LPN Salary

Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Stephenville, TX: $50,992 (2026)

Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Stephenville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,992 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stephenville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.04% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,117 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,388) within a few years of clinical practice.

$50,992
Starting Salary
$24.51/hr
Starting Hourly
$50,992
Entry Level
$59,388
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Licensed Practical Nurse Entry Level Salary in Stephenville, TX — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Stephenville, TX licensed practical nurse entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the starting licensed practical nurse salary in Stephenville, TX is projected to be around $50,992, which is the entry-level benchmark for recent graduates just entering the workforce. This figure is somewhat below the city’s median annual salary of $59,388, indicating that new LPNs may need to expect lower starting pay as they familiarize themselves with the field. Over the first few years, new graduates can anticipate a salary growth trajectory that ranges from this starting point up to about $57,256 within the first three to five years, based on career advancement opportunities and experience gained in the role. Given a projected 5.70% annual growth rate in this sector, Stephenville presents a reasonable market for new graduates, allowing for salary increases as they gain professional experience.

About the Stephenville Market

Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Stephenville

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$50,992/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$57,256/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$59,388/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$66,575/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stephenville

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for licensed practical nurses in Stephenville. The median salary is $59,388, compared to the national median of $68,071.$45.9K$52.7K$59.5K$66.3K$73.1K$51.0K10th Pctl$57.3K25th Pctl$59.4KMedian$66.6K75th Pctl$69.7K90th PctlUS Median$68.1K

Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Stephenville, TX typically start between $50,992 and $57,256 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,662 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,38812.76% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of licensed practical nurse pay in the Stephenville metro area.

Return on Investment

$13,000
Avg TX Program Cost
$50,992
Starting Salary
25.49%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nursing program cost in Texas of $13,000 represents just 25.49% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($50,992/year) in Stephenville. 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 Stephenville

  • 1Research the Stephenville market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $50,992 to $57,256, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Stephenville, 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 Stephenville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Stephenville'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 Stephenville is $18,662 ( 36.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,992, experienced hygienists can earn up to $69,654.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$33,519

2025 BLS Actual

$48,242

2026 Current Est.

$50,992

2019–2027 Growth

+60.8%

Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Stephenville (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for licensed practical nurses in Stephenville. Baseline $33,519 in 2025, projected to $53,898 by 2027.$29.4K$36.6K$43.7K$50.8K$58.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$33.5K$34.5K$36.0K$39.3K$44.3K$43.0K$48.2K$51.0K$53.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$33,519Actual
2020$34,499Actual
2021$36,031Actual
2022$39,271Actual
2023$44,295Actual
2024$42,987Actual
2025$48,242Actual
2026(current)$50,992Estimated
2027$53,898Projected

Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Stephenville, TX grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,519 in 2019 to $48,242 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,898. New graduates entering the Stephenville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stephenville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Stephenville

Employers in Stephenville actively seek to hire new licensed practical nurse graduates, with skilled nursing facilities being the most prominent in providing entry-level opportunities. These establishments typically offer on-the-job orientation, which can ease the transition for newly minted LPNs. Home health agencies might attract candidates looking for more flexible scheduling, while physician offices often prefer applicants with specific prior clinic experience. To boost their entry level licensed practical nurse pay in TX, candidates should focus on obtaining an active LPN/LVN license, complete a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an approved program, and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Additionally, pursuing optional certifications like IV therapy or wound care can enhance job prospects and starting salary potential. Early-career LPNs should consider their path toward the LPN-to-RN bridge, especially as long-term care facilities employ roughly 35% of LPNs nationally while many hospitals shift toward all-RN staffing models. In the first three years, realistic salary growth in this market can be expected as professionals develop skills in varied LPN scopes of practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Stephenville in 2026?

Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Stephenville start at approximately $50,992/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.70% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $24.52/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Stephenville?

Most licensed practical nurses in Stephenville progress from the entry-level salary of $50,992 to the area median of $59,388 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $69,654 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nursing school worth it in Stephenville?

With a starting salary of $50,992/year in Stephenville and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new licensed practical nurses recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Stephenville?

New nursing graduates in Stephenville typically start near the 10th percentile at $50,992/year, or approximately $24.52/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Texas?

To become a licensed licensed practical nurse in Texas, you typically need practical nursing diploma or certificate and passing the nclex-pn exam., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Texas, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some licensed practical nurses pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Texas

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

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 Stephenville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Stephenville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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