Licensed Practical Nurse in Montana

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

Median annual salary

$59,750

trending_down -4.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering

1,630

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$300

Licensing fees

schedule

Approximately 1 year for education program, plus application processing time

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Montana

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Montana, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Montana Board of Nursing. Applicants must also submit a $100 application fee and undergo a criminal background check. Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state to practice without obtaining a separate Montana license, though those establishing Montana as their primary residence must apply for a Montana license within 60 days.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $47,040

25th percentile $50,270

50th (median) $59,750

75th percentile $63,570

90th (experienced) $74,500

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

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing body	Montana Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18 years old. A criminal background check is required. Must hold a valid government-issued identification. Must demonstrate good moral character.

Source: Montana 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_circleMontana 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

How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Montana? expand_more

The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in Montana: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($100 fee).

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

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

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

licensed practical nurses in Montana earn a median of $59,750 annually. That's roughly in line with the $62,340 national median. New licensed practical nurses start around $47,040; seasoned professionals can reach $74,500.

How much does it cost to become a licensed practical nurse in Montana? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($100) plus your education and training.

How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse in Montana? expand_more

Expect to spend Approximately 1 year for education program, plus application processing time from start to finish in Montana — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

How many CE hours do licensed practical nurses need in Montana? expand_more

To keep your license active, Montana mandates 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.