Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Missouri State Board of Nursing. While there is no application fee for initial licensure by examination, a criminal background check fee is required. Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, which allows LPNs with a multistate license from their primary state of residence to practice in Missouri.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Missouri
| Detail | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Missouri State Board of Nursing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Application fee for initial licensure by exam is $0, but a criminal background check fee of $41.75 is required. No CE is required for renewal. Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from their primary state of residence to practice in Missouri. Graduate nurses may practice for 90 days under direct supervision while awaiting NCLEX-PN results. There is no specified minimum age, but applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must provide a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) and evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. |
Source: Missouri State Board of Nursing
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in Missouri
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Missouri is $59,030 per year, which is 5.3% below the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,390 |
| 25th | $51,000 |
| 50th (median) | $59,030 |
| 75th | $63,440 |
| 90th (experienced) | $74,810 |
Missouri employs approximately 14,320 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 Missouri Worth It?
Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.