Licensed Practical Nurse in Indiana

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

Median annual salary

$63,690

trending_up +2.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Indiana.

engineering

14,680

Jobs (IN)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$250

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Indiana

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Indiana, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Indiana State Board of Nursing. A criminal background check is required for all applicants. Indiana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows LPNs holding a compact license from another NLC state to practice in Indiana.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $49,660

25th percentile $59,110

50th (median) $63,690

75th percentile $70,050

90th (experienced) $75,000

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

checklist Indiana requirements

Licensing body	Indiana State Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	A criminal background check is required. There is no minimum age specified, but applicants must have graduated from high school or have a GED. Indiana is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

Source: Indiana 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_circleIndiana 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 Indiana? expand_more

To become a licensed practical nurse in Indiana, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Is a licensed practical nurse license required in Indiana? expand_more

A state license is required in Indiana. Indiana State Board of Nursing handles licensed practical nurse licensing — the NCLEX-PN is part of the process.

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

licensed practical nurses in Indiana earn a median of $63,690 annually. That's roughly in line with the $62,340 national median. The range spans from $49,660 at the entry level to $75,000 for top earners.

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

Between exam fee ($200) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a licensed practical nurse in Indiana? expand_more

The typical timeline in Indiana is 1-2 years. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.