Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Riverton, UT: $48,741 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Riverton, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,741 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Riverton's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,685 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,091) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

When considering a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Riverton, Utah, starting salaries can vary notably. Entry-level positions generally offer around $48,741, which reflects a sizable gap from the city's median annual salary of $63,091. For recent graduates, this starting point positions them on a growth trajectory that can lead to approximately $57,104 within a few years as they gain experience and confidence in their roles. Overall, Riverton presents a promising market for new grads, especially with its expected growth rate of 5.70% annually. Those entering the field in 2026 can anticipate a range of opportunities that allow them to enhance their skills and advance in their nursing careers.
About the Riverton Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($57,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Riverton
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 Riverton
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Riverton, UT typically start between $48,741 and $57,104 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,322 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,091 — 7.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Utah of $12,000 represents just 24.62% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($48,741/year) in Riverton. 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 Riverton
- 1Research the Riverton market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $48,741 to $57,104, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Riverton, 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 Riverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Riverton'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 Riverton is $29,322 ( 60.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,741, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,063.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,040
2025 BLS Actual
$46,113
2026 Current Est.
$48,741
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Riverton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,976 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,441 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,538 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,741 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,520 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Riverton, UT grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,040 in 2019 to $46,113 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,520. New graduates entering the Riverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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 Riverton
In Riverton, skilled nursing facilities are among the primary employers hiring new LPN graduates, providing essential on-the-job orientation to ease the transition into the workforce. Home health agencies also seek recent graduates, benefiting from their flexible scheduling options, while physician offices may favor candidates who come equipped with specific clinic experiences. To better position themselves for competitive wages, new graduates should ensure they possess an active LPN/LVN license from the state board of nursing, alongside a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program and successful completion of the NCLEX-PN. Additional credentials, such as certifications in IV therapy or wound care, can set candidates apart in this competitive job market. Given that long-term care employs roughly 35% of LPNs nationally, it’s essential for early-career nurses to consider exploring LPN-to-RN bridge programs as they advance their careers. Realistically, those in their first few years can expect steady salary increases as they gain initial experience, but they should be prepared for varied pay scales dependent on their specific workplace and chosen career path.
More salary data for Riverton, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is nursing school worth it in Riverton?
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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 Riverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Riverton 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