Licensed Practical Nurse in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Kansas employs 7,530 LVNs, with a statewide median of $61,760 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $61,760 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $49,780
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $69,470
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,290
- Employed in Kansas
- 7,530
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Kansas markets:
- Kansas City
- $64,420 (4,570 employed)
- Topeka
- $62,210 (840 employed)
- Manhattan
- $61,430 (230 employed)
- St. Joseph
- $60,720 (290 employed)
- Wichita
- $60,310 (1,690 employed)
- Joplin
- $58,920 (400 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,760 median stretches to roughly $68,546 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow LVNs employment +3.0%, about in line with the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 600 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to the Kansas State Board of Nursing and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Kansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Kansas State Board of Nursing →
Training in Kansas
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Allen County Community College — Certificate
- Barton County Community College — Certificate
- Butler Community College — Certificate
- Cloud County Community College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Kansas
Real Kansas nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Catholic Care Center, Inc — Bel Aire
- The Gardens at Aldersgate — Topeka
- Delmar Gardens of Lenexa — Lenexa
- Village Shalom Inc — Overland Park
- Lakepoint Wichita, LLC — Wichita
- Brookdale Overland Park — Overland Park
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 Kansas?
The median wage for LVNs in Kansas is $61,760 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,780, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,290. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Kansas?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Kansas?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Kansas metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Kansas City leads at $64,420, followed by Topeka ($62,210), Manhattan ($61,430). 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 Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Allen County Community College, Barton County Community College, Butler Community College. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects LVNs employment to change +3.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 600 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), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Kansas 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 Kansas wages · Kansas 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.