Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kingman, AZ: $58,974 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Kingman, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,974 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingman's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,872 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($70,507) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of licensed practical nursing in Kingman, AZ, can expect an entry-level salary around $58,974 in 2026. This figure represents a starting point for many LPNs in the area and is competitive when compared to the median annual salary of $70,507 for licensed practical nurses in Kingman. Over the course of the first three to five years, entry-level nurses can anticipate growth in their earnings as they gain experience; the trajectory moves from the P10 mark gradually towards the median, with the P25 figure reaching $65,576. Given the relatively stable demand for healthcare professionals in Kingman, the market outlook appears favorable for new graduates looking to kickstart their careers in practical nursing.
About the Kingman Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingman
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 Kingman
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Kingman, AZ typically start between $58,974 and $65,576 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,067 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $70,507 — 3.58% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Arizona of $12,000 represents just 20.35% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($58,974/year) in Kingman. 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 Kingman
- 1Research the Kingman market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $58,974 to $65,576, 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 Kingman, 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 Kingman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingman'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 Kingman is $31,067 ( 52.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,974, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,041.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,766
2025 BLS Actual
$55,794
2026 Current Est.
$58,974
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kingman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,766 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,899 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,672 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,418 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,229 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,807 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,794 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,974 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,336 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Kingman, AZ grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,766 in 2019 to $55,794 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,336. New graduates entering the Kingman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingman 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 Kingman
In Kingman, various employers actively recruit new licensed practical nurses, providing ample opportunities for recent graduates. Skilled nursing facilities are often the primary hiring venues, offering comprehensive on-the-job orientation to help ease the transition into the workforce. Home health agencies may also be a viable option for new LPNs seeking flexibility in scheduling, while established physician offices tend to prefer candidates with specific clinical experience. To enhance starting licensed practical nurse pay in AZ, it is crucial to hold an active LPN/LVN license issued by the state board of nursing, as well as to have successfully completed a 12- to 18-month practical nursing diploma program and passed the NCLEX-PN. Certifications in areas like IV therapy or wound care can provide a competitive edge and lead to a more rewarding job experience. Over the first three years, realistic salary growth can be achieved through focused professional development, especially for those considering LPN-to-RN bridge programs to advance their careers in a market where long-term care employs around 35% of LPNs nationally.
More salary data for Kingman, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Kingman in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Kingman?
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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 Kingman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingman 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