Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Scranton, PA: $56,888 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Scranton, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,888 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scranton's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,806 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,259) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, those entering the field of licensed practical nursing can expect a starting salary near $56,888 in 2026. This figure marks a substantial initial gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $65,259, highlighting a progressive earning trajectory as newly minted LPNs gain experience in their first few years. Over the course of 3-5 years, they can realistically aim to reach the 25th percentile salary of $63,209, which indicates a promising career path. Considering the projected growth rate of 5.70% within the healthcare sector, Scranton currently presents itself as a favorable market for new graduates seeking entry-level roles in practical nursing.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scranton
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 Scranton
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Scranton, PA typically start between $56,888 and $63,209 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,689 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,259 — 4.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Pennsylvania of $18,000 represents just 31.64% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($56,888/year) in Scranton. 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 Scranton
- 1Research the Scranton market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $56,888 to $63,209, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scranton, 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 Scranton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scranton'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 Scranton is $21,689 ( 38.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,888, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,577.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,340
2025 BLS Actual
$53,820
2026 Current Est.
$56,888
2019–2027 Growth
+70.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,888 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,130 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Scranton, PA grew 52.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,340 in 2019 to $53,820 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,130. New graduates entering the Scranton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
Various healthcare facilities in Scranton actively recruit entry-level licensed practical nurses, making it essential for new grads to identify viable employment opportunities. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer robust training and orientation programs that cater specifically to recent graduates. Home health agencies are another excellent option, offering flexible schedules that can help new LPNs ease into the workforce. Additionally, physicians’ offices may also seek candidates who bring relevant clinic experience. To enhance starting pay in Pennsylvania, it's beneficial for new nurses to possess an active LPN/LVN license, as well as successful completion of the NCLEX-PN examination. Pursuing additional certifications in areas such as IV therapy or wound care can further distinguish candidates. Over the first few years in this field, potential growth in pay will reflect the evolving responsibilities and skills acquired, especially as licensed practical nursing sees significant shifts toward long-term care roles and bridge programs to registered nursing.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Scranton in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Scranton?
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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 Scranton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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