What does a licensed practical nurse (LPN) do? Duties, pay and outlook
A licensed practical nurse (LPN), called a licensed vocational nurse in California and Texas, gives basic patient care under registered nurses and physicians. Most complete a state-approved program of about one year and must pass an exam to be licensed in their state.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 29-2061.00 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses) |
| Typical entry-level education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training | None (clinical experience is built into the program) |
| Licensing | All states require a license |
| Median annual wage | $64,400 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 3 percent, 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average) |
| Number of jobs | 666,900 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 51,800 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a licensed practical nurse do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Monitor patients' health by checking blood pressure, body temperature and other vital signs.
- Provide basic patient care and comfort, including changing bandages and helping with bathing or dressing.
- Discuss care with patients and listen to their concerns.
- Report patients' status and concerns to registered nurses, advanced practice nurses or physicians.
- Document patient care and maintain health records.
Work environment
Largest employers by share of jobs: Nursing and residential care facilities 37 percent; hospitals; state, local, and private 16 percent; home healthcare services 12 percent; offices of physicians 11 percent; government, excluding state and local education and hospitals 6 percent. Most licensed practical nurses work full time. Some work nights, weekends and holidays, and some work shifts longer than eight hours.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: Complete a state-approved educational program, which typically takes about one year. Certificate and diploma programs are commonly offered at community colleges and technical schools, including some high schools, and all include supervised clinical experience.
- Licensing: After the program, you must pass an exam to become licensed. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state board of nursing; CareerOneStop lists state licensing details.
- Certifications: Optional certifications exist in areas such as gerontology, wound care and intravenous (IV) therapy. Some employers require or prefer CPR or basic life support (BLS) certification.
- Advancement: With experience, LPNs may move into supervisory roles or transfer to other healthcare occupations, for example by completing an LPN-to-RN program.
Skills that matter
The OOH names compassion, communication skills, detail orientation, interpersonal skills, multitasking skills and physical stamina. O*NET lists the knowledge, skills and tasks for this occupation in its Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses summary.
How much do licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $64,400 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,740 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,440.
Median annual wage by industry, May 2025 (BLS):
| Industry | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | $68,970 |
| Nursing and residential care facilities | $68,020 |
| Home healthcare services | $63,580 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $61,160 |
| Offices of physicians | $59,520 |
See the OOH pay tab and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for more detail. Our guide on how to research pay explains how to read these numbers.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, as fast as the average for all occupations, with about 51,800 openings projected each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Finish an approved program. Pick a state-approved program with supervised clinical hours and confirm that it prepares you for your state's licensing exam.
- Get licensed and certified. Pass the licensing exam, then add CPR or BLS certification, which some employers require or prefer.
- Match your resume to the setting. Nursing and residential care facilities, hospitals, home healthcare services and physicians' offices are the largest employers, so lead with the clinical skills each one lists. Our resume sections recruiters read guide shows what to put first.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine, search jobs on LiveRec, and set a job alert for your title.
Related occupations
Registered nurses; Nursing assistants and orderlies; Medical assistants; Surgical assistants and technologists; Psychiatric technicians and aides.
Related guides on LiveRec: registered nurses, nursing assistants, medical assistants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become an LPN? The state-approved program typically takes about one year, followed by the licensing exam.
Do LPNs need a license? Yes. You must complete a state-approved program and pass an exam to be licensed. Confirm requirements with your state board.
Is an LPN the same as an LVN? The OOH profile covers licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses together; the titles describe the same work in different states.
Can an LPN become a registered nurse? Yes. The OOH notes that LPNs may complete an LPN-to-RN program to move into a registered nurse role.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2061.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.