Licensed Practical Nurse in Alaska

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

Median annual salary

$77,670

trending_up +24.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.

engineering

300

Jobs (AK)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$575

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (program 1+ year, licensing process additional time)

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Alaska

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Alaska, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Alaska Board of Nursing. All applicants must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check and pay an application fee of $375. Alaska does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so LPNs licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement, which includes verifying their current license and recent practice hours.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $60,060

25th percentile $68,340

50th (median) $77,670

75th percentile $86,070

90th (experienced) $96,490

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

checklist Alaska requirements

Licensing body	Alaska Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$375
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years old (implied by high school diploma/GED and program completion). A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required. For renewal, LPNs must complete two of three continuing competency methods: 30 contact hours of continuing education, 30 hours of participation in uncompensated professional activities, or 320 hours of employment as an LPN. Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

Source: Alaska 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_circleAlaska 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

How do you get certified as a licensed practical nurse in Alaska? expand_more

To become a licensed practical nurse in Alaska, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($375 fee).

Is a licensed practical nurse license required in Alaska? expand_more

Alaska mandates state licensure for licensed practical nurses. Alaska Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the NCLEX-PN.

What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in Alaska? expand_more

licensed practical nurses in Alaska earn a median of $77,670 annually. — 25% higher than the $62,340 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $60,060, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $96,490.

What's the total cost to get licensed practical nurse certified in Alaska? expand_more

Between exam fee ($200) and application fee ($375), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

The typical timeline in Alaska is Varies (program 1+ year, licensing process additional time). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do licensed practical nurses need in Alaska? expand_more

Alaska requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your licensed practical nurse license.