RN vs LPN: Complete Comparison
Updated 30 March 2026
Registered Nurses earn $80,000 on average vs $55,000 for Licensed Practical Nurses. But salary is only one factor. Compare education requirements, scope of practice, work settings, and long-term career paths to decide which nursing role is right for you.
Nursing Career Comparison Calculator
Compare RN and LPN salaries based on your state, experience, specialty, and shift preference.
Estimated RN Salary
$116,560
Registered Nurse
Estimated LPN Salary
$61,100
Licensed Practical Nurse
Annual Salary Gap
$55,460
RN earns more per year
ROI of RN Education
0.9 years
to recoup ~$50K extra education cost
30-Year Earnings Difference
$1614K
After subtracting additional education cost
Salary estimates based on 2026 BLS data, adjusted for experience, specialty, and shift differentials. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and local market conditions.
RN vs LPN: Head-to-Head Comparison
This table covers every major difference between registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, from salary and education to daily responsibilities and career trajectory.
| Category | RN (Registered Nurse) | LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $80,000/year | $55,000/year |
| Salary Range | $60,000 to $120,000+ by state and specialty | $42,000 to $68,000 by state |
| Education | ADN (2 years) or BSN (4 years) | Certificate program (12 to 18 months) |
| Education Cost | $10,000 to $100,000 (ADN to BSN) | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Licensing Exam | NCLEX-RN | NCLEX-PN |
| Scope of Practice | Full assessment, care planning, all medications, IVs, triage, supervision | Basic care, vital signs, some medications, wound care, report to RN |
| Primary Work Settings | Hospitals, clinics, schools, public health, telehealth | Long-term care, home health, clinics, physician offices |
| Advancement Paths | NP, CRNA, management, education, specialized certifications | LPN-to-RN bridge, IV certification, wound care certification |
| Medication Authority | All medications including IV, blood products, chemotherapy | Oral and some injectable medications (varies by state) |
| Supervision Required | Works independently, supervises LPNs and CNAs | Works under supervision of RN or physician |
| Job Growth (2022-2032) | 6% (177,400 new positions) | 5% (58,400 new positions) |
| Night Shift Premium | 10% to 15% more | 8% to 12% more |
Salary by State: Top 5 and Bottom 5
Nursing salaries vary dramatically by state, driven by cost of living, demand, and state funding. Here are the highest and lowest paying states for both RNs and LPNs.
Highest Paying States for RNs
| 1. California | $124,000 |
| 2. Hawaii | $106,000 |
| 3. Oregon | $98,000 |
| 4. Massachusetts | $96,000 |
| 5. Washington | $95,000 |
Highest Paying States for LPNs
| 1. California | $65,000 |
| 2. Alaska | $63,000 |
| 3. Washington | $62,000 |
| 4. Massachusetts | $60,000 |
| 5. Connecticut | $59,000 |
Lowest Paying States for RNs
| 46. Alabama | $62,000 |
| 47. Mississippi | $61,000 |
| 48. South Dakota | $60,500 |
| 49. Arkansas | $60,000 |
| 50. Iowa | $59,500 |
Lowest Paying States for LPNs
| 46. West Virginia | $43,500 |
| 47. Arkansas | $43,000 |
| 48. Alabama | $42,500 |
| 49. Mississippi | $42,000 |
| 50. South Dakota | $41,500 |
Scope of Practice: What Each Role Can Do
The scope of practice is the single biggest functional difference between RNs and LPNs. It determines what each nurse can do independently, what requires supervision, and what is completely outside their authority.
What RNs Can Do
- +Independently assess patients and identify changes in condition
- +Create, modify, and evaluate nursing care plans
- +Administer all medications including IV push, IV drip, and blood products
- +Start and manage IV lines and central lines
- +Perform triage in emergency and urgent care settings
- +Supervise LPNs, CNAs, and unlicensed assistive personnel
- +Provide complex patient and family education
- +Administer chemotherapy (with additional certification)
- +Perform discharge planning and coordinate care across providers
What LPNs Can Do
- +Monitor vital signs, intake and output, and basic patient status
- +Administer oral medications and some injections (state-dependent)
- +Provide basic wound care, dressing changes, and catheter care
- +Assist with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, feeding)
- +Collect specimens and perform point-of-care testing
- +Document observations and report changes to the supervising RN
- +Provide patient comfort measures and emotional support
- +Maintain IV fluids already started by an RN (in some states)
- +Perform tracheostomy care and suctioning (with training)
Scope of practice varies by state. Some states allow LPNs to start IVs or administer IV medications with additional certification. Always check your state board of nursing for the specific regulations in your jurisdiction. The trend nationally is toward expanding LPN scope in long-term care settings while maintaining restrictions in acute care.
Where RNs and LPNs Work
Work setting is one of the most practical differences between the two roles. Your preferred environment can help you decide which path to pursue.
RN Work Settings
LPN Work Settings
The shift away from hospital LPN employment has been a decades-long trend. As hospitals adopt magnet status and evidence-based practice models, they increasingly require BSN-prepared RNs for bedside nursing. LPN demand remains strong in long-term care, home health, and outpatient settings where patient acuity is lower and the LPN scope of practice covers most required tasks.
Education Investment Comparison
The financial decision between RN and LPN education depends on your timeline, budget, and career goals. Here is a concrete breakdown of what each path costs and returns.
| Path | Duration | Cost | Starting Salary | 5-Year Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN Certificate | 12-18 months | $10K - $20K | $47,000 | $255,000 |
| RN (ADN) | 2 years | $10K - $40K | $65,000 | $355,000 |
| RN (BSN) | 4 years | $40K - $100K | $68,000 | $370,000 |
| LPN to RN Bridge | 12-18 months | $15K - $30K | $65,000 | $355,000 |
The fastest path to nursing income is the LPN certificate: you can be earning within 12 to 18 months. Many nurses start as LPNs to gain clinical experience and earn income, then pursue the LPN-to-RN bridge program. This staggered approach costs more total but avoids 2 to 4 years of zero income while completing an RN program. The BSN path has the highest upfront cost but opens more doors long-term, especially for hospital positions and advanced practice roles.
How to Choose Between RN and LPN
Choose RN If You...
- Want to work in a hospital setting
- Plan to specialize (ICU, ER, pediatrics, oncology)
- Want to advance to NP, CRNA, or management
- Can invest 2 to 4 years in education
- Want the highest earning potential
- Prefer working independently with less supervision
- Are interested in telehealth or remote nursing
Choose LPN If You...
- Need to start earning quickly (12 to 18 months)
- Prefer working in long-term care or home health
- Want lower education costs ($10K to $20K)
- Plan to bridge to RN later while earning
- Enjoy building long-term relationships with patients
- Are interested in working in a smaller clinical setting
- Want a flexible schedule (many LPN roles offer part-time)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an RN and an LPN?
An RN (Registered Nurse) has more education (2 to 4 years), a broader scope of practice, and can independently assess patients, create care plans, administer all medications, and supervise LPNs. An LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) completes a 12 to 18 month certificate program and provides basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or physician. LPNs can administer some medications and perform routine monitoring but cannot independently assess or create care plans in most states.
How much more does an RN make than an LPN?
RNs earn approximately $25,000 more per year than LPNs on average. The national average RN salary is $80,000, while LPNs average $55,000. The gap varies by state: in California, RNs earn $124,000 vs $65,000 for LPNs (a $59,000 gap). In lower-cost states like Ohio, the gap is smaller at roughly $21,000.
Can an LPN become an RN?
Yes. LPN-to-RN bridge programs are widely available and take 12 to 18 months. These programs cost $15,000 to $30,000 and result in either an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) or direct BSN depending on the program. After completing the bridge program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as an RN.
How long does it take to become an RN vs an LPN?
LPN: 12 to 18 months for a certificate program, then pass the NCLEX-PN exam. RN via ADN: 2 years for an associate degree, then pass the NCLEX-RN. RN via BSN: 4 years for a bachelor's degree, then pass the NCLEX-RN. Many employers now prefer or require a BSN for hospital RN positions.
What can an RN do that an LPN cannot?
RNs can independently assess patients, develop and modify care plans, administer IV medications and blood products, perform triage in emergency settings, supervise LPNs and nursing assistants, provide patient education on complex conditions, and start and manage IV lines. The exact scope varies by state, but RNs universally have a broader range of clinical authority than LPNs.
Where do LPNs work?
LPNs work primarily in long-term care facilities (38% of all LPN positions), home health agencies, physician offices, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Hospital employment for LPNs has declined significantly as hospitals increasingly require RN-level staff. The largest employer of LPNs is the nursing home and skilled nursing facility sector.
Is the RN salary worth the extra education?
For most people, yes. The additional education for an RN costs $10,000 to $80,000 more than an LPN certificate depending on whether you pursue an ADN or BSN. With an average salary gap of $25,000 per year, the additional investment is typically recouped within 2 to 4 years. Over a 30-year career, RNs earn approximately $700,000 more than LPNs even after accounting for education costs.
What is the job outlook for RNs and LPNs?
Both roles are growing. The BLS projects 6% growth for RNs (2022 to 2032), adding 177,400 new positions. LPN growth is projected at 5%, adding 58,400 positions. A nationwide nursing shortage is driving demand for both roles. RNs have more advancement opportunities and can specialize in high-demand areas like critical care, telehealth, and nurse practitioner roles.
Both Roles Are in High Demand
The national nursing shortage means both RNs and LPNs are needed. Over 235,000 new nursing positions are projected by 2032. Whether you choose the faster LPN path or invest in an RN education, you are entering a profession with strong job security, growing demand, and the ability to make a meaningful difference in patient care. Use the calculator above to compare salaries in your state.