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Average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary in Lafayette, LA

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $51,010. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,450, reflecting regional economic factors and demand specific to the Lafayette area. The local job market dynamics and the overall economic landscape significantly influence compensation for these vital healthcare professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,010 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,090.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,170 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, Lafayette, LA, demonstrates a substantial presence of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 3.02 indicates a significantly higher concentration of LPNs/LVNs compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established demand within the region's healthcare sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,010

The average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lafayette, LA earns-20.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.5

Weekly

$981

Monthly

$4,251

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA

Salary progression for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lafayette, LA, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary data, from the lower to upper quartiles, signify clear career progression pathways and the financial rewards associated with advancing in the nursing profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$39,460$19
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$38,258$18.4
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$48,900$23.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$63,763$30.7
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$60,090$28.9

Detailed Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,010

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,010

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $51,010 for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lafayette, LA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an LPN/LVN's salary in Lafayette is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

2,170

Total Jobs

12.378

Per 1K Jobs

3.02

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Lafayette, LA has 3.0x the national concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Lafayette, LA, exhibits a strong concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 3.02. This high quotient suggests that LPNs/LVNs are a more prevalent occupation in Lafayette than in the nation overall, indicating a potentially competitive job market for employers seeking talent, and a favorable environment for nurses seeking employment opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in Lafayette, LA?

The median annual salary for a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Lafayette, LA is $51,010. This typically ranges from $39,460 for entry-level positions to $60,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 20.9% lower than the national median of $64,450.

Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?

No, not compared to the national average.While the salary of $51,010 matches the national cost of living, it falls significantly short of the national average salary for LPNs/LVNs. The high concentration of nurses suggests a competitive market, which may impact earning potential relative to other regions.

Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?

The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($56,120) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.

How does the number of LPNs/LVNs in Lafayette compare nationally?

Lafayette, LA, has 12.378 LPNs/LVNs per 1,000 workers, which is considerably higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient for LPNs/LVNs in Lafayette?

A Location Quotient of 3.02 means that LPNs/LVNs are employed in Lafayette at a rate three times higher than the national average, signifying a specialized demand or concentration in the area.

Does experience impact LPN/LVN salaries in Lafayette?

Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Entry-level LPNs/LVNs will earn less than senior nurses with years of practice and specialized skills in Lafayette.

How does Lafayette's cost of living affect LPN/LVN salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Lafayette's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $51,010 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a typical US city.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,170 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 12.378 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.