Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Goodyear, AZ: $59,346 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Goodyear, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,346 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Goodyear's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,250 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,972) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the licensed practical nurse field in Goodyear, Arizona, the starting licensed practical nurse salary can initially seem modest at $59,346. However, when considering the median salary of $79,972 for LPNs in the city, there is a considerable gap, suggesting significant earning potential as one gains experience. Entry-level LPNs can expect to see salary growth as they move beyond the first few years of practice, with opportunities to reach an annual salary at or above the city median by advancing through the P25 level of $71,097. Goodyear currently appears to be a favorable market for new nursing graduates, as the projected growth rate for LPN positions stands at 5.70% annually, indicating a demand for skilled nursing professionals in the area.
About the Goodyear Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Goodyear
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 Goodyear
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Goodyear, AZ typically start between $59,346 and $71,097 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,424 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,972 — 17.48% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Arizona of $12,000 represents just 20.22% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($59,346/year) in Goodyear. 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 Goodyear
- 1Research the Goodyear market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $59,346 to $71,097, 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 AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Goodyear, 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 Goodyear for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Goodyear'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 Goodyear is $47,424 ( 79.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,346, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,770.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,011
2025 BLS Actual
$56,146
2026 Current Est.
$59,346
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Goodyear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,011 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,151 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,935 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,705 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,552 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,418 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,146 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,346 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,729 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Goodyear, AZ grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,011 in 2019 to $56,146 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,729. New graduates entering the Goodyear job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goodyear 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 Goodyear
In Goodyear, many healthcare employers actively recruit entry-level LPNs, particularly skilled nursing facilities that provide comprehensive on-the-job training. These institutions are often the first to welcome new grads, offering structured orientation programs that help bridge the transition from classroom to clinical practice. Home health agencies are also a viable option for recent graduates seeking flexible schedules. Additionally, physician offices tend to prioritize candidates with relevant clinical experience, making internships or externships beneficial during nursing education. To enhance earning potential in Arizona, new nurses should ensure they hold an active LPN/LVN license and consider acquiring additional certifications, such as those in IV therapy or wound care. The first few years in the field are critical; the varied scope of practice among states, along with the shift in healthcare towards LPN-to-RN bridge pathways, offers a roadmap for career development that can lead to increased pay and responsibilities over time.
More salary data for Goodyear, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Goodyear in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Goodyear?
Is nursing school worth it in Goodyear?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Goodyear?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Arizona?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Goodyear. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Goodyear 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