Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
How to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Washington
To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Washington, candidates must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Washington State Board of Nursing. LPNs must renew their license annually on their birthday, completing 8 hours of continuing education (including 2 hours on health equity) and 96 hours of active nursing practice. Washington is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice there.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program |
| Exam | NCLEX-PN ($200) |
| Application Fee | $69 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 8.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Renewal is annual on the licensee's birthday. A one-time, 6-hour suicide prevention training is required. Two of the 8 annual CE hours must be on health equity. A background check with fingerprinting is required. Washington requires 96 hours of active nursing practice annually. |
Source: Washington State Board of Nursing (Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary in Washington
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Washington is $79,700 per year, which is 27.8% above the national median of $62,340.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $62,400 |
| 25th | $73,140 |
| 50th (median) | $79,700 |
| 75th | $86,550 |
| 90th (experienced) | $96,680 |
Washington employs approximately 6,450 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 Washington Worth It?
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.