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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Median Salary
59,730
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

71%

Private not for profit

16%

State and local government

7%

Federal Government

3%

Self-employed

3%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 54,000 openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$23,360

10%

$59,730

Median

$76,840

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Some college

    38%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    34%

  • Associate's degree

    15%

  • Bachelor's degree

    11%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Other

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Administration and Management

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.