Licensed Practical Nurse in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary

$70,420

trending_up +13.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

engineering

1,170

Jobs (DC)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$437

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in District of Columbia

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the District of Columbia, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the District of Columbia Board of Nursing. A criminal background check is required for initial licensure and at every two-year renewal. The District of Columbia does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, but offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs licensed in other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $58,500

25th percentile $64,510

50th (median) $70,420

75th percentile $78,270

90th (experienced) $81,410

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing body	District of Columbia Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$237
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	18.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A criminal background check is required for initial licensure and at every two-year renewal. CE must include 2 hours on LGBTQ topics or cultural awareness, and 3 hours in public health topics as specified by D.C. Health. First-time renewals are exempt from CE requirements. The District of Columbia is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

Source: District of Columbia 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_circleDistrict of Columbia 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's required to work as a licensed practical nurse in District of Columbia? expand_more

The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in District of Columbia: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($237 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a licensed practical nurse in District of Columbia? expand_more

A state license is required in District of Columbia. District of Columbia Board of Nursing handles licensed practical nurse licensing — the NCLEX-PN is part of the process.

What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in District of Columbia? expand_more

In District of Columbia, the median pay for licensed practical nurses comes to $70,420/year. — 13% higher than the $62,340 national figure. The range spans from $58,500 at the entry level to $81,410 for top earners.

What are the fees to become a licensed practical nurse in District of Columbia? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($200) and application fee ($237) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does licensed practical nurse certification take in District of Columbia? expand_more

In District of Columbia, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 1-2 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What are the continuing education requirements for licensed practical nurses in District of Columbia? expand_more

Yes — licensed practical nurses in District of Columbia must complete 18.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.