Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $54,763 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Cheyenne, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,763 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cheyenne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.5 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,755 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,494) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, newcomers entering the field as licensed practical nurses in Cheyenne, WY, can anticipate starting salaries around $54,763, with a potential salary range reaching $82,605 for those who progress over time. This entry-level figure is notably lower than the overall median salary of $68,494 for LPNs in the city, highlighting a gap that new graduates should plan for as they establish their careers. Over the first three to five years, salaries are expected to increase significantly, with entry-level positions potentially rising to $60,439 as experience and skills develop. Given the competitive 5.70% annual growth rate in the sector and the favorable economic environment in Cheyenne, it remains a robust market for recent graduates looking to secure their first LPN role.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cheyenne
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 Cheyenne
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Cheyenne, WY typically start between $54,763 and $60,439 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,842 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,494 — 0.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 18.26% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($54,763/year) in Cheyenne. 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 Cheyenne
- 1Research the Cheyenne market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $54,763 to $60,439, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cheyenne'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 Cheyenne is $27,842 ( 50.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,763, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,605.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,250
2025 BLS Actual
$51,810
2026 Current Est.
$54,763
2019–2027 Growth
+64.2%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,763 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,885 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Cheyenne, WY grew 47.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,250 in 2019 to $51,810 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,885. New graduates entering the Cheyenne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne
Employers in Cheyenne that typically hire fresh graduates include skilled nursing facilities, which provide essential on-the-job training and orientation for newly licensed practical nurses. Home health agencies are another viable option, often offering flexible scheduling that can accommodate varying lifestyles, while physician offices may prioritize candidates with specific clinic experience. To enhance starting pay and employability, securing an active LPN/LVN license, completing a 12- to 18-month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN are crucial steps for new grads. Additionally, obtaining certifications in IV therapy or wound care can further boost earning potential. In the first few years, LPNs may expect realistic salary growth tied to experience and skills, aligning with the increasing demand for LPN services in long-term care settings, which currently employ about 35% of LPNs nationally, even as hospital environments shift toward a predominantly RN staffing model.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
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 Cheyenne. 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