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Looking to plump your paycheck? Vivian Health has the inside track to where the money’s at for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) considering a new specialty. LPNs, or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in California and Texas, work throughout the healthcare industry in various settings. Like registered nurses (RNs), LPNs can specialize within patient populations or practice areas, and some specialties pay more than others. Whether you’re finishing up an LPN education program or already working as an LPN and seeking new opportunities, consider these top 10 highest-paying LPN specialties for 2024 to earn above-average compensation.
Boost Your Salary with LPN Specialties
While salaries for LPNs vary based on education, experience, facility and location, specialty can also significantly affect how much you take home each pay period. Earning a nursing certification in your specialty validates your knowledge, increasing the likelihood that you’ll make more money, but unfortunately, LPNs have fewer certification options than RNs.
Some certifications you might consider include Long-Term Care certification or Certified Wound Treatment Associate if you plan to work in a skilled nursing facility. IV Therapy certification can be beneficial in various healthcare settings, and a Certified Urologic Associate credential could serve you well working in an outpatient urology clinic or the urology unit of a hospital. But LPNs can specialize in nearly any area, even if professional certification isn’t available.
Another contributing factor to an LPN’s earning potential is whether they work on staff or take travel LPN jobs. Despite the recent cooling among all travel nursing salaries, travel LPN salaries still typically pay more than staff roles. Thus, we created our top 10 list by comparing the average weekly pay rates of travel LPN jobs in various specialties posted on Vivian Health over the past year. However, the same specialty could pay more or less at your facility since we used national averages, not state or local data.
To enhance your comparison of LPN specialties, we included the average hourly rates for staff LPN positions within each specialty based on jobs listed on Vivian Health as of January 26, 2024. We calculated average weekly pay by multiplying the per-hour rate by a 40-hour workweek to compare weekly salaries among staff and travel LPNs in the same role. We also included the highest hourly staff and travel rates to demonstrate the potential ceiling in these top-paying roles.
10 Top Paying LPN Specialties Projected in 2024
Beginning an LPN career takes less time than becoming an RN, primarily due to reduced education requirements. However, LPNs rank directly below RNs for having one of the fastest-growing careers in 2024. Based on our research, these 10 LPN specialties should command top pay in 2024.
1. Correctional LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS / CCHP
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,635
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,920
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $30.47
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,219
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $39
Correctional LPNs provide healthcare to incarcerated individuals within correctional facilities, including jails, prisons and detention centers. Working in correctional facilities requires a broad range of nursing skills while ensuring safety and security within this specialized environment. These LPNs are adept at assessing and addressing diverse healthcare needs, from routine to emergency care. Their role encompasses conducting health assessments, administering medications, treating minor injuries and illnesses, managing chronic conditions and assisting with medical emergencies.
They may also engage in health education programs, promoting preventive care and addressing the unique healthcare challenges that could arise in a confined setting. Correctional LPNs serve as a bridge between the healthcare system and the correctional system, ensuring individuals have access to necessary medical services. They consistently collaborate with other healthcare professionals and correctional officers to maintain inmates’ overall health and well-being, delivering compassionate care even in challenging circumstances.
2. Home Health LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,633
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,831
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $33.17
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,327
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $46
Home Health LPNs provide essential, personalized care to patients in the comfort of their own homes under the supervision of RNs or physicians. Through a unique blend of clinical skill and compassionate care, they play a vital role in monitoring patients’ conditions and ensuring their overall health and well-being. Home Health LPNs conduct health assessments, administer medications, provide wound care, assist with activities of daily living and perform a broad range of other medical services tailored to meet the specific needs of each home health patient.
Beyond the technical aspects of their role, they’re adept at building trusting relationships with their patients, offering emotional support and fostering a sense of security and independence. Their commitment to ensuring the continuity of care and enhancing the quality of life for those under their care makes Home Health LPNs integral contributors to the broader healthcare landscape, delivered to the heart of the community.
3. Clinic LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS / WCC / WTA-C
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,616
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,080
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $23.88
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $955
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $38
Clinic LPNs are skilled nurses providing essential patient care and support in outpatient clinical settings. The fast-paced nature of these settings requires LPNs to bring their clinical expertise to the forefront as they perform a range of tasks, from conducting initial patient assessments and taking vital signs to administering vaccinations and assisting with minor procedures. They also perform other patient-centered tasks like documenting patient information, educating patients and promoting proper infection control measures to ensure smooth clinic operations.
Action-packed clinic jobs require LPNs who’ve mastered multitasking, allowing them to juggle diverse responsibilities with a smile. What truly sets Clinic LPNs apart is their ability to create a welcoming, supportive environment for patients of all ages. They excel at building rapport, offering reassurance and addressing patient concerns with a warm, empathetic touch. A Clinic LPN’s commitment to patient well-being and ability to collaborate seamlessly with the entire healthcare team make them invaluable contributors to the healthcare experience.
4. Utilization Review LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,590
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $1,728
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $30.47
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,219
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $39
Utilization Review LPNs work behind the scenes, playing a vital role in optimizing patient care and resource allocation to ensure patients receive appropriate, cost-effective care. In the intricate world of healthcare management, these dedicated LPNs review medical records, treatment plans and insurance claims to assess the efficiency of healthcare services. Utilization LPNs collaborate closely with healthcare teams to evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of procedures, treatments and hospital stays to help control costs and improve patient outcomes.
These knowledgeable nurses also help educate patients about insurance coverage, treatment options and healthcare resources. But what sets them apart is their keen attention to detail and ability to navigate complex healthcare systems. Utilization Review LPNs identify areas for improvement and cost-effective alternatives, making them instrumental in maintaining the delicate balance between patient needs and the efficient use of healthcare resources. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that every aspect of patient care is effective and economical.
5. Pediatrics LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS / PALS / NRP / PEARS
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,581
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,040
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $30.47
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,219
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $40
Pediatrics LPNs are vital in delivering specialized care to the youngest patients. They focus on the unique needs of pediatric patients, from infants to teenagers, to ensure they receive the best possible medical attention. Pediatric LPNs are skilled in monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with various medical procedures and working closely with pediatricians, RNs and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care.
Beyond the clinical aspects of their role, these nurses excel in creating a nurturing and comfortable environment for young patients and their families. Pediatrics LPNs blend expertise and warmth into their practice to support families through challenging times. Whether helping a child through vaccination or offering guidance on managing a chronic condition, these nurses possess a genuine passion for positively impacting young patients’ lives. Their commitment includes creating an atmosphere of trust and care, ensuring every child receives the attention they need to thrive.
6. Psychiatric LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS / LPT
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,545
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,462
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $30.47
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,219
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $39
Psychiatric LPNs specialize in mental health, providing crucial support and sensitivity to individuals facing psychiatric challenges. These dedicated nurses play an essential role in helping patients manage their mental health disorders and psychiatric conditions by facilitating therapy sessions, administering medications, monitoring patient responses and creating a safe and therapeutic environment. They work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals, participating in treatment planning and offering insights into patient progress to ensure continuity of care.
Their unique blend of clinical expertise and empathy makes Psychiatric LPNs invaluable in various inpatient and outpatient settings, including psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, residential treatment centers and community health facilities. Their skill at establishing trust and rapport with patients fosters an environment where individuals feel heard and supported. Psychiatric LPNs provide a crucial link between patients and the mental health support they need, where each interaction is an opportunity to positively impact the lives of those they serve.
7. Behavioral Health LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,523
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,462
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $29.05
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,162
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $33
Behavioral Health LPNs specialize in the complex field of behavioral health, where they provide invaluable care and support to individuals navigating mental health and/or substance abuse challenges. They work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, therapists and social workers, to deliver comprehensive, individualized care. Behavioral Health LPNs strive to deliver holistic care while administering medications, monitoring patients’ physical and mental health, assisting with therapy sessions and providing therapeutic interventions under RN or physician supervision.
Compassionate Behavioral Health LPNs assist patients in various mental health settings, including psychiatric hospitals, clinics, residential treatment centers and community mental health facilities. They’re adept at creating a non-judgmental, therapeutic environment where patients feel understood and supported on their journey to mental and emotional wellness. What distinguishes Behavioral Health LPNs is their commitment to promoting resilience in the face of mental health struggles with empathy and expertise, ensuring each interaction is an opportunity to inspire hope.
8. Emergency Department LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS / ACLS
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,519
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,715
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $32.43
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,297
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $38
Emergency Department (ED) LPNs are frontline heroes in the fast-paced world of emergency care. Working in collaboration with emergency doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, they bring a unique combination of clinical expertise and quick thinking to deliver swift, effective care to patients in urgent medical situations. ED LPNs play a crucial role in stabilizing patients, potentially assisting in life-saving medical procedures. They’re also responsible for triaging patients, taking vital signs, administering medications, performing wound care, starting IV lines and monitoring patients’ conditions.
What sets ED LPNs apart is their ability to thrive under pressure. They excel in managing various medical emergencies, from injuries and traumas to critical illnesses, prioritizing and delivering timely interventions to address patients’ immediate needs. ED LPNs are adept at calming anxious patients and their families, providing reassurance and emotional support during moments of crisis. They navigate the chaotic environment of the emergency room with composure, making split-second decisions that contribute to the lifesaving efforts that define emergency medicine.
9. Skilled Nursing Facility LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS / CLTC / WCC / WTA-C
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,512
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,283
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $30.47
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,219
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $39
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) LPNs provide specialized, compassionate nursing care to residents in extended care and rehabilitative settings. They play a central role in enhancing residents’ quality of life, collaborating with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure their physical, emotional and psychological well-being. SNF LPNs possess a wealth of clinical expertise, allowing them to perform a wide array of tasks. They administer medications, conduct health assessments, collaborate on developing comprehensive care plans, provide wound care and help with activities of daily living.
Their commitment to providing personalized care and ensuring that individual needs and preferences are respected make SNF LPNs stand out in their field. They create a nurturing environment, fostering a sense of community and well-being to positively impact the lives of those requiring extended care. SNF LPNs’ dedication to promoting dignity and independence makes them integral in ensuring holistic care where residents can thrive.
10. Long-Term Care LPN
- Relevant Certifications: BLS / CLTC / WCC / WTA-C / CHPLN
- Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,495
- Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,630
- Average Hourly Staff Rate: $28.85
- Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,154
- Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $34
Long-Term Care (LTC) LPNs are compassionate caregivers specializing in providing sustained and comprehensive support to residents in residential long-term care settings. Like SNF LPNs, these nurses may work in skilled nursing facilities but also find employment in nursing homes, assisted living communities and other long-term care facilities. They provide comprehensive nursing care to residents who require ongoing medical attention and support due to chronic illnesses, disabilities or the challenges of aging.
Duties of LTC LPNs run the gamut, including monitoring residents’ health, administering medications, assisting with activities of daily living, collaborating with the healthcare team to formulate individualized care plans and providing emotional support. What sets them apart is their focus on fostering a supportive, homelike environment, promoting residents’ physical health and emotional and social well-being. LTC LPNs build strong connections with their patients, contributing to the creation of a nurturing community where residents can age with dignity and comfort.
Additional LPN Career Paths
While these LPN specialties may not currently be among the highest-paying positions, they still present attractive job openings on Vivian. These specialized fields, ranging from school nursing to family practice, provide unique opportunities to develop specific skills and expertise and make a difference in the healthcare industry. By pursuing a career in these niche areas, LPNs can gain valuable experience and contribute to providing quality care to patients.
| Specialty | Average Weekly Travel Pay | Max Weekly Travel Pay | Average Hourly Staff Pay | Max Hourly Staff Pay |
| Ambulatory Care LPN | $1,487 | $2,416 | $30.47 | $39 |
| Long-Term Acute Care | $1,484 | $2,528 | $30.47 | $39 |
| School LPN | $1,434 | $2,002 | $30.47 | $39 |
| Med Surg LPN | $1,417 | $2,756 | $28.24 | $34 |
| Intensive Care Unit LPN | $1,414 | $1,800 | $30.47 | $43 |
| Telemetry LPN | $1,395 | $2,500 | $30.75 | $35 |
| Administrative LPN | $1,363 | $1,464 | $30.47 | $39 |
| Hospice LPN | $1,326 | $2,020 | $29.75 | $32 |
| Urgent Care LPN | $1,269 | $1,693 | $30.47 | $39 |
| Family Practice LPN | $1,169 | $1,296 | $30.47 | $39 |
| Private Duty LPN | $937 | $1,520 | $30.47 | $39 |
Demand for LPNs within a specific field can vary by state, city and facility based on local needs, potentially driving up salaries in some locations but not others. Continuing your education and pursuing RN licensure is another way to increase your earning potential in nursing while furthering your career growth. Explore the highest-paying RN specialties to learn whether your practical nursing experience transfers and get on track for a more lucrative future.
Download the Vivian App and take your healthcare career to the next level by applying for staff or travel positions within one of these high-paying LPN specialties.
