Licensed Practical Nurse in Alaska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Alaska employs 290 LVNs, with a statewide median of $80,800 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alaska licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Alaska (May 2025)
- Alaska median pay
- $80,800 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $62,400
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $87,380
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $96,700
- Employed in Alaska
- 290
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Alaska markets:
- Anchorage
- $82,330 (160 employed)
- Fairbanks
- $76,690
What That Pay Is Worth in Alaska
Prices in Alaska run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,800 median is worth closer to $78,906 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Alaska (2024–2034)
Alaska is projected to grow LVNs employment +12.0%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Alaska License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Alaska Board of Nursing (DCCED).
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to the Alaska Board of Nursing and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Note: Alaska is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you'll hold an Alaska-specific license.
Official requirements: Alaska Board of Nursing (DCCED) →
Training in Alaska
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry, and nursing pay runs high in Alaska. Because Alaska isn't a compact state, plan to license directly.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alaska include:
- Alaska Pacific University — Certificate
- University of Alaska Fairbanks — Certificate
- University of Alaska Southeast — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Alaska
Real Alaska nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Centennial Post Acute — Anchorage
- Polaris Extended Care — Anchorage
- Denali Center — Fairbanks
- Maple Springs of Palmer — Palmer
- Maple Springs of Wasilla — Wasilla
- Heritage Place — Soldotna
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.
Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
First Steps
Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LVNs make in Alaska?
The median wage for LVNs in Alaska is $80,800 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $62,400, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $96,700. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alaska?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Alaska Board of Nursing (DCCED). Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Alaska?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Alaska metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Alaska metro areas, Anchorage leads at $82,330, followed by Fairbanks ($76,690). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Alaska?
Real Alaska options include Alaska Pacific University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Alaska?
Alaska projects LVNs employment to change +12.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Alaska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Alaska Board of Nursing (DCCED) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Alaska wages · Alaska licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.