Licensed Practical Nurse in Idaho

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

Median annual salary
$61,720
trending_down -1.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Idaho.

engineering
2,380

Jobs (ID)

monitoring Stable
+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$302

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Idaho

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Idaho, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Idaho Board of Nursing. A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required as part of the application process, and the application fee is $102. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, which facilitates licensure for LPNs from other compact states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,190
25th percentile $49,980
50th (median) $61,720
75th percentile $71,190
90th (experienced) $76,290

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

checklist Idaho requirements

Licensing bodyIdaho Board of Nursing
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
ExamNCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee$102
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education15.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. New graduate nurses are exempt from Continued Competence Requirements during their first renewal cycle. LPN licenses expire on August 31st of even-numbered years. There is a $35 late fee for renewals after August 31st. A temporary license costs $25.

Source: Idaho 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_circleIdaho license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a licensed practical nurse in Idaho? expand_more
Idaho requires licensed practical nurses to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($102 fee).
Is a licensed practical nurse license required in Idaho? expand_more
You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in Idaho without a state license from Idaho Board of Nursing. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.
How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Idaho? expand_more
licensed practical nurses in Idaho earn a median of $61,720 annually. That's roughly in line with the $62,340 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $28,190, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $76,290.
What are the fees to become a licensed practical nurse in Idaho? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($102) and required training.
How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse in Idaho? expand_more
Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in Idaho — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What's required to renew a licensed practical nurse license in Idaho? expand_more
Yes — licensed practical nurses in Idaho must complete 15.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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