Licensed Practical Nurse in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Minnesota employs 12,840 LVNs, with a statewide median of $63,750 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $63,750 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $51,700
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $71,270
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,380
- Employed in Minnesota
- 12,840
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Minnesota markets:
- Minneapolis
- $65,660 (6,300 employed)
- Rochester
- $63,750 (570 employed)
- Fargo
- $62,300 (770 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $61,900 (930 employed)
- Duluth
- $60,930 (630 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $53,520 (990 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,750 median stretches to roughly $64,655 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow LVNs employment +5.9%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,240 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year at a Minnesota community/technical college).
- Apply to the Board and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Minnesota is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Minnesota Board of Nursing →
Training in Minnesota
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry via Minnesota State colleges. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Alexandria Technical & Community College — Certificate
- Anoka Technical College — Certificate
- Central Lakes College-Brainerd — Certificate
- Century College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Minnesota
Real Minnesota nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- MN Veterans Home Minneapolis — Minneapolis
- North Ridge Health and Rehab — New Hope
- Lakehouse Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center — Minneapolis
- Bethesda — Willmar
- Lyngblomsten Care Center — Saint Paul
- Andrew Residence — Minneapolis
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 Minnesota?
The median wage for LVNs in Minnesota is $63,750 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $51,700, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,380. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Minnesota?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year at a Minnesota community/technical college).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Minnesota?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Minnesota metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $65,660, followed by Rochester ($63,750), Fargo ($62,300). 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 Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Alexandria Technical & Community College, Anoka Technical College, Central Lakes College-Brainerd. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects LVNs employment to change +5.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,240 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), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Minnesota 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 Minnesota wages · Minnesota 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.