Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Williamsport, PA: $52,226 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Williamsport, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,226 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williamsport's local price level (BEA RPP 92.3 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,552 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,688) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the field as licensed practical nurses in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, can anticipate an entry-level salary starting around $52,226, according to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $64,688, reflecting the disparity often seen at the beginning of one’s career. For those just starting, the initial salary represents a stepping stone, with potential growth to approximately $58,896 within the first few years, thereby narrowing the gap as experience is gained. The region’s 5.70% annual growth rate suggests that Williamsport is currently a favorable job market for new nursing graduates, presenting opportunities to elevate their financial standing relatively quickly in this rewarding field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williamsport
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 Williamsport
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Williamsport, PA typically start between $52,226 and $58,896 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,445 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,688 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Pennsylvania of $18,000 represents just 34.47% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($52,226/year) in Williamsport. 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 Williamsport
- 1Research the Williamsport market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $52,226 to $58,896, 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 Williamsport, 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 Williamsport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williamsport'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 Williamsport is $23,445 ( 44.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,226, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,671.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,020
2025 BLS Actual
$49,410
2026 Current Est.
$52,226
2019–2027 Growth
+62.3%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Williamsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,226 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,203 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Williamsport, PA grew 45.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,020 in 2019 to $49,410 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,203. New graduates entering the Williamsport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williamsport 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 Williamsport
In Williamsport, various employers are keen to hire new nursing graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities that often provide structured on-the-job orientation for entry-level licensed practical nurses. Home health agencies present an appealing option for those seeking flexible scheduling, while physician offices may prefer candidates who possess specific clinical experience. To maximize starting pay in Pennsylvania, securing an active LPN/LVN license is essential, along with completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program and passing the NCLEX-PN. Certain certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can further enhance a candidate’s appeal. Over the first three years of practice, new LPNs can realistically expect gradual salary growth as they acclimate to the varying scope of practice within the state, with many considering the transition to RN through bridge programs to expand their career prospects.
More salary data for Williamsport, PA:
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 Williamsport. 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