What Is the Salary Difference Between an RN & LPN?
Registered nurses (RNs) typically earn higher salaries than licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The salary difference is mainly due to the difference in responsibility between the two jobs. RNs generally have more responsibility than LPNs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RNs are often responsible for their own activities as well as those of others, including LPNs. The various certifications given to RNs and LPNs demonstrate a difference in responsibility levels. The higher level of education usually attained by RNs also plays into the equation. • Experience • Registered nurses with less than a year of experience report a salary range of $38,100 to $52,600, while LPNs with the same amount of experience have a salary range of $27,200 to $39,600, according to PayScale.com. This difference in wages continues as RNs and LPNs experience increases. As of June 2010, RNs with 20-plus years of experience have a salary range of $50,400 to $72,200, while LPNs have a salary range of $33,
