Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in California
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), known as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in California, individuals must complete a Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) approved vocational nursing program, or meet equivalent education/experience or military requirements. After meeting the educational prerequisites, applicants must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and submit an application with the required fees to the BVNPT. California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so out-of-state licensees must apply for endorsement and fulfill California's specific educational criteria.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in California
| Detail | California |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) approved vocational nursing program, or an out-of-state program approved by that state's Board of Nursing, or equivalent education and/or experience (51 months of paid bedside nursing experience in an acute care facility and a 54-theory-hour pharmacology course), or military experience (12 months active duty bedside patient care and basic nursing instruction in the armed forces). All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Out-of-state applicants must meet California's specific coursework requirements. |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application Fee | $300 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 17. Fingerprinting and background check required. First renewal exempt from CE hours. California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. An additional $150 fee is assessed for delinquent renewals. An initial license fee of $300 is required after passing the exam. |
Source: California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in California
The median licensed practical nurse salary in California is $77,170 per year, which is 23.8% above the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $62,390 |
| 25th | $68,960 |
| 50th (median) | $77,170 |
| 75th | $85,700 |
| 90th (experienced) | $99,840 |
California employs approximately 79,610 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Job Outlook
AI Impact on Licensed Practical Nurses
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in California Worth It?
Factors to consider: California's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.