Licensed Practical Nurse in Missouri

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

Median annual salary

$59,030

trending_down -5.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

14,320

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$200

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Missouri

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Missouri State Board of Nursing. While there is no application fee for initial licensure by examination, a criminal background check fee is required. Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, which allows LPNs with a multistate license from their primary state of residence to practice in Missouri.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,390

25th percentile $51,000

50th (median) $59,030

75th percentile $63,440

90th (experienced) $74,810

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	Missouri State Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Application fee for initial licensure by exam is $0, but a criminal background check fee of $41.75 is required. No CE is required for renewal. Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from their primary state of residence to practice in Missouri. Graduate nurses may practice for 90 days under direct supervision while awaiting NCLEX-PN results. There is no specified minimum age, but applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must provide a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) and evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.

Source: Missouri 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_circleMissouri 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 are the steps to becoming a licensed practical nurse in Missouri? expand_more

The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in Missouri: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), and pass the NCLEX-PN.

Do I need a license to work as a licensed practical nurse in Missouri? expand_more

You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in Missouri without a state license from Missouri State Board of Nursing. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.

How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Missouri? expand_more

licensed practical nurses in Missouri earn a median of $59,030 annually. — 5% under the $62,340 national average. The range spans from $46,390 at the entry level to $74,810 for top earners.

What are the fees to become a licensed practical nurse in Missouri? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and required training.

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

Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in Missouri — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.