Licensed Practical Nurse in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Arkansas employs 10,010 LVNs, with a statewide median of $56,620 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $56,620 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,670
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,220
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $65,020
- Employed in Arkansas
- 10,010
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Arkansas markets:
- Fayetteville
- $61,970 (1,270 employed)
- Little Rock
- $59,240 (2,470 employed)
- Memphis
- $59,140 (2,980 employed)
- Texarkana
- $57,370 (440 employed)
- Fort Smith
- $55,880 (960 employed)
- Jonesboro
- $50,980 (630 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $56,620 median stretches to roughly $65,155 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow LVNs employment +10.4%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 970 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Arkansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Arkansas State Board of Nursing →
Training in Arkansas
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:
- Arkansas Northeastern College — Certificate
- Arkansas State University Mid-South — Certificate
- Arkansas State University Three Rivers — Certificate
- Arkansas State University-Beebe — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Arkansas
Real Arkansas nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Arkansas Health Center — Benton
- The Springs Searcy — Searcy
- The Green House Cottages of Walnut Ridge — Walnut Ridge
- Oak Ridge Health and Rehabilitation — El Dorado
- Pine Bluff Transitional Care — Pine Bluff
- The Springs of Texarkana — Texarkana
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 Arkansas?
The median wage for LVNs in Arkansas is $56,620 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,670, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $65,020. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Arkansas?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Arkansas?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Arkansas metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Arkansas metro areas, Fayetteville leads at $61,970, followed by Little Rock ($59,240), Memphis ($59,140). 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 Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include Arkansas Northeastern College, Arkansas State University Mid-South, Arkansas State University Three Rivers. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects LVNs employment to change +10.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 970 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), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (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 Arkansas wages · Arkansas 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.