Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Layton, UT: $49,110 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Layton, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,110 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Layton's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,061 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,213) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Navigating the job market as a newly graduated licensed practical nurse in Layton, Utah, can lead to varied salary expectations. In 2026, entry-level positions start with a projected annual salary of $49,110, which is significantly lower than the city’s median salary of $66,213. This gap suggests that new grads may initially earn less than their experienced counterparts, but with time and experience, they can expect to see their salaries grow toward the median. The growth trajectory looks promising, with many entry-level LPNs moving to the 25th percentile at $58,693 relatively quickly, allowing for a solid upward path through the first few years of practice. Given Layton's favorable job growth rate of 5.70% annually, it stands out as a viable market for new nursing graduates eager to start their careers.
About the Layton Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($57,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Layton
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 Layton
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Layton, UT typically start between $49,110 and $58,693 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,213 — 2.73% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Utah of $12,000 represents just 24.43% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($49,110/year) in Layton. 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 Layton
- 1Research the Layton market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $49,110 to $58,693, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Layton, 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 Layton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Layton'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 Layton is $38,792 ( 78.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,110, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,902.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,282
2025 BLS Actual
$46,462
2026 Current Est.
$49,110
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Layton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,282 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,226 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,702 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,822 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,063 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,110 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,910 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Layton, UT grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,282 in 2019 to $46,462 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,910. New graduates entering the Layton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Layton 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 Layton
Employers in Layton that actively hire new graduates include skilled nursing facilities, which often provide thorough on-the-job orientation to support new hires. Home health agencies may appeal to those seeking flexibility, while physician offices tend to prefer candidates with specific clinical experience from school. To enhance starting pay, credentials such as an active LPN license from the state board of nursing, a diploma from an approved practical nursing program, and successful completion of the NCLEX-PN are essential. Optional certifications, such as wound care or IV therapy, can also make candidates more attractive to employers. In terms of career growth, newcomers should consider pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs within their first three years, especially since hospitals are increasingly favoring all-RN staffing models. Thus, while entry-level wages may be lower, the potential for realistic salary growth and diverse career opportunities is considerable within the Layton market.
More salary data for Layton, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Layton in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Layton?
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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 Layton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Layton 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