Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX)
Healthcare · $64,400 median · ~1–1.5 years training · Structurally ineligible for Workforce Pell
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 20, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Honest tradeoffs
hospital LPN segment declining
Hospital LPN positions have been declining for 15+ years as hospitals shift to all-RN staffing (Magnet hospital designation prefers BSN-RN). This affects LPN trajectory materially — LTC, home health, and corrections are the growth segments. Plan accordingly.
not workforce pell eligible
LPN programs at 52-78 weeks exceed the federal Workforce Pell 150-599 clock-hour window. You'll use traditional Pell, not Workforce Pell. Programs typically cost $5K-$30K total; Pell covers most of community college programs.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- Entry LPN wages typically $45-55K in LTC/skilled nursing settings
- Hospital and specialty practice LPN reach $60-75K with experience and shift differentials
- CA LVN routinely $70K+ even at entry. Lifetime earnings improve significantly if advancing to RN via LPN→RN bridge programs (12-18 months additional training, ~$86K RN median).
Workforce Pell eligibility
Not eligible for Workforce Pell
Training
Ways in
Paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom hours — you get a wage from day one instead of paying tuition.
Common sponsors: Hospital systems (HCA, Kaiser, Banner — many offer paid LPN training in exchange for 2-3 year commitment), Long-term care operators (Genesis, Brookdale), 1199SEIU Training and Employment Fund (NY), Veterans Affairs (federal LPN apprenticeship)
Credentials you'll earnwith typical prep time
NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination - Practical Nurse)
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Federal-level standardized exam. Pass rate ~85% nationally from accredited programs. Computer-adaptive.
Source ↗State LPN License
State Board of Nursing
All 50 states + DC require LPN licensure. Some states require CEUs for renewal.
Source ↗Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
American Heart Association
Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- $5,000–$30,000
- Training pays for itself in
- about 6 months
The low end is the cheapest route in — a paid apprenticeship, community college, or employer-paid program (sometimes free); the high end is a private or for-profit school. The range is about which route you take, not extra certifications.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Find an apprenticeship
Apply to a registered apprenticeship — you earn a paycheck from day one while you train, instead of paying tuition.
- 2
Earn your first credential
Study for and pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination - Practical Nurse).
- 3
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Entry$62,340Entry; LPN is recognized scope in skilled nursing, hospitals (some), home health, long-term care
Training: 12-18 month LPN program (CODA-accredited) + NCLEX-PN exam + state LPN licensure
Senior LPN / Specialty
Year 3$70,000Specialty work pays premium; LPN scope is state-specific (some states allow expanded IV/medication scope)
Training: 3+ years experience + specialty area (geriatrics, hospice, pediatrics, surgical) + IV certification
Registered Nurse (ADN/ASN) via Bridge
Year 5$86,070Major wage growth; bridge programs at community colleges + online; LPN-to-RN is established pathway
Training: 12-18 month LPN-to-RN bridge program + NCLEX-RN exam
RN BSN / Specialty Track
Year 8$110,000Ceiling tier within RN path; CRNA pathway opens with DNP ($200K+); NP pathway opens with MSN ($120K+)
Training: RN-to-BSN bridge (12-18 months online) + specialty cert (CCRN, CEN)
In your state
State licensure
Data limitations
- • BLS OEWS May 2025 per-occupation detail tables not yet pushed
- • Per-state and per-MSA LPN wage tables
- • Per-state LPN scope of practice not yet catalogued
- • Per-institution LPN program admission cycles
Common questions
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX) make?
The median wage is $64,400 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $49,740 and $83,440. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX)?
Typical training runs about 1 year. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required. Many people earn a paid wage during an apprenticeship instead of paying tuition.
Do you need a college degree to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX)?
No. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX) is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX) eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Not structurally — the typical program runs longer than the federal Workforce Pell hour cap, so it generally won't qualify for Workforce Pell. Other financial aid may still apply.
Do you need a license to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN in CA, TX)?
Yes — all 50 states plus DC require a license to work independently. Requirements vary by state, so check your state board.
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