Licensed Practical Nurse in West Virginia

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

Median annual salary

$49,850

trending_down -20.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, West Virginia.

engineering

6,330

Jobs (WV)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$275

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years (program length)

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in West Virginia

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in West Virginia, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. The application fee is $75, and a background check is required. West Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, which allows LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice, but LPNs must hold a single state WV LPN license and reside in West Virginia to apply for a multistate license.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,290

25th percentile $45,820

50th (median) $49,850

75th percentile $59,860

90th (experienced) $64,200

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

checklist West Virginia requirements

Licensing body	West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$75
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Application fee includes background check. CE must include 2 hours on mental health conditions common to veterans and their families, 3 hours on drug diversion training, and a one-time 2 hours on end-of-life care with pain management for new licensees or those reinstating a lapsed/inactive license. LPNs must also engage in a minimum of 400 clock hours of LPN practice during each 2-year reporting period. A valid US Social Security Number is required. West Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, but LPNs must hold a single state WV LPN license and reside in West Virginia to apply for a multistate license.

Source: West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses

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_circleWest Virginia 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 you get certified as a licensed practical nurse in West Virginia? expand_more

The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in West Virginia: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($75 fee).

Does West Virginia require licensed practical nurse licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in West Virginia without a state license from West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.

What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in West Virginia? expand_more

West Virginia licensed practical nurses bring home a median salary of $49,850. This trails the $62,340 national median by 20%. New licensed practical nurses start around $40,290; seasoned professionals can reach $64,200.

What's the total cost to get licensed practical nurse certified in West Virginia? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($75) and required training.

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

In West Virginia, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 1-2 years (program length), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does West Virginia require continuing education for licensed practical nurses? expand_more

License renewal in West Virginia requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.