Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary and Job Market Outlook in Hawaii

What is the average salary for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Hawaii?

According to information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Hawaii as of May 2019 was $57,210.

Are there variations in LPN salaries based on geographic regions in Hawaii?

Yes, the salaries of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Hawaii vary by geographic region. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an LPN in Honolulu, Hawaii is $41,270. The average salary for an LPN in Hawaii County is $45,940, while the average salary for an LPN in Maui County is $43,410. The highest salaries tend to be seen in urban areas such as Honolulu, while rural areas may have lower salaries.

What factors, such as experience or specialization, can impact LPN salary in Hawaii?

1. Location: Location can play a significant role in the salary of an LPN in Hawaii. Those working in more populated areas such as Honolulu and Hilo often receive higher wages than those in rural areas.

2. Experience: The amount of experience an LPN has can greatly impact their salary. Generally speaking, those with more experience tend to make more money than those who are new to the profession.

3. Education: Depending on the employer, the level of post-secondary education an LPN has can have an influence on their salary. Those with higher levels of education, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree, may be offered higher wages than those with only a diploma or certificate.

4. Specialization: Specialization in a particular field can also have an effect on the salary of an LPN in Hawaii. Those who specialize in a certain area, such as pediatric care, may be offered higher wages than general practitioners.

5. Demand: The demand for LPNs in Hawaii can also play a role in salary expectations. If there is a higher demand for skilled nurses in certain areas, they may be able to negotiate higher wages than if there was less demand for their services.

What benefits, such as healthcare, retirement, or tuition assistance, are typically offered to LPNs in Hawaii?

The benefits typically offered to LPNs in Hawaii may vary depending on the employer or type of facility. Some common benefits that may be offered include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, retirement plans (e.g. 401K), tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities.

Are there opportunities for salary growth and advancement for LPNs in Hawaii?

Yes, there are opportunities for salary growth and advancement for LPNs in Hawaii. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, training, certification, and continuing education programs that can help LPNs increase their knowledge and skills and progress into higher-paying positions. Additionally, there are a number of state-funded programs and grants that are available to LPNs in Hawaii to help them advance their careers.

How do LPN salaries compare to the national average for licensed practical nurses in Hawaii?

The national average for licensed practical nurses in Hawaii is $20.37 per hour, which is slightly below the national mean of $20.90 per hour. However, salaries for LPNs in Hawaii tend to be higher than the national average due to the high cost of living in the state. The average wage for a licensed practical nurse in Hawaii is typically between $21 and $23 per hour.

Is there a demand for LPNs, and how does the job market outlook look for LPNs in Hawaii?

Yes, there is a demand for LPNs in Hawaii. The job market outlook for LPNs in Hawaii is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is projected to grow by 6% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than the average rate of growth for all occupations. Salaries for Hawaii LPNs are also on the rise, with an average annual wage of $54,190 in 2019.

Are there specific healthcare sectors, such as long-term care, home health, or hospitals, that have a higher demand for LPNs in Hawaii?

Yes, long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, are the primary employers of LPNs in Hawaii and usually have high demand for qualified LPNs. Home health care is also an area of high demand, as home health care organizations are required to maintain a certain number of LPNs on staff in order to comply with regulations. Hospitals in Hawaii also employ LPNs in order to provide quality patient care.

Is there a demand for bilingual or multilingual LPNs in healthcare settings that serve diverse communities in Hawaii?

Yes, there is a demand for bilingual or multilingual LPNs in healthcare settings that serve diverse communities in Hawaii. The Hawaii Health Care Association (HHCA) has identified the need for LPNs to be fluent in English as well as other languages in order to provide culturally competent care to populations that are multilingual and multicultural. In terms of specific language needs, the HHCA reports that Spanish and Tagalog are the most common languages spoken by clients in its network of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. There is also a need for LPNs who can speak Hawaiian, Japanese, and Chinese.

What is the employment growth rate for LPNs, and are there expected shortages in the nursing workforce in Hawaii?

The employment growth rate for LPNs in the United States is expected to increase by 11% over the next 10 years. In Hawaii, projections indicate that there will be a shortage of nurses in the next decade, with an estimated shortage of over 1,400 nurses by 2030.

What are the employment benefits and opportunities for career advancement in the healthcare facilities for LPNs in Hawaii?

Employment benefits for LPNs in Hawaii vary by facility, but generally may include health and dental insurance, vacation/sick pay, paid holidays, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement and other job-specific benefits. Career advancement opportunities for LPNs in Hawaii may include mentorship/training programs to become a Registered Nurse or other higher-level healthcare roles, such as a clinical specialist or clinical director. In addition, some employers may offer tuition assistance for LPNs to pursue additional certifications in areas such as gerontology or hospice care.

Do LPNs with specialized certifications or advanced practice roles have increased job opportunities and earning potential in Hawaii?

Yes, LPNs with specialized certifications or advanced practice roles have increased job opportunities and earning potential in Hawaii. LPNs in Hawaii who hold certifications or advanced practice roles often receive higher pay and more job opportunities than those without such credentials. They may be eligible for certain positions such as clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and case managers, which offer higher salaries and more job stability. Furthermore, these nurses may have the opportunity to work in specialized areas such as obstetrics, pediatrics, or geriatrics, for example.

Are there opportunities for immigrants, including those with language skills, to find employment in healthcare facilities in Hawaii?

Yes, there are opportunities for immigrants with language skills to find employment in healthcare facilities in Hawaii. Many hospitals and other healthcare facilities in Hawaii have language centers or programs that provide medical translation services and other language supports to help patients who speak different languages. Additionally, some healthcare facilities have a large number of multilingual staff members, and many of them are immigrants. Finally, many healthcare employers in Hawaii actively seek bilingual and multilingual job applicants for positions in administrative, medical, and support roles.

What are the typical work schedules for LPNs, and do they include options for part-time or flexible hours in Hawaii?

The typical work schedule for an LPN in Hawaii is typically 8-hour shifts, 5 days a week. However, there are some employers who offer part-time and flexible hours for their LPNs. Also, there may be opportunities for LPNs to work evening and/or night shifts.

Are there resources, such as job fairs or online job portals, that can help immigrants find LPN job opportunities in Hawaii?

Yes, there are a variety of resources available to help immigrants find LPN job opportunities in Hawaii. Job fairs are a great way to network and learn about job openings in the area, and many of them are specifically catered to immigrants. Online job portals such as Indeed and Monster are also excellent resources for job seekers, as they provide a comprehensive list of jobs available from LPN employers in Hawaii. Additionally, many healthcare organizations and agencies have their own careers websites which can be used to search for LPN positions in Hawaii. Finally, immigrants can also contact local hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes directly to inquire about any openings they may have.

What are the options for continuing education and professional development for LPNs to enhance their careers in Hawaii?

1. Hawaii State Board of Nursing: The Hawaii State Board of Nursing (HSBN) offers continuing education courses in various topics related to nursing. Topics include medical/surgical nursing, pharmacology, ethics, legal issues, and more.

2. Professional Nursing Organizations: Many professional nursing organizations provide continuing education opportunities for LPNs. Examples include the American Nurses Association, National Association of Licensed Professional Nurses, and National League for Nursing.

3. Online Courses: Many websites offer online courses covering various topics related to nursing. Examples include CEUFast and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

4. Conferences and Workshops: Various organizations host conferences and workshops that provide continuing education for LPNs. These include the Hawaii Nurses Association and the Hawaii Society of Clinical Oncology.

5. Local Colleges and Universities: Local colleges and universities often offer continuing education opportunities specifically for LPNs. Examples include the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University.

Are there specific job search strategies and resources for immigrants, including those with unique language or cultural considerations, seeking LPN positions in Hawaii?

1. Connecting with local healthcare organizations: It may be beneficial for immigrants seeking LPN positions in Hawaii to connect with local healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. These organizations are often willing to work with and assist immigrants in navigating the job search process and may even provide resources specifically for immigrant job seekers.

2. Participating in language classes: It can be beneficial for immigrants to participate in language classes or other educational programs related to the medical field that can help them gain a better understanding of the local healthcare system and improve their language skills.

3. Networking with professionals in the medical industry: Networking with professionals in the medical industry can be an effective method for immigrants to find out about potential job openings and make professional connections that can help them land a job.

4. Searching job boards: Job boards are another useful resource for immigrants looking for LPN positions in Hawaii. There are a variety of job boards that cater specifically to immigrants, such as Immigration Jobs and Immigration Workforce, which are dedicated to helping immigrants find jobs throughout the United States.

5. Utilizing online job search engines: Online job search engines, such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter, can be helpful for finding potential LPN positions in Hawaii. These search engines offer detailed filtering options that allow users to narrow down their searches based on location, skills, industry, keyword phrases, and more.

6. Contacting staffing agencies: Contacting staffing agencies is another option for finding LPN positions in Hawaii. Staffing agencies specialize in connecting job seekers with employers and they often have extensive knowledge of the local healthcare market that can be beneficial for immigrant job seekers.

How can immigrants with LPN qualifications ensure that their credentials align with the state’s licensing and employment requirements in Hawaii?

There are a few steps immigrants with LPN qualifications can take to ensure that their credentials align with the state’s licensing and employment requirements in Hawaii.

1. Review the licensing requirements for Hawaii: Visit the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website to review the licensing requirements necessary for LPNs in Hawaii. This includes reviewing any applicable laws, regulations, and rules that may apply.

2. Contact the Hawaii Board of Nursing: Contact the Hawaii Board of Nursing for additional information and resources regarding licensing for LPNs in Hawaii. They can provide information about any additional requirements or qualifications needed to practice as an LPN in the state of Hawaii.

3. Check for any additional training or education requirements: Depending on the state, there may be additional training or educational requirements required in order to be eligible for a license. Check to see if these are necessary in Hawaii and if so, what is required.

4. Become familiar with any special requirements relating to immigration status: If you are an immigrant, make sure to familiarize yourself with any special requirements related to your immigration status in relation to licensing and employment in Hawaii.

5. Obtain the necessary documents: Once you have reviewed all of the necessary materials, you should obtain the appropriate documents needed for licensing and employment in Hawaii such as a social security number, passport, birth certificate, etc.

By taking these steps, immigrants with LPN qualifications can ensure that their credentials align with the state’s licensing and employment requirements in Hawaii.

Do LPNs have opportunities for overtime or shift differentials that can increase their earnings in Hawaii?

Yes, Licensed Practical Nurses in Hawaii may have opportunities for overtime and shift differentials that can increase their earnings. The Hawaii Nurse Practice Act states that LPNs may receive an additional 1.5 times their regular rate for any hours worked over 40 hours in a week or 8 hours in a day. Additionally, some healthcare organizations in Hawaii may offer shift differentials for working late nights and weekends.

What are the potential legal implications or challenges immigrants may face when pursuing LPN careers, especially in the context of immigration status, in Hawaii?



One of the potential legal challenges immigrants may face when pursuing LPN careers in Hawaii specifically, is related to the fact that the application process for the Hawaii license for LPN requires a valid U.S. Social Security Number. This requirement may be difficult to satisfy for certain immigrants who may not have legally obtained a Social Security Number yet.

Another potential legal challenge that immigrants may face is related to the fact that Hawaii has specific requirements that must be met before an individual can obtain a license as an LPN. This includes completing an approved nursing program and passing both a criminal background check and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). If the applicant does not meet these requirements, they may not be eligible for licensure in Hawaii.

In addition, certain immigrants may have difficulty proving that they are legally permitted to work in the US due to their immigration status. For instance, individuals with Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may not be eligible for licensure in Hawaii, as it requires applicants to prove that they are lawfully present in the US.

Finally, some immigrants may encounter language barriers when trying to apply for licensure and/or complete required educational programs for LPNs in Hawaii as English proficiency may be needed for certain programs.