U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Veterans Affairs / Practical Nurse

Job-title file

Practical Nurse

Provide direct patient care — assess conditions, administer treatment and medication, and coordinate with physicians.

15,567 employees hold this title in Department of Veterans Affairs. Median total compensation for the role is $72,194, below the department median of $88,751.

Employees: 15,567
Total payroll: $1.1B
Role median: $72,194
Agency median: $88,751
Comparison: Below

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$0$93,306+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 15,567 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Practical Nurse pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — about 648,410 people — is $64,400. Department of Veterans Affairs pays a median base salary of $72,194 for this role, 12% above that figure — about the 67th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Veterans Affairs sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$49,740

$59,000

$64,400

$76,030

$83,440

Department of Veterans Affairs median · $72,194

The bar is the range of annual wages for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Veterans Affairs’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Computed over the 15,391 of 15,567 people in this role paid at least $25,000 in base salary. The rest are part-year or part-time records, whose actual pay isn’t comparable to a full-time annual wage.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Veterans Affairs is $72,194, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Practical Nurse is held in 4 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Veterans Affairs, the median of $72,194 ranks #1 of 4.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Department of Health and Human Services

$66,166 · 196

Armed Forces Retirement Home

$62,740 · 46

Department of Agriculture

$56,675 · 6

Median total compensation for the Practical Nurse role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Compare jurisdictions

Practical Nurse beyond U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

This role is reported in 3 jurisdictions. In U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense), the median of $72,084 ranks #2 of 3. See Practical Nurse across all of U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) →

Highest-paying jurisdictions for this role

New York Public Authorities

$83,995 · 15

New Jersey

$69,772 · 140

Median total compensation for comparable Practical Nurse roles in other jurisdictions. Titles are matched by normalized name across sources, not identical job classification, and pay is not cost-of-living adjusted. Each bar links to that jurisdiction’s page for the role.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 30

Jamie Rummel

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,137

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,137
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Waterloo
Work county: Black Hawk
Work state: Iowa

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,137
Basic Pay (before locality): $45,319
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 198790013
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jamie Rummel holds the role of Practical Nurse at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Waterloo, Iowa. In 2024, their total compensation was $56,137. Their pay grade is 06.

Lance Woodyard

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,137

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,137
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,137
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Waterloo
Work county: Black Hawk
Work state: Iowa

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,137
Basic Pay (before locality): $45,319
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 198790013
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Lance Woodyard holds the role of Practical Nurse at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Waterloo, Iowa. In 2024, their total compensation was $56,137. Their pay grade is 06.

Casey Schmidt

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,124

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,124
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,124
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Saint Cloud
Work county: Stearns
Work state: Minnesota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,124
Basic Pay (before locality): $30,280
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 276250145
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Casey Schmidt works as a Practical Nurse for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Casey earned $56,124 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Jeremy Colford

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,124

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,124
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,124
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Saint Cloud
Work county: Stearns
Work state: Minnesota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,124
Basic Pay (before locality): $30,280
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 276250145
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Jeremy Colford is a Practical Nurse at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. 2024 total compensation came to $56,124. They are classified at grade 04.

Bonnie Mehr

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,124

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,124
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,124
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Sartell
Work county: Stearns
Work state: Minnesota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,124
Basic Pay (before locality): $30,280
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 276420145
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Bonnie Mehr serves as a Practical Nurse based in Sartell, Minnesota. Their 2024 pay totaled $56,124. They are classified at grade 04.

Brea Timlin

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,124

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,124
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,124
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Saint Cloud
Work county: Stearns
Work state: Minnesota

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,124
Basic Pay (before locality): $30,280
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 276250145
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Brea Timlin works as a Practical Nurse for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Brea earned $56,124 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Janice Bailey

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,102

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,102
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,102
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Bettendorf
Work county: Scott
Work state: Iowa

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,102
Basic Pay (before locality): $44,060
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 190790163
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Janice Bailey is a Practical Nurse at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Bettendorf, Iowa. 2024 total compensation came to $56,102. They are classified at grade 06.

Dawn Silvers

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,102

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,102
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,102
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Bettendorf
Work county: Scott
Work state: Iowa

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,102
Basic Pay (before locality): $44,060
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 190790163
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Dawn Silvers is a Practical Nurse at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Bettendorf, Iowa. 2024 total compensation came to $56,102. They are classified at grade 06.

Candice Peugh

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,081

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,081
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,081
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Rome
Work county: Floyd
Work state: Georgia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,081
Basic Pay (before locality): $37,765
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 134760115
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Candice Peugh serves as a Practical Nurse based in Rome, Georgia. Their 2024 pay totaled $56,081. They are classified at grade 06.

Nelson Cruz

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,066

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,066
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,066
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Syracuse
Work county: Onondaga
Work state: New York

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,066
Basic Pay (before locality): $39,361
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 366010067
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Nelson Cruz works as a Practical Nurse for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Syracuse, New York. Nelson earned $56,066 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Ashley Wolfe

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$56,066

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $56,066
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $56,066
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Syracuse
Work county: Onondaga
Work state: New York

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $56,066
Basic Pay (before locality): $39,361
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 366010067
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Ashley Wolfe serves as a Practical Nurse based in Syracuse, New York. Their 2024 pay totaled $56,066. They are classified at grade 04.

Natasha Sauceda

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$55,994

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $55,994
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,994
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Amarillo
Work county: Potter
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,994
Basic Pay (before locality): $37,765
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 480150375
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Natasha Sauceda serves as a Practical Nurse based in Amarillo, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $55,994. They are classified at grade 06.

Beverly Vigil

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$55,994

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $55,994
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,994
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Amarillo
Work county: Potter
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,994
Basic Pay (before locality): $37,765
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 480150375
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Beverly Vigil works as a Practical Nurse for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Amarillo, Texas. Beverly earned $55,994 in 2024. Their pay grade is 06.

Yolanda Walker

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$55,994

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $55,994
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,994
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Amarillo
Work county: Potter
Work state: Texas

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,994
Basic Pay (before locality): $37,765
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 480150375
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Yolanda Walker serves as a Practical Nurse based in Amarillo, Texas. Their 2024 pay totaled $55,994. They are classified at grade 06.

Renita Brown

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$55,990

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $55,990
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,990
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Florence
Work county: Florence
Work state: South Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,990
Basic Pay (before locality): $37,765
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 450870041
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

At Department of Veterans Affairs, Renita Brown serves as a Practical Nurse based in Florence, South Carolina. Their 2024 pay totaled $55,990. They are classified at grade 06.

Dennis Magno

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$55,990

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $55,990
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,990
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Columbia
Work county: Richland
Work state: South Carolina

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,990
Basic Pay (before locality): $37,765
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 450520079
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Dennis Magno works as a Practical Nurse for Department of Veterans Affairs based in Columbia, South Carolina. Dennis earned $55,990 in 2024. Their pay grade is 06.

Cassandra Kearns

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$55,987

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $55,987
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,987
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Bay Pines
Work county: Pinellas
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,987
Basic Pay (before locality): $37,765
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 120185103
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Cassandra Kearns is a Practical Nurse at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Bay Pines, Florida. 2024 total compensation came to $55,987. They are classified at grade 06.

Kimberly Van Meter

Practical Nurse/Department of Veterans Affairs

2024 total comp

$55,987

Sub-department: Veterans Health Administration
Base pay: $55,987
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $55,987
Pay grade: 06
Work city: Sarasota
Work county: Sarasota
Work state: Florida

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $55,987
Basic Pay (before locality): $37,765
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 122780115
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 0620
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Kimberly Van Meter holds the role of Practical Nurse at Department of Veterans Affairs based in Sarasota, Florida. In 2024, their total compensation was $55,987. Their pay grade is 06.