Top 10 Highest-Paying LPN Specialties in 2025: Boost Your Nursing Career and Salary Potential

Are you an LPN looking to maximize your earning potential in 2025? Understanding which specialties offer the best pay can make a significant difference in your career trajectory. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in states like California and Texas, provide vital care across a wide range of healthcare settings, from hospitals and outpatient clinics to long-term care facilities and specialized treatment centers. Much like Registered Nurses (RNs), LPNs have the opportunity to focus on particular patient populations or clinical practice areas. Some of these specialties not only allow you to gain advanced skills and experience but also offer higher salaries compared to general LPN roles.

Whether you are nearing the completion of an LPN program, planning to advance your career, or already working in the field and considering a transition to a more specialized role, knowing which positions are the most lucrative is essential. In this guide, nurse.education highlights the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering insights into career paths that combine professional growth with top-dollar compensation. By exploring these high-paying specialties, you can make informed decisions about your next steps, enhance your skill set, and position yourself for a rewarding and financially beneficial career in nursing.

10 LPN Specialties Projected to Earn Top Pay in 2025

To help LPNs make informed career decisions, nurse.education analyzed extensive data from the past 12 months, focusing on the average weekly pay for various LPN specialties. By examining salaries posted across multiple healthcare settings, we were able to identify which areas of practice are projected to offer the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025.

For accuracy, we excluded any specialty with fewer than 10 job listings, as limited data can skew average salary figures. The remaining specialties represent positions with sufficient market demand and reliable compensation trends. Our research highlights the LPN specialties most likely to command premium pay in the upcoming year, offering a clear roadmap for nurses seeking both professional growth and financial rewards.

Whether you’re just completing your LPN education program, exploring new clinical opportunities, or considering a specialty shift to increase earning potential, this guide will help you understand which roles offer the best combination of career advancement and salary prospects. By focusing on these high-paying LPN specialties, you can strategically plan your next steps and position yourself for success in 2025 and beyond.

1. Dialysis LPN - A Top-Paying LPN Specialty in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS / CPDN / CD-LPN 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,829 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,201 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $29.18 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,167 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $35

Among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, Dialysis LPNs, also referred to as nephrology LPNs, hold a vital role in caring for patients with acute or chronic kidney failure. These LPNs are highly trained to operate and monitor dialysis machines, ensuring that each treatment strictly follows the physician’s orders while carefully maintaining proper fluid and electrolyte balance.

Their responsibilities go beyond simply operating equipment. Dialysis LPNs prepare dialyzers, monitor patients for any adverse reactions, and meticulously document treatment parameters. They must also recognize and respond to complications that can arise during dialysis, such as hypotension, infection risk, or clotting issues, making quick, precise decisions to safeguard patient health.

Education is another essential aspect of the Dialysis LPN’s role. They guide patients and families on managing kidney disease, understanding dialysis protocols, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle outside of treatment sessions. Dialysis LPNs can work in hospitals, specialized dialysis centers, or provide in-home care, offering flexibility and a broad scope of practice.

The combination of technical expertise, patient education, and critical clinical decision-making makes Dialysis LPNs highly valued in the healthcare system. Their specialized skills, precision, and ability to manage complex treatments effectively are why this role consistently ranks among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering both professional fulfillment and competitive compensation for licensed practical nurses.

2. Clinical Support Specialist LPN - A Lucrative LPN Role in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,636 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,074 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $40.91 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,636 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $52

Among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, Clinical Support Specialist LPNs play a vital role in bridging clinical expertise with administrative and technical responsibilities. These licensed practical nurses are not only skilled in direct patient care but also adept at supporting the operational functions that keep healthcare facilities running smoothly.

Clinical Support Specialist LPNs manage patient records and data, ensuring information is accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible for physicians, nurses, and other medical staff. They assist actively in medical procedures by preparing treatment areas, organizing equipment, and providing hands-on support to optimize workflow and enhance patient care efficiency.

In addition to these technical duties, these LPNs are responsible for implementing healthcare protocols and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This specialization demands a comprehensive understanding of healthcare regulations, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex clinical environments. By maintaining seamless care delivery, Clinical Support Specialist LPNs allow other healthcare professionals to focus more effectively on direct patient care.

Because of their unique combination of clinical proficiency and administrative acumen, Clinical Support Specialist LPNs are in high demand. Their role exemplifies why this position consistently ranks among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering licensed practical nurses a career path that combines financial rewards with professional growth and versatility in healthcare operations.

3. Behavioral Health LPN - One of the Highest-Paying LPN Specialties in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,623 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,267 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $29.05 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,162 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $35

Behavioral Health LPNs are among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering both meaningful work and competitive compensation for licensed practical nurses specializing in mental health care. These LPNs provide essential support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges or substance use disorders, working closely with interdisciplinary teams that may include psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and registered nurses to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care.

In this role, Behavioral Health LPNs administer medications, monitor patients’ physical and emotional well-being, assist in therapy sessions, and provide therapeutic interventions under the supervision of RNs or physicians. Their duties require a unique combination of clinical knowledge, compassion, and strong communication skills to ensure patients receive consistent, safe, and effective care.

Behavioral Health LPNs work in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, residential treatment centers, and community health facilities. A key aspect of their role is fostering a non-judgmental and supportive environment, where patients feel understood and empowered on their journey to recovery. By promoting resilience, offering empathetic care, and actively contributing to therapeutic outcomes, Behavioral Health LPNs play a vital role in helping patients achieve mental and emotional wellness.

This specialty is distinguished not only by its clinical complexity but also by the opportunity it provides LPNs to make a significant impact on patients’ lives. The combination of advanced skills, compassionate care, and high demand for mental health expertise makes Behavioral Health LPNs an attractive option for those seeking both professional growth and financial reward among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025.

4. Ambulatory Care LPN - A High-Paying LPN Specialty in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS / CIC / IV Therapy 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,596 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $3,086 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $29.18 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,167 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $40

Ambulatory Care LPNs are consistently ranked among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering licensed practical nurses the opportunity to provide skilled care in fast-paced outpatient environments. These LPNs are essential in clinics, doctor’s offices, and ambulatory care centers, where they ensure patients receive high-quality, timely care while supporting physicians and nurse practitioners in a variety of clinical tasks.

In their daily responsibilities, Ambulatory Care LPNs prepare patients for examinations, collect medical histories, and record vital signs to support accurate clinical assessments. They also administer medications, injections, and vaccinations under the direction of licensed providers, and assist with minor surgical procedures by preparing surgical areas, sterilizing equipment, and ensuring procedural protocols are followed.

Beyond hands-on clinical care, Ambulatory Care LPNs play a critical role in patient education. They guide patients on managing chronic illnesses, post-procedure recovery, and the importance of follow-up care. Additionally, these LPNs coordinate diagnostic tests and follow-up appointments to maintain continuity of care, ensuring each patient’s treatment plan is executed efficiently.

What sets Ambulatory Care LPNs apart is their ability to manage multiple patients simultaneously in dynamic, high-volume settings while maintaining precision, compassion, and attention to detail. Their organizational skills, clinical expertise, and patient-centered approach make them a highly sought-after specialty. For LPNs seeking both career growth and financial reward, Ambulatory Care remains a top choice among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, combining professional development with competitive compensation in the outpatient healthcare field.

5. Correctional LPN - A Top-Paying LPN Specialty in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS / CCHP / CIC 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,584 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,640 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $33.44 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,338 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $38

Correctional LPNs are recognized as one of the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering licensed practical nurses the opportunity to deliver vital healthcare services within correctional facilities such as jails, prisons, and detention centers. This specialty requires a unique combination of clinical expertise, adaptability, and the ability to work safely in a secure, highly structured environment.

In their daily responsibilities, Correctional LPNs perform health assessments, manage chronic conditions, administer medications, and address both routine and emergency medical needs. They treat minor injuries and illnesses, assist in medical emergencies, and ensure that each patient receives consistent, professional care. The role demands strong critical-thinking skills and the ability to act quickly while maintaining safety protocols for both staff and incarcerated individuals.

Beyond direct patient care, Correctional LPNs often participate in health education initiatives, promoting preventive care and providing guidance tailored to the unique challenges of a confined environment. They act as a bridge between the healthcare system and correctional institutions, ensuring that incarcerated individuals have access to essential medical services.

Collaboration is a key aspect of this role. Correctional LPNs work closely with physicians, registered nurses, and correctional officers to maintain inmates’ overall health and well-being. Their ability to deliver compassionate care under challenging circumstances, combined with specialized skills in managing diverse healthcare needs, makes Correctional LPNs highly valued and well-compensated. For licensed practical nurses seeking both professional growth and competitive salaries, this role stands out among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, providing a challenging yet rewarding career path.

6. Clinic LPN - Among the Highest-Paying LPN Specialties in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS / CIC / IV Therapy 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,567 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,378 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $29.74 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,190 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $45

Clinic LPNs consistently rank among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, providing critical care and support in fast-paced outpatient clinical settings. These licensed practical nurses are essential to the smooth operation of clinics, doctor’s offices, and outpatient care centers, where they bring both clinical expertise and strong organizational skills to every patient interaction.

In their daily role, Clinic LPNs conduct initial patient assessments, record vital signs, and collect medical histories to support accurate diagnoses. They administer medications, vaccines, and assist with minor procedures, ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and timely care. Additionally, Clinic LPNs maintain thorough documentation, educate patients on managing health conditions, and enforce proper infection control practices to keep clinics running efficiently.

What distinguishes Clinic LPNs from other roles is their ability to multitask effectively in high-volume settings while maintaining a compassionate and supportive approach. They excel at building trust with patients of all ages, providing reassurance, answering questions, and creating a welcoming environment that promotes comfort and confidence. Their collaboration with physicians, registered nurses, and other healthcare staff ensures continuity of care and enhances overall patient experience.

For licensed practical nurses seeking both career growth and competitive compensation, the Clinic LPN role offers a rewarding path. With its combination of dynamic responsibilities, patient-centered care, and professional development opportunities, it remains one of the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, making it an excellent choice for LPNs aiming to advance their careers while making a meaningful impact on patient health.

7. Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC) LPN - A High-Paying LPN Specialty in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS / LPN CLTC / CHPLN / WCC / WTA-C / CIC 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,555 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,435 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $29.16 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,166 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $35

Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC) LPNs are recognized as one of the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, providing specialized care for patients with serious or complex medical conditions requiring extended acute care. These licensed practical nurses work in hospital LTAC units or stand-alone LTAC facilities, delivering critical, hands-on care that supports patients’ recovery and quality of life.

LTAC LPNs monitor vital signs and manage life-sustaining equipment such as ventilators, feeding tubes, and infusion devices. They are also responsible for wound care, including dressing changes and early identification of potential infections, ensuring patients receive timely interventions. Their technical skills and attention to detail are crucial in managing patients with prolonged or complex medical needs.

Collaboration is a central part of this role. LTAC LPNs work closely with physicians, registered nurses, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans tailored to each patient. They serve not only as caregivers but also as advocates, providing emotional support and guidance to patients and families navigating long-term acute care.

The LTAC environment demands resilience, adaptability, and a high level of clinical competence. By combining technical expertise with compassion and patient advocacy, LTAC LPNs play an essential role in improving patient outcomes. Their ability to manage complex health conditions and provide personalized care is why LTAC LPNs are considered among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering both professional fulfillment and competitive compensation for LPNs seeking to advance their careers.

8. Psychiatric LPN - A High-Paying LPN Specialty in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS / NCPT 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,549 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,206 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $29.16 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,166 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $35

Psychiatric LPNs are among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, providing critical care and compassionate support to individuals facing mental health challenges. These licensed practical nurses are trained to address the complex needs of patients with psychiatric disorders, helping them navigate daily treatment routines while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.

In their role, Psychiatric LPNs administer medications, monitor patient responses, and facilitate therapy sessions, all while observing behavioral changes that could affect care plans. They work closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other mental health professionals to participate in treatment planning, provide updates on patient progress, and ensure continuity of care across various healthcare settings.

Psychiatric LPNs practice in diverse environments, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, residential treatment centers, and community health facilities. Their ability to build trust, foster rapport, and create a non-judgmental atmosphere allows patients to feel understood, supported, and motivated in their recovery journey. Each interaction is an opportunity to provide reassurance, education, and guidance, making Psychiatric LPNs an essential link between patients and the mental health resources they need.

The combination of clinical expertise, emotional intelligence, and patient advocacy makes Psychiatric LPNs invaluable in the mental health field. Their role demands patience, empathy, and precise clinical judgment, which is why it consistently ranks among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering licensed practical nurses both professional growth and rewarding compensation while making a profound impact on patients’ lives.

9. Long-Term Care (LTC) LPN - A Top-Paying LPN Specialty in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS / LPN CLTC / CHPLN / WCC / WTA-C / CIC 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,473 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $2,796 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $26.66 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,066 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $37

Long-Term Care (LTC) LPNs are recognized among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering licensed practical nurses the chance to provide compassionate, sustained care in residential long-term care settings. These LPNs work in skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and other long-term care environments, caring for residents who require ongoing medical attention due to chronic illnesses, disabilities, or the natural challenges of aging.

LTC LPNs perform a wide range of responsibilities, including monitoring residents’ vital signs, administering medications, assisting with activities of daily living, and providing supportive care for both physical and emotional needs. They collaborate closely with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans, ensuring that each resident receives personalized attention and consistent medical oversight.

What sets LTC LPNs apart is their dedication to creating a warm, homelike environment that promotes not only physical health but also emotional and social well-being. They build meaningful relationships with residents, fostering a sense of community, dignity, and comfort. Their ability to balance clinical proficiency with empathy makes them invaluable to long-term care facilities and the residents they serve.

For licensed practical nurses seeking both rewarding work and competitive compensation, LTC LPNs represent a highly desirable career path. The combination of ongoing patient interaction, professional responsibility, and holistic care is why this role continues to rank among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, providing both personal fulfillment and financial stability for those in the profession.

10. Emergency Department (ED) LPN - A High-Paying LPN Specialty in 2025

Relevant Certifications: BLS / CIC / IV Therapy 

Average Weekly Travel Rate: $1,382 

Highest Weekly Travel Rate: $1,864 

Average Hourly Staff Rate: $33.19 

Average Weekly Staff Salary: $1,328 

Highest Hourly Staff Rate: $38

Emergency Department (ED) LPNs are among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, serving on the front lines of urgent care and emergency medicine. These licensed practical nurses play a critical role in fast-paced hospital settings, collaborating closely with emergency physicians, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide rapid, effective care to patients experiencing acute medical issues.

ED LPNs are responsible for triaging patients, taking vital signs, administering medications, performing wound care, initiating IV lines, and monitoring patient conditions. They may also assist in life-saving procedures, stabilize patients in critical situations, and ensure that every intervention aligns with established emergency protocols. Their ability to think quickly, prioritize multiple tasks, and respond efficiently under pressure is essential in this high-stakes environment.

What sets ED LPNs apart is their capacity to manage a wide variety of medical emergencies, from traumatic injuries and sudden illnesses to complex critical conditions. They are skilled at maintaining calm under stress, providing reassurance and emotional support to patients and their families during moments of crisis. Their expertise, composure, and dedication make them indispensable members of the emergency care team.

For licensed practical nurses seeking both professional growth and financial reward, the ED LPN role offers an exciting and challenging career path. Its combination of high-intensity clinical practice, critical patient interaction, and specialized skills contributes to why it consistently ranks among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, offering competitive compensation and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in urgent care and emergency medicine.

Additional LPN Career Paths - Expanding Opportunities Beyond the Highest-Paying LPN Specialties in 2025

While the specialties highlighted above rank among the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, there are several other rewarding career paths for licensed practical nurses that offer valuable experience, skill development, and meaningful patient care. These positions may not command the same top-tier pay, but they present unique opportunities for LPNs to explore diverse healthcare environments and expand their clinical expertise.

Roles in urgent care, school health, home health, skilled nursing, telemetry, med-surg, hospice, pediatrics, and private duty settings allow LPNs to provide hands-on care while gaining specialized skills tailored to specific patient populations. Working in these areas helps LPNs build well-rounded clinical knowledge and opens doors to future advancement opportunities in nursing or healthcare management.

Here’s a snapshot of these additional LPN career paths and their compensation trends in 2025:

Specialty	Average Weekly Travel Pay	Max Weekly Travel Pay	Average Hourly Staff Pay	Max Hourly Staff Pay
Urgent Care LPN	$1,357	$1,786	$29.18	$35.00
School LPN	$1,348	$2,000	$29.18	$35.00
Home Health LPN	$1,346	$2,526	$28.72	$46.00
Skilled Nursing LPN	$1,345	$2,239	$29.16	$35.00
Telemetry LPN	$1,319	$2,016	$30.75	$36.00
Med Surg LPN	$1,307	$2,347	$27.69	$36.00
Hospice LPN	$1,233	$2,012	$30.31	$38.00
Pediatrics LPN	$1,176	$1,793	$28.28	$35.00
Private Duty LPN	$1,066	$1,520	$25.97	$35.00

By exploring these specialized LPN roles, licensed practical nurses can gain hands-on experience in varied care settings, enhance their clinical skill sets, and make a lasting impact on the patients they serve. These positions provide both professional growth and the chance to tailor a career to individual interests, while still offering competitive compensation in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Even if they are not at the very top of the pay scale, these LPN career paths remain valuable stepping stones for nurses looking to diversify their expertise and explore the full range of opportunities within the nursing profession.

Boost Your Salary with the Highest-Paying LPN Specialties in 2025

Starting a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) requires less time in school compared to registered nurses (RNs), making it an accessible entry point into the nursing profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LPNs are projected to see steady demand, with an estimated 54,000 job openings each year between 2023 and 2033. One of the most effective ways to enhance both your hiring potential and salary is to pursue a specialty within the field, particularly one of the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025.

Specializing in a high-demand niche not only sets you apart in the job market but also often leads to increased earnings. Earning a professional certification in your chosen specialty validates your expertise and demonstrates your commitment to advanced practice, which can positively influence your paycheck. While LPNs have fewer certification options than RNs, several credentials can significantly boost your value in the workplace.

For example, a Long-Term Care (LTC) certification or Certified Wound Treatment Associate credential is highly beneficial for those working in skilled nursing facilities. IV Therapy certification can expand your versatility across clinics, hospitals, and outpatient care settings. Similarly, a Certified Urologic Associate credential can give you a competitive edge in outpatient urology clinics or hospital urology units. Beyond these certifications, LPNs can carve out a niche in nearly any specialty, even in areas without formal certification programs, positioning themselves for higher pay and professional growth.

Location Matters for Salary Potential The demand and compensation for LPNs can vary widely based on state, city, or specific healthcare facility. In regions where certain specialties are in high demand, salaries can be significantly higher. Staying informed about regional trends and continuing your education can help you identify where your skills are most valued. Additionally, pursuing RN licensure through an LPN-to-RN track is a proven strategy to further increase earning potential and open doors to advanced nursing roles.

By exploring the highest-paying LPN specialties in 2025, you can make strategic decisions about your career path, certification options, and continuing education. Whether you aim to work in long-term care, ambulatory settings, behavioral health, or emergency care, specializing in a high-paying LPN role can provide both financial rewards and professional satisfaction.

Take the next step in your nursing career by seeking opportunities in specialized LPN roles. By focusing on in-demand, well-compensated positions, you can maximize your earning potential while delivering exceptional patient care across diverse healthcare environments.