Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Bennington, VT: $55,089 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Bennington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,089 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bennington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,226 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,511) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A starting licensed practical nurse salary in Bennington, VT, is projected to be around $55,089 in 2026, providing a solid foundation for new graduates entering the healthcare field. While this figure is below the city’s median annual salary of $67,511, early-career LPNs can expect to see their earnings grow significantly as they gain experience, moving toward the 25th percentile at $62,994 and possibly reaching the median within three to five years. Given its competitive entry-level payscale coupled with a healthy projected growth rate of 5.70%, Bennington presents a favorable market for new practical nursing graduates eager to start their careers.
About the Bennington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($59,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bennington
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 Bennington
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Bennington, VT typically start between $55,089 and $62,994 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,260 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,511 — 0.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Vermont of $17,000 represents just 30.86% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($55,089/year) in Bennington. 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 Bennington
- 1Research the Bennington market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $55,089 to $62,994, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bennington, 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 Bennington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bennington'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 Bennington is $27,260 ( 49.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,089, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,349.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,212
2025 BLS Actual
$52,118
2026 Current Est.
$55,089
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Bennington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,926 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,426 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,853 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,118 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,089 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,229 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Bennington, VT grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,212 in 2019 to $52,118 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,229. New graduates entering the Bennington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bennington 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 Bennington
Several employers in Bennington actively hire new LPN graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, both of which often provide on-the-job training and flexible shifts. However, physician offices may prefer candidates with prior clinical experience, highlighting the need for new graduates to seek internships or externships during their training. To enhance their starting pay in Vermont, new nurses should ensure they possess an active LPN license, complete a 12- to 18-month practical nursing program, and pass the NCLEX-PN exam; additional certifications like IV therapy or wound care can further increase job prospects. As entry-level LPNs develop their skills, many may consider pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs, as hospitals increasingly favor an all-RN staffing model. Realistically, aspiring LPNs can anticipate gradual pay increases during their first few years on the job as they gain experience, confidence, and broaden their scope of practice.
More salary data for Bennington, VT:
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 Bennington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bennington 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