Licensed Practical Nurse in Oregon

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

Median annual salary

$76,570

trending_up +22.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.

engineering

4,340

Jobs (OR)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$395

Licensing fees

schedule

3-6 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Oregon

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Oregon, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The Oregon State Board of Nursing handles licensing, and the application process typically takes 3-6 weeks. Oregon does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so LPNs from other states must apply for licensure by endorsement. A criminal background check and specific continuing education requirements, including pain management and cultural competency courses, are also mandatory.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $62,980

25th percentile $67,750

50th (median) $76,570

75th percentile $82,390

90th (experienced) $94,880

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

checklist Oregon requirements

Licensing body	Oregon State Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$195
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A one-time, 7-hour pain management course (including a 1-hour Oregon Pain Management Commission module) and a 2-hour cultural competency course are required for initial licensure/first renewal. Starting January 1, 2026, practice hours will no longer be required for renewal. Beginning January 1, 2028, LPNs will need to provide evidence of 20 hours of continuing education every two years for renewal, in addition to the pain management and cultural competency requirements. A criminal background check is mandatory. Minimum age of 18 years old.

Source: Oregon 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_circleOregon 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 Oregon? expand_more

In Oregon, becoming a licensed practical nurse requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($195 fee).

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

Oregon mandates state licensure for licensed practical nurses. Oregon State Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the NCLEX-PN.

How much do licensed practical nurses make in Oregon? expand_more

In Oregon, the median pay for licensed practical nurses comes to $76,570/year. This exceeds the $62,340 national median by 23%. New licensed practical nurses start around $62,980; seasoned professionals can reach $94,880.

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($195) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a licensed practical nurse in Oregon? expand_more

In Oregon, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 3-6 weeks, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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

Oregon requires 20.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your licensed practical nurse license.