Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Laramie, WY: $50,643 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Laramie, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,643 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laramie's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,863 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,452) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of practical nursing in Laramie, Wyoming, the starting licensed practical nurse salary reflects a competitive market, especially for new graduates. In 2026, the lowest estimate for annual pay stands at $50,643, which may be a realistic expectation for entry-level positions. This starting figure sits below the city's median annual salary of $64,452, indicating a substantial gap that new nurses will work to close as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years of their career, LPNs can anticipate growth through experience, with salaries potentially reaching as high as $59,165 at the 25th percentile. Given the overall growth rate of 5.70% for this profession, Laramie presents a promising opportunity for new grads looking to launch their careers in healthcare.
About the Laramie Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laramie
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 Laramie
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Laramie, WY typically start between $50,643 and $59,165 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,143 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,452 — 5.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 19.75% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($50,643/year) in Laramie. 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 Laramie
- 1Research the Laramie market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $50,643 to $59,165, 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 Laramie, 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 Laramie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laramie'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 Laramie is $28,143 ( 55.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,643, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,786.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,290
2025 BLS Actual
$47,912
2026 Current Est.
$50,643
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Laramie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,785 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,992 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,912 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,643 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,530 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Laramie, WY grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,290 in 2019 to $47,912 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,530. New graduates entering the Laramie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 Laramie
Within Laramie, various types of employers actively seek to hire fresh licensed practical nurse graduates, providing diverse entry-point opportunities. Skilled nursing facilities frequently onboard new LPNs, offering structured on-the-job orientation that helps smooth the transition from school to workplace. Home health agencies, meanwhile, tend to promote flexible scheduling, making them appealing for new nurses balancing personal and professional obligations. Conversely, physician offices may prioritize candidates with direct clinical experience. To boost starting pay, obtaining an active LPN license, completing a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN are crucial first steps. Additionally, earning certifications in areas such as IV therapy can enhance marketability. As LPNs navigate their early years, focusing on specialty skills and exploring LPN-to-RN bridge programs can support long-term career advancement, especially as the healthcare landscape prioritizes higher nursing credentials.
More salary data for Laramie, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Laramie in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Laramie?
Is nursing school worth it in Laramie?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Laramie?
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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 Laramie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laramie 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