Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in North Richland Hills, TX: $48,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the North Richland Hills, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,118 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Richland Hills's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,123 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,550) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field in North Richland Hills, Texas can anticipate a starting salary close to $48,118 in 2026, reflecting a modest entry point into a profession that aims for a median annual salary of $61,550. This gap presents a challenge for those just beginning their careers, particularly considering that the full median salary can be achieved after 3 to 5 years of experience. Early-career nurses may progress towards $55,016 at the 25th percentile and aspiring for closer to the median as they gain skills and competencies in this market. Given the 5.70% annual growth rate projected for the sector, North Richland Hills remains a promising location for new LPNs eager to establish themselves professionally.
About the North Richland Hills Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Richland Hills
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 North Richland Hills
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in North Richland Hills, TX typically start between $48,118 and $55,016 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,640 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,550 — 9.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Texas of $13,000 represents just 27.02% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($48,118/year) in North Richland Hills. 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 North Richland Hills
- 1Research the North Richland Hills market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $48,118 to $55,016, 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 North Richland Hills, 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 North Richland Hills for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Richland Hills'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 North Richland Hills is $30,640 ( 63.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,118, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,758.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,630
2025 BLS Actual
$45,523
2026 Current Est.
$48,118
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in North Richland Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,554 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,057 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,798 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,559 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,523 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,861 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in North Richland Hills, TX grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,630 in 2019 to $45,523 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,861. New graduates entering the North Richland Hills job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Richland Hills 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 North Richland Hills
Employers throughout North Richland Hills provide various opportunities for newly licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities tend to hire the most entry-level LPNs, offering comprehensive on-the-job training to ease the transition from school to clinical practice. Home health agencies may appeal to workers seeking flexible hours, while physician offices often prefer candidates with specific clinic experience. To enhance starting pay in Texas, it is essential for new grads to hold an active LPN/LVN license and to have completed an accredited 12-18 month practical nursing program, as well as passing the NCLEX-PN. In this field, there is also significant potential for career progression; many LPNs pursue LPN-to-RN bridge programs to enhance their scope of practice, especially as the healthcare landscape continues evolving. With realistic salaries anticipated to rise in the first three years, strategically seeking employment in high-demand sectors can significantly impact early career fulfillment.
More salary data for North Richland Hills, 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 North Richland Hills. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Richland Hills 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