Licensed Practical Nurse in New York

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

Median annual salary
$64,030
trending_up +2.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New York.

engineering
40,720

Jobs (NY)

monitoring Stable
+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$343

Licensing fees

schedule
1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in New York

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in New York, you must be licensed and registered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), Office of the Professions. Key steps include graduating from an NYSED-approved LPN program or an equivalent, passing the NCLEX-PN exam, and submitting an application with a fee of $143. New York does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, but licensure by endorsement is available for those licensed in other states who meet New York's specific requirements. Additionally, applicants must complete mandatory coursework in Infection Control and Child Abuse Identification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $51,490
25th percentile $58,350
50th (median) $64,030
75th percentile $74,460
90th (experienced) $80,400

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

checklist New York requirements

Licensing bodyNew York State Education Department, Office of the Professions - Nursing
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a New York State Education Department (NYSED)-approved LPN program or an equivalent program in another U.S. state/territory or military program deemed satisfactory by NYSED. Graduates of general RN programs are also eligible.
ExamNCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee$143
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
NotesMinimum age 17 years old. Must be of good moral character and have a high school diploma or GED. Requires approved coursework in Infection Control (upon initial licensure and every 4 years thereafter) and Child Abuse Identification (one-time requirement for initial licensure, unless graduated from a NYS-registered program on or after September 1, 1990). A background check is not required for licensure by endorsement, but all criminal convictions and disciplinary actions must be reported. A limited permit is available for those who have not yet taken the NCLEX-PN.

Source: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions - 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_circleNew York 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 New York? expand_more
To become a licensed practical nurse in New York, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a New York State Education Department (NYSED)-approved LPN program or an equivalent program in another U.S. state/territory or military program deemed satisfactory by NYSED. Graduates of general RN programs are also eligible.), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($143 fee).
Does New York require licensed practical nurse licensure? expand_more
New York mandates state licensure for licensed practical nurses. New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions - Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the NCLEX-PN.
What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in New York? expand_more
In New York, the median pay for licensed practical nurses comes to $64,030/year. That's roughly in line with the $62,340 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $51,490, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $80,400.
How much does it cost to become a licensed practical nurse in New York? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($200) and application fee ($143). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How long does it take to become a licensed practical nurse in New York? expand_more
Most candidates in New York complete the process in 1-2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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