Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Cottage Grove, MN: $52,379 (2026)

Employers in Cottage Grove that are likely to hire new LPN grads include skilled nursing facilities, which typically provide robust on-the-job orientation for recent graduates, and home health agencies that offer flexible work schedules appealing to many new nurses. Additionally, physician offices may prefer candidates who come with specific clinical experience, making it valuable for new graduates to seek internships or volunteer work while studying. Credentials, such as passing the NCLEX-PN and acquiring an active LPN license from the Minnesota Board of Nursing, are critical for entry-level roles; optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can also enhance starting licensed practical nurse pay in MN. In the first few years, interns and new LPNs should aim to leverage their experiences to explore positions in long-term care—a sector that employs roughly 35% of LPNs nationally—as they consider potential LPN-to-RN bridge programs for future advancement. Salary growth expectations for those in the field during these early years can be realistic, especially as more facilities value ongoing education and training.