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Licensed Practical Nurse in Indiana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Indiana employs 14,480 LVNs, with a statewide median of $65,720 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Indiana licensing picture, and where to train.

What LVNs Earn in Indiana (May 2025)

Indiana median pay: $65,720 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $50,550
Experienced (75th percentile): $73,430
Top earners (90th percentile): $77,220
Employed in Indiana: 14,480
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,340 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Indiana markets:

Indianapolis: $67,200 (4,230 employed)
South Bend: $65,240 (610 employed)
Evansville: $64,700 (680 employed)
Fort Wayne: $63,640 (1,200 employed)
Terre Haute: $62,460 (400 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Indiana

Prices in Indiana run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 93.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $65,720 median stretches to roughly $70,439 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Indiana (2024–2034)

Indiana is projected to grow LVNs employment +2.8%, about in line with the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,260 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Indiana License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — multistate license via NLC — regulated by the Indiana State Board of Nursing — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA).

Complete a state-approved practical nursing program (typically 12–18 months) at an Ivy Tech Community College campus, Vincennes University, or a hospital-based PN program. Ivy Tech's PN programs are available across the state.
Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to the Indiana State Board of Nursing (IPLA) for your LPN license.
Indiana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member since July 1, 2020 — Indiana nurses receive a multistate license allowing practice in all 41+ NLC states without additional individual licenses. Indiana's border proximity to Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Kentucky (all NLC members) makes the multistate license especially practical.

Official requirements: Indiana State Board of Nursing — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) →

Training in Indiana

IU Health (16 hospitals), Ascension St. Vincent, Franciscan Health, and Parkview Health are major LPN employers. Indiana's growing home health sector and long-term care facilities create consistent LPN demand across both urban and rural areas. Ivy Tech's statewide PN programs make LPN training accessible even in Indiana's smaller cities and rural communities.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Indiana include:

Caris College — Certificate
Ivy Tech Community College — Certificate
Vincennes University — Certificate

Where LVNs Work in Indiana

Real Indiana nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:

Otterbein Franklin Seniorlife Comm Res & Com Care — Franklin
Hoosier Village — Indianapolis
Towne House Retirement Community — Fort Wayne
Wesley Manor Health Center — Frankfort
Heritage Pointe of Warren — Warren
Peabody Retirement Community — North Manchester

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 Indiana?

The median wage for LVNs in Indiana is $65,720 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,550, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,220. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Indiana?

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — multistate license via NLC, overseen by the Indiana State Board of Nursing — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Complete a state-approved practical nursing program (typically 12–18 months) at an Ivy Tech Community College campus, Vincennes University, or a hospital-based PN program. Ivy Tech's PN programs are available across the state.

Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Indiana?

Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.

Which Indiana metros pay LVNs the most?

Among Indiana metro areas, Indianapolis leads at $67,200, followed by South Bend ($65,240), Evansville ($64,700). 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 Indiana?

Real Indiana options include Caris College, Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Indiana?

Indiana projects LVNs employment to change +2.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,260 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), Indiana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Indiana State Board of Nursing — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) (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 Indiana wages · Indiana 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.