Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lander, WY: $50,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Lander, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,731 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lander's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,955 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,493) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Lander, Wyoming can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $50,731. While this figure sits below the city's median annual salary of $62,493, it offers a solid stepping stone for those just starting their professional journey. Over the first few years, LPNs in this market can anticipate growth toward $58,319 as they gain experience and further their skill sets. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.70% in the nursing sector, Lander presents a viable opportunity for recent graduates keen on establishing their nursing careers in this area.
About the Lander Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lander
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 Lander
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Lander, WY typically start between $50,731 and $58,319 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,507 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,493 — 8.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 19.71% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($50,731/year) in Lander. 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 Lander
- 1Research the Lander market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $50,731 to $58,319, 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 Lander, 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 Lander for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lander'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 Lander is $25,507 ( 50.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,731, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,238.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,348
2025 BLS Actual
$47,995
2026 Current Est.
$50,731
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lander (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,348 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,847 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,068 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,569 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,995 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,622 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Lander, WY grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,348 in 2019 to $47,995 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,622. New graduates entering the Lander job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lander 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 Lander
For aspiring LPNs in Lander, several local employers provide promising pathways for new graduates. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer the most opportunities, often integrating entry-level nurses with robust on-the-job training and support. Home health agencies appeal to those seeking flexible scheduling, while physician offices may prefer candidates who possess specific clinic experience. To enhance earning potential, obtaining an active LPN license from the state board of nursing, completing a diploma from an accredited practical nursing program, passing the NCLEX-PN exam, and pursuing optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can be beneficial. For LPNs in their first three years, strategic career growth may involve enrolling in LPN-to-RN bridge programs, as the long-term care sector currently employs a significant portion of LPNs nationally, allowing for a clear career trajectory that can result in increased salary and responsibilities.
More salary data for Lander, 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 Lander. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lander 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