Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Franklin, IN: $52,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Franklin, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,694 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,715 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,469) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the nursing field in Franklin, IN, the starting licensed practical nurse salary varies significantly, with positions typically beginning around $52,694 annually. New graduates can expect their earnings to rise quickly as they gain experience; moving toward the 25th percentile brings the annual pay to about $61,488, and in a few years, reaching the median salary of $67,469 becomes feasible. This trajectory highlights a strong growth avenue for entry-level LPNs in the area, making Franklin a promising market for new graduates in 2026. However, with the current entry-level salary reflecting a slight dip compared to the national median of $68,071, aspiring LPNs should be prepared for competitive circumstances as they embark on their first jobs.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Franklin, IN typically start between $52,694 and $61,488 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,289 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,469 — 0.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Indiana of $12,000 represents just 22.77% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($52,694/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $52,694 to $61,488, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin's below-average 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 Franklin is $31,289 ( 59.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,694, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,983.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,638
2025 BLS Actual
$49,852
2026 Current Est.
$52,694
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,638 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,234 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,581 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,773 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,852 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,697 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, IN grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,638 in 2019 to $49,852 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,697. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
Entry-level licensed practical nurses can find a variety of employers willing to take on new graduates in Franklin. Skilled nursing facilities frequently recruit LPNs, providing on-the-job training that is beneficial for individuals just starting their careers. Home health agencies may appeal to new grads as they often offer flexible schedules, while physician offices may prefer candidates who have some relevant clinic experience. To enhance their starting pay, new LPNs should focus on obtaining necessary credentials, such as maintaining an active state license and completing a practical nursing diploma program. Additionally, passing the NCLEX-PN and pursuing optional certifications in areas like IV therapy can give candidates a competitive edge. In the first few years, LPNs should anticipate a salary growth that reflects experience and additional responsibilities, positioning themselves well for future pathways, especially if they consider advancing their qualifications through LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
More salary data for Franklin, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Franklin in 2026?
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What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Franklin?
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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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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