Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Sunrise, FL: $48,829 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Sunrise, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,829 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sunrise's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,441 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,408) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sunrise, Florida, the starting licensed practical nurse salary is projected at $48,829 in 2026. This entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city median salary of $62,408, which indicates a gap that new graduates may need to navigate in their early careers. New LPNs can expect their earnings to gradually increase as they gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile pay of $57,370 within the first few years. With a growth trajectory anticipated at 5.70% annually, Sunrise presents a promising market for new LPN grads, offering various opportunities to build their skills and salary.
About the Sunrise Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sunrise
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 Sunrise
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Sunrise, FL typically start between $48,829 and $57,370 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,396 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,408 — 8.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Florida of $10,000 represents just 20.48% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($48,829/year) in Sunrise. 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 Sunrise
- 1Research the Sunrise market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $48,829 to $57,370, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sunrise, 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 Sunrise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sunrise'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 Sunrise is $31,396 ( 64.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,829, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,225.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,098
2025 BLS Actual
$46,196
2026 Current Est.
$48,829
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,036 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,605 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,416 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,988 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,196 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,829 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,612 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Sunrise, FL grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,098 in 2019 to $46,196 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,612. New graduates entering the Sunrise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunrise 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 Sunrise
When seeking employment in this field, newly graduated LPNs in Sunrise should consider various potential employers. Skilled nursing facilities often prioritize hiring new graduates for their flexible onboarding programs, while home health agencies provide adaptable scheduling options, making them an attractive choice for many. Physician offices may prefer applicants with specific clinical experience, which adds importance to internship or externship opportunities during training. To enhance starting licensed practical nurse pay in FL, new entrants should ensure they have an active LPN license, a diploma from an approved practical nursing program, and have passed the NCLEX-PN. Pursuing additional credentials, such as IV therapy or wound care certifications, can also elevate initial earnings. In the first three years post-graduation, realistic salary growth opportunities exist as LPNs may transition to roles with expanded responsibilities, including LPN-to-RN bridge programs, especially given the evolving healthcare landscape that favors larger RN staffing in hospitals.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
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
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 Sunrise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sunrise 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