Licensed Practical Nurse in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$50,100

trending_down -19.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

10,840

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$328

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years (program); 4-6 weeks (licensure)

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Alabama

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Alabama, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Alabama Board of Nursing. A criminal background check, including fingerprinting, is required, and applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, allowing LPNs with multistate licenses from other compact states to practice, though those establishing residency in Alabama must apply for an Alabama multistate license within 30 days.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,470

25th percentile $43,320

50th (median) $50,100

75th percentile $58,850

90th (experienced) $63,170

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	Alabama Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$128
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A criminal background check is required, including fingerprinting. Applicants must have a valid Social Security Number and provide proof of citizenship/legal presence. There is a one-time 4-hour continuing education requirement on the Alabama Nurse Practice Act for first-time renewals. Minimum age is not specified for LPNs, but for Medication Assistants it is 17.

Source: Alabama Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.6%

Average

Annual openings

54,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

651,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleAlabama license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a licensed practical nurse in Alabama? expand_more

In Alabama, becoming a licensed practical nurse requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($128 fee).

Does Alabama require licensed practical nurse licensure? expand_more

Yes, Alabama requires a state license to practice as a licensed practical nurse. The licensing body is Alabama Board of Nursing. You must pass the NCLEX-PN.

What do licensed practical nurses earn in Alabama? expand_more

The median licensed practical nurse salary in Alabama is $50,100 per year. That's 20% below the national median of $62,340. New licensed practical nurses start around $36,470; seasoned professionals can reach $63,170.

How expensive is licensed practical nurse licensing in Alabama? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($128) and required training.

How many months or years does licensed practical nurse certification take in Alabama? expand_more

In Alabama, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 1-2 years (program); 4-6 weeks (licensure), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does Alabama require continuing education for licensed practical nurses? expand_more

Alabama requires 24.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your licensed practical nurse license.