How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina employs about 18,010 licensed practical nurses earning a median $63,270 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a Licensed Practical Nurse here means completing a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure, then applying through NC Board of Nursing.
Compare Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in North Carolina
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Carolina Community College | 60.6 | $2,711 in-state / $8,855 out-of-state | $42,844 | 43% | Yes* | 34 mi |
| 2 | Wake Technical Community College | 55.3 | $2,254 in-state / $6,862 out-of-state | $49,034 | 33% | Yes* | 61 mi |
| 3 | Forsyth Technical Community College | 52.9 | $2,276 in-state / $6,884 out-of-state | $48,625 | 34% | Yes* | 51 mi |
| 4 | Montgomery Community College | 52.6 | $2,538 in-state / $8,682 out-of-state | $41,824 | 84% | Yes* | 9 mi |
| 5 | Davidson-Davie Community College | 51.6 | $1,980 in-state / $6,588 out-of-state | $44,533 | 46% | Yes* | 37 mi |
| 6 | Alamance Community College | 50.9 | $2,592 in-state / $8,736 out-of-state | $41,411 | 39% | Yes* | 48 mi |
| 7 | Richmond Community College | 49.0 | $1,956 in-state / $6,564 out-of-state | $42,771 | 46% | Yes* | 38 mi |
| 8 | Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | 47.2 | $2,064 in-state / $6,672 out-of-state | $43,916 | 35% | Yes* | 43 mi |
| 9 | Fayetteville Technical Community College | 45.5 | $2,628 in-state / $8,772 out-of-state | $48,138 | 24% | Yes* | 54 mi |
| 10 | South Piedmont Community College | 45.0 | $2,022 in-state / $6,630 out-of-state | $46,657 | 38% | Yes* | 41 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
North Carolina employs approximately 18,010 licensed practical nurses according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $63,270 1. Nationally, licensed practical nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 54,400 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: state-approved practical or vocational nursing program (find programs)
- Typical timeline: a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure
- Licensing authority: NC Board of Nursing
- Exam: NCLEX-PN
- Median wage (North Carolina): $63,270 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina
How to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina? Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Apply through NC Board of Nursing.
How long does it take? Most people finish a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program, the NCLEX-PN, and state LPN or LVN licensure. Confirm current hour totals with the program and NC Board of Nursing.
Do I need a license in North Carolina? Yes. North Carolina credentials this role through NC Board of Nursing 3. See the licensing section below.
What do licensed practical nurses earn in North Carolina? The median annual wage for licensed practical nurses in North Carolina is $63,270 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $50,480 and experienced professionals can earn $74,730 or more 1.
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina
- Meet program entry rules. Approved practical or vocational nursing programs in North Carolina typically require a high school diploma or GED. Confirm current age and prerequisite rules with the program and NC Board of Nursing.
- Complete a state-approved PN or VN program. Finish a board-approved practical or vocational nursing program in North Carolina. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to NC Board of Nursing for authorization to test, then pass the NCLEX-PN. An RN exam does not substitute.
- Apply for LPN or LVN licensure. Obtain the practical or vocational nursing license from NC Board of Nursing before practicing. Confirm reciprocity with the board.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Licensed Practical Nurse License Requirements in North Carolina
North Carolina licenses practical and vocational nurses through NC Board of Nursing. The path is an approved PN or VN program, the NCLEX-PN, and a state LPN or LVN license. Some states use the LVN title; others use LPN. See NC Board of Nursing 3.
Typical path
Meet the program’s entry rules.
Complete a state-approved practical or vocational nursing program.
Pass the NCLEX-PN.
Apply to NC Board of Nursing for LPN or LVN licensure.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with NC Board of Nursing before you enroll.
Licensed Practical Nurse Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses wages in North Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 3,890 | $65,140 | $65,860 | $51,210 | $76,370 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 3,410 | $64,370 | $65,050 | $51,230 | $77,320 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 1,740 | $64,080 | $65,390 | $51,780 | $75,770 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 1,470 | $63,610 | $63,480 | $49,900 | $74,670 |
| Winston-Salem | 1,330 | $62,970 | $62,720 | $52,000 | $72,600 |
| Fayetteville | 980 | $64,670 | $64,830 | $54,100 | $77,650 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 960 | $66,950 | $66,820 | $50,190 | $76,190 |
| Asheville | 860 | $65,470 | $65,610 | $50,280 | $75,070 |
| Wilmington | 790 | $63,390 | $62,400 | $51,640 | $72,470 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | 740 | $62,430 | $62,680 | $51,000 | $72,130 |
| Greenville | 610 | $61,600 | $60,760 | $51,680 | $68,400 |
| Burlington | 260 | $63,450 | $66,900 | $56,580 | $77,970 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines | 240 | $61,730 | $60,700 | $48,400 | $70,790 |
| Rocky Mount | 200 | $62,080 | $60,710 | $50,840 | $71,020 |
| Goldsboro | 190 | $60,470 | $59,140 | $48,960 | $71,310 |
| Jacksonville | 130 | $60,770 | $58,740 | $49,440 | $74,940 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for licensed practical nurses in North Carolina? North Carolina currently employs approximately 18,010 licensed practical nurses 1. Nationally, licensed practical nurse employment is projected to grow 2.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a licensed practical nurse in North Carolina with an out-of-state license? Contact the NC Board of Nursing for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in North Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in North Carolina.
How much do licensed practical nurses earn in North Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for licensed practical nurses in North Carolina is $63,270, which is $930 above the national median of $62,340 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In North Carolina
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in North Carolina (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in North Carolina
- Best HVAC Schools in North Carolina (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in North Carolina
- Best Plumbing Schools in North Carolina (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in North Carolina
Explore More Trades in North Carolina
- Electrician in North Carolina
- Plumber in North Carolina
- HVAC Technician in North Carolina
- Welder in North Carolina
- Carpenter in North Carolina
- Solar Installation Technician in North Carolina
- Auto Mechanic in North Carolina
- CNC Machinist in North Carolina
- Certified Nursing Assistant in North Carolina
- Medical Assistant in North Carolina
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NC Board of Nursing - Licensing Information: https://www.ncbon.com/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |