Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Mankato, MN: $68,071 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Mankato, MN earns a median $68,071/year (≈ $32.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Mankato's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.0), that paycheck buys what $74,840 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Mankato, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $68,071, which aligns with the national average for the profession. The salary range for LPNs in this region stretches from $56,560 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $82,383 for those at the higher end (90th percentile), reflecting a competitive compensation structure across various healthcare settings. This information is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys. In the context of Minnesota's LPN scope of practice, which includes responsibilities like IV therapy and patient assessment, Mankato's job market presents promising opportunities for nurses looking to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,560 | $27.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,699 | $31.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,071 | $32.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,224 | $37.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,383 | $39.61 |
Median Salary Position
0.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mankato
In Mankato, MN, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,823 (2026 est.). At $68,071, the local median is 0% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Mankato: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mankato Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Mankato median: $68,071/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mankato Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $67,397 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +0.00% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Mankato, MN earn a median of $68,071 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.00% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.00% above the Minnesota state average of $67,397.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mankato has a cost of living 9.05% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mankato, MN has a cost-of-living index of 90.955 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $68,071 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,840 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,330
2025 BLS Actual
$64,400
2026 Current Est.
$68,071
2019–2027 Growth
+52.0%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,500 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,071 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,951 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mankato metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 36.1% from $47,330 (2019) to $64,400 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,951 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,621 (52.02%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mankato 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $56,560 – $64,699 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,699 – $68,071 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,071 – $77,224 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,224 – $82,383 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Mankato
Currently, there are about 360 licensed practical nurses employed in the Mankato area, indicating a robust local job market. With a cost of living index of 90.955, the earnings for LPNs in this city provide a relatively strong purchasing power compared to national averages. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals generally offer the most competitive salaries for LPNs. The variability in pay across settings often stems from factors such as shift differentials, certification stipends for IV therapy, and various premiums for weekend or holiday shifts. To maximize earnings, licensed practical nurses in Mankato might consider additional certifications, seeking positions in long-term care or hospice settings, and strategically negotiating pay based on their experience and specialties. Understanding these nuances of licensed practical nurse pay in Mankato, MN, can significantly influence career decisions and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Mankato, MN:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,400 for licensed practical nursesin the Mankato metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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