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Concord, NC typically start between $52,292 and $62,433 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,900 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $69,980 — 2.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in North Carolina of $10,000 represents just 19.12% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($52,292/year) in Concord. 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 Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $52,292 to $62,433, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, 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 Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Concord'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 Concord is $39,900 ( 76.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,292, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,192.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,374
2025 BLS Actual
$49,472
2026 Current Est.
$52,292
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,374 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,378 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,424 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,331 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,273 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, NC grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,374 in 2019 to $49,472 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,273. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord 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 Concord
In Concord, various healthcare employers are actively hiring entry-level licensed practical nurses, especially skilled nursing facilities, which tend to provide structured onboarding and mentoring for new grads. Home health agencies are also popular, offering flexible schedules that can accommodate lifestyle needs. However, candidates with specific clinic experience may find greater opportunities in physician offices. To enhance earning potential, new LPNs should ensure they possess an active LPN/LVN license, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing program from an accredited institution, and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Additionally, optional certifications in areas like IV therapy or wound care can help boost starting licensed practical nurse pay NC. Given that long-term care employs roughly 35% of LPNs nationally, new practitioners should consider pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs within their first few years to expand career opportunities and benefit from better salary prospects. Realistically, entry-level salaries in this sector can be expected to rise substantially over the first three years as LPNs gain valuable experience and credentials.
More salary data for Concord, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord 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