Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Carrollton, TX: $46,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Carrollton, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,625 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Carrollton's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,568 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,308) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new licensed practical nurses in Carrollton, Texas, can expect to start their careers with salaries around $46,625, setting the foundation for future growth in this essential healthcare role. This initial pay reflects a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary for licensed practical nurses, which stands at $64,308, indicating that entry-level positions may be challenging as new graduates find their footing. However, the earning potential is promising, with opportunities for salary increases as they gain experience, especially as they move from entry-level to the first quartile salary of $60,111. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, Carrollton remains a viable market for nursing graduates looking for opportunities to establish themselves in the healthcare field.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Carrollton
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 Carrollton
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Carrollton, TX typically start between $46,625 and $60,111 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,403 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,308 — 5.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Texas of $13,000 represents just 27.88% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($46,625/year) in Carrollton. 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 Carrollton
- 1Research the Carrollton market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $46,625 to $60,111, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Carrollton, 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 Carrollton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Carrollton'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 Carrollton is $40,403 ( 86.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,625, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,028.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,649
2025 BLS Actual
$44,111
2026 Current Est.
$46,625
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,649 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,545 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,946 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,908 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,292 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,111 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,283 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Carrollton, TX grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,649 in 2019 to $44,111 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,283. New graduates entering the Carrollton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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 Carrollton
In Carrollton, several types of employers are known to hire recent graduates, primarily skilled nursing facilities that provide on-the-job training that empowers new LPNs to develop their skills effectively. Home health agencies in the area tend to offer flexible scheduling, which is attractive for those just starting and needing work-life balance. Additionally, while physician offices typically seek candidates with specific clinic experience, those who have completed short-term specialties, such as IV therapy or wound care, can increase their appeal to local employers. To maximize their starting licensed practical nurse pay in TX, new LPNs should ensure they hold an active license from the state board of nursing, complete a practical nursing diploma program, and pass the NCLEX-PN. As they embark on their careers, nurses can expect to experience steady salary growth through the first few years as they work towards potential LPN-to-RN bridge programs, ultimately providing greater opportunity and advancement within the healthcare sector.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
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 Carrollton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrollton 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