Licensed Practical Nurse in Arizona

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

Median annual salary
$74,020
trending_up +18.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arizona.

engineering
5,200

Jobs (AZ)

monitoring Stable
+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$500

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Arizona

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Arizona, candidates must be at least 18 years old and complete a state-approved practical nursing program. After completing their education, applicants must pass the NCLEX-PN exam and undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting. Arizona is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice there. Licenses must be renewed every four years, with renewal requiring either 960 hours of practice in the past five years, recent graduation from a nursing program, completion of a board-approved refresher course, or an advanced nursing degree.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $58,330
25th percentile $63,640
50th (median) $74,020
75th percentile $79,650
90th (experienced) $82,580

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

checklist Arizona requirements

Licensing bodyArizona State Board of Nursing
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
ExamNCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee$300
RenewalEvery 4.0 years
NotesMinimum age: 18 years old. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. To renew, LPNs must meet one of the following within the past 5 years: 960 hours of clinical nursing practice, graduation from a nursing program, completion of a board-approved refresher course, or earning an advanced nursing degree. If renewing after April 1st, a late fee of $50 per month (up to $200) applies. If not renewed by August 1st, the license expires and requires reinstatement.

Source: Arizona State 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_circleArizona license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a licensed practical nurse in Arizona? expand_more
The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in Arizona: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($300 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a licensed practical nurse in Arizona? expand_more
A state license is required in Arizona. Arizona State Board of Nursing handles licensed practical nurse licensing — the NCLEX-PN is part of the process.
How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Arizona? expand_more
licensed practical nurses in Arizona earn a median of $74,020 annually. — 19% higher than the $62,340 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $58,330, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $82,580.
How much does it cost to become a licensed practical nurse in Arizona? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($300) plus your education and training.
How quickly can I become a licensed practical nurse in Arizona? expand_more
In Arizona, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 1-2 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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