Licensed Practical Nurse in Idaho: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Idaho employs 1,880 LVNs, with a statewide median of $63,800 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Idaho (May 2025)
- Idaho median pay
- $63,800 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,890
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $74,050
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,850
- Employed in Idaho
- 1,880
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Idaho markets:
- Boise City
- $66,950 (760 employed)
- Coeur d'Alene
- $66,140 (190 employed)
- Twin Falls
- $61,920 (170 employed)
- Idaho Falls
- $60,270 (210 employed)
- Pocatello
- $59,720 (150 employed)
- Logan
- $55,290 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Idaho
Prices in Idaho run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 95.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,800 median stretches to roughly $66,806 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)
Idaho is projected to grow LVNs employment +19.4%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 190 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Idaho License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Idaho Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to the Idaho Board of Nursing and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Idaho Board of Nursing →
Training in Idaho
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Idaho include:
- Carrington College-Boise — Certificate
- College of Eastern Idaho — Certificate
- College of Southern Idaho — Certificate
- College of Western Idaho — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Idaho
Real Idaho nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Life Care Center of Boise — Boise
- Arbor Valley of Cascadia — Boise
- Creekside Transitional Care and Rehabilitation — Meridian
- Orchard View Post Acute — Lewiston
- Life Care Center of Sandpoint — Sandpoint
- Idaho State Veterans Home - Boise — Boise
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 Idaho?
The median wage for LVNs in Idaho is $63,800 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,890, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,850. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Idaho?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Idaho Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Idaho?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Idaho metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Idaho metro areas, Boise City leads at $66,950, followed by Coeur d'Alene ($66,140), Twin Falls ($61,920). 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 Idaho?
Real Idaho options include Carrington College-Boise, College of Eastern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Idaho?
Idaho projects LVNs employment to change +19.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 190 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), Idaho statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Idaho 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 Idaho wages · Idaho 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.