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 96.0 — 4% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Stephenville
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 $59,388 — 12.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,031 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,271 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,295 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,987 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,242 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,898 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stephenville 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 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.
More salary data for Stephenville, TX:
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 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).
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