Licensed Practical Nurse in Michigan

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

Median annual salary
$63,810
trending_up +2.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering
11,060

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Stable
+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$409

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Michigan

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Michigan, applicants must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Michigan Board of Nursing, and a state license is required. There is an application fee of $208.80, and the license must be renewed every two years. Continuing education requirements include 25 hours per cycle, with specific hours in pain management, human trafficking (one-time), and implicit bias training. Michigan is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, but endorsement is available for out-of-state licensees and reciprocity for Canadian licensees. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are also mandatory.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $53,360
25th percentile $60,640
50th (median) $63,810
75th percentile $71,460
90th (experienced) $77,290

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

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing bodyMichigan Board of Nursing
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a state-approved practical nursing program
ExamNCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee$209
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education25.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age not specified. CE must include 2 hours in pain management and 1 hour in human trafficking (one-time requirement). Additionally, 2 hours of implicit bias training are required for initial licensure, followed by 1 hour for each year of the renewal cycle (2 hours for a 2-year cycle). A criminal background check and fingerprinting are also required. Michigan is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

Source: Michigan 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_circleMichigan 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 Michigan? expand_more
The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in Michigan: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($209 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a licensed practical nurse in Michigan? expand_more
You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in Michigan without a state license from Michigan Board of Nursing. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.
What do licensed practical nurses earn in Michigan? expand_more
licensed practical nurses in Michigan earn a median of $63,810 annually. That's roughly in line with the $62,340 national median. Wages range from $53,360 (10th percentile) up to $77,290 (90th percentile).
How much does it cost to become a licensed practical nurse in Michigan? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($209) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse in Michigan? expand_more
Most candidates in Michigan complete the process in 1-2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for licensed practical nurses in Michigan? expand_more
To keep your license active, Michigan mandates 25.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.

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