Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Payson, UT: $48,877 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Payson, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,877 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Payson's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,824 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,548) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in Payson, UT, presents a promising outlook for new graduates. With starting salaries projected at $48,877, these figures may seem lower than the city median of $62,548, indicating there is a significant gap. However, over the first three to five years, LPNs can expect to see salary trajectories that ascend toward the $60,661 mark and potentially reach the median with experience. This growth potential, coupled with a robust job market for healthcare professionals, makes Payson an attractive locale for fresh nursing graduates seeking to establish their careers in practical nursing.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($57,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Payson
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 Payson
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Payson, UT typically start between $48,877 and $60,661 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,029 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,548 — 8.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Utah of $12,000 represents just 24.55% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($48,877/year) in Payson. 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 Payson
- 1Research the Payson market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $48,877 to $60,661, 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 Payson, 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 Payson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Payson'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 Payson is $25,029 ( 51.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,877, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,906.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,129
2025 BLS Actual
$46,241
2026 Current Est.
$48,877
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,129 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,068 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,537 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,457 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,866 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,877 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,663 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Payson, UT grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,129 in 2019 to $46,241 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,663. New graduates entering the Payson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson 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 Payson
When pursuing roles as a new grad licensed practical nurse in Payson, it's essential to identify potential employers that value entry-level talent, such as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. These sectors provide excellent on-the-job training, and often welcome LPNs with minimal experience. Institutional knowledge, specific clinical experience, and advanced certifications, like intravenous therapy or wound care, can also enhance starting pay and job stability. The LPN career trajectory in Utah varies notably, and while long-term care positions are plentiful, many hospitals increasingly prioritize registered nurses for their staffing needs. As new graduates progress in the first few years, realistic salary increases can lead them towards significantly higher pay, especially for those considering LPN-to-RN bridge programs or specialized training in high-demand skills.
More salary data for Payson, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Payson in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Payson?
Is nursing school worth it in Payson?
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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 Payson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Payson 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