Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Mountain Home, ID: $50,024 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Mountain Home, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,024 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mountain Home's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,491 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,815) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the LPN workforce in Mountain Home, Idaho, presents new graduates with starting salary expectations around $50,024 in 2026. This initial pay falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $63,815, creating an approximate gap of $13,791. However, new LPNs can anticipate a steady progression in their earnings over the first few years, moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile with an average figure of $62,207. Given the projected growth rate of 5.70% annually, the Mountain Home market is favorable for entry-level licensed practical nurses, as the demand for LPNs aligns well with the expanding healthcare needs in the region, especially in nursing homes and home health environments.
About the Mountain Home Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mountain Home
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 Mountain Home
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Mountain Home, ID typically start between $50,024 and $62,207 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,670 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,815 — 6.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Idaho of $10,000 represents just 19.99% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($50,024/year) in Mountain Home. 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 Mountain Home
- 1Research the Mountain Home market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $50,024 to $62,207, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mountain Home, 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 Mountain Home for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mountain Home'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 Mountain Home is $29,670 ( 59.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,024, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,694.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,883
2025 BLS Actual
$47,326
2026 Current Est.
$50,024
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Mountain Home (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,883 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,844 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,347 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,525 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,454 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,326 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,024 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,875 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Mountain Home, ID grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,883 in 2019 to $47,326 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,875. New graduates entering the Mountain Home job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mountain Home 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 Mountain Home
In Mountain Home, several employers are keen to hire newly graduated licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities often provide thorough on-the-job training and orientation, catering specifically to this entry-level demographic. Home health agencies offer additional opportunities with the advantage of flexible scheduling, while physician offices may prefer candidates with certain clinic experience. For LPNs in Idaho, possessing an active state board license, completing a 12-18 month practical nursing program, and passing the NCLEX-PN are essential credentials. Optional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can also enhance earning potential. Throughout their first few years, LPNs should pursue experience and possibly consider LPN-to-RN bridge programs, especially given that long-term care employs about 35% of LPNs nationally. Realistically, salary increases within the first three years may reflect adjustments based on experience, bringing salaries closer to competitive figures within the local market.
More salary data for Mountain Home, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Mountain Home in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Mountain Home?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Mountain Home?
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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 Mountain Home. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mountain Home 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