Licensed Practical Nurse in Maine

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

Median annual salary
$70,870
trending_up +13.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maine.

engineering
850

Jobs (ME)

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 Maine

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Maine, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The Maine State Board of Nursing oversees the licensing process. The application fee is $50, and a criminal background check is required. Maine is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs with multi-state licenses from other compact states to practice, though those moving to Maine permanently will need to declare residency and apply for a Maine multi-state license. There are no continuing education requirements for LPN license renewal in Maine.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $50,840
25th percentile $61,780
50th (median) $70,870
75th percentile $75,940
90th (experienced) $99,860

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

checklist Maine requirements

Licensing bodyMaine 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
NotesApplicants must undergo a criminal background check, including fingerprinting. A social security number is required for licensure. Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, meaning LPNs licensed in other compact states can practice in Maine without additional licensure, unless they are moving to Maine permanently. Foreign-educated applicants have additional requirements, including a transcript review by CGFNS and potentially a TOEFL English language proficiency test.

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

How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Maine? expand_more
To become a licensed practical nurse in Maine, 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 Maine? expand_more
A state license is required in Maine. Maine State Board of Nursing handles licensed practical nurse licensing — the NCLEX-PN is part of the process.
What do licensed practical nurses earn in Maine? expand_more
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Maine is $70,870 per year. That's 14% above the national median of $62,340. Wages range from $50,840 (10th percentile) up to $99,860 (90th percentile).
What's the total cost to get licensed practical nurse certified in Maine? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($50) plus your education and training.
How many months or years does licensed practical nurse certification take in Maine? expand_more
In Maine, 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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