LPN Salary

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 98.12% 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.

$48,741
Starting Salary
$23.43/hr
Starting Hourly
$48,741
Entry Level
$63,091
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$48,741/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$57,104/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$63,091/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$72,885/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Riverton

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for licensed practical nurses in Riverton. The median salary is $63,091, compared to the national median of $68,071.$43.9K$53.4K$62.9K$72.4K$82.0K$48.7K10th Pctl$57.1K25th Pctl$63.1KMedian$72.9K75th Pctl$78.1K90th PctlUS Median$68.1K

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 $63,0917.32% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$12,000
Avg UT Program Cost
$48,741
Starting Salary
24.62%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (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 Riverton. Baseline $32,040 in 2025, projected to $51,520 by 2027.$28.1K$35.0K$41.8K$48.6K$55.4K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$32.0K$33.0K$34.4K$37.5K$42.3K$40.8K$46.1K$48.7K$51.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$32,040Actual
2020$32,976Actual
2021$34,441Actual
2022$37,538Actual
2023$42,340Actual
2024$40,757Actual
2025$46,113Actual
2026(current)$48,741Estimated
2027$51,520Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Riverton start at approximately $48,741/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 $23.43/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 Riverton?

Most licensed practical nurses in Riverton progress from the entry-level salary of $48,741 to the area median of $63,091 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $78,063 (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 Riverton?

With a starting salary of $48,741/year in Riverton 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 Riverton?

New nursing graduates in Riverton typically start near the 10th percentile at $48,741/year, or approximately $23.43/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 Utah?

To become a licensed licensed practical nurse in Utah, 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 Utah, 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

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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 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).

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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