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 bodyIndiana State Board of Nursing
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
ExamNCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee$50
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
ReciprocityIndiana is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Endorsement is available for non-NLC licensees.Reciprocal states: Indiana offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs licensed in other states. Indiana is also a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs with a compact license from another NLC state to practice in Indiana without additional licensure.
NotesA 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

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Indiana? See whether Indiana recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity guide.

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?
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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.

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