Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Cody, WY: $51,505 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,505 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,763 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,690) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as a licensed practical nurse in Cody, Wyoming, offers new graduates a projected entry-level salary with considerable room for growth. In 2026, the minimum starting pay for newcomers in this field is estimated at $51,505, which is notably below the city’s median salary of $62,690. However, as new LPNs accumulate experience and further develop their skills over the initial years, they can realistically expect salaries to rise toward the 25th percentile salary of approximately $58,750 and potentially reach the median within three to five years. Given Cody’s relatively low cost of living—reflected in a cost of living index of 95.8—this starting licensed practical nurse salary may be an attractive opportunity for those looking to enter the profession.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Cody, WY typically start between $51,505 and $58,750 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,049 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,690 — 7.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 19.42% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($51,505/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $51,505 to $58,750, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody'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 Cody is $23,049 ( 44.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,505, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,554.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,857
2025 BLS Actual
$48,728
2026 Current Est.
$51,505
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,857 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,846 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,394 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,666 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,741 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,206 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,728 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,505 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,441 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,857 in 2019 to $48,728 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,441. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
Many healthcare employers in Cody are eager to hire new graduates as they offer essential training and orientation, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce. Skilled nursing facilities are among the primary employers, valuing the potential of newly licensed LPNs. Home health agencies attract those who prioritize flexible scheduling, while physician offices tend to look for candidates with relevant clinic experience. To enhance their starting pay, new licensed practical nurses should focus on obtaining essential credentials, like an active LPN license from the state board of nursing and passing the NCLEX-PN. Additional certifications in areas such as IV therapy can further increase job opportunities and potential income. Career strategies should include considering LPN-to-RN bridge programs, a common pathway for practical nurses in Wyoming, given the increasing trend toward all-RN staffing in many hospitals. In this market, realistic salary growth during the first few years can lead to a higher annual income as LPNs refine their skills and navigate the evolving scope of practice in the healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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