Licensed Practical Nurse in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Montana employs 1,620 LVNs, with a statewide median of $62,210 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $62,210 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $49,230
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $66,850
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $74,330
- Employed in Montana
- 1,620
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Montana markets:
- Bozeman
- $63,790 (110 employed)
- Helena
- $63,690 (120 employed)
- Missoula
- $63,130 (170 employed)
- Billings
- $60,500 (370 employed)
- Great Falls
- $60,020 (130 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,210 median stretches to roughly $65,761 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow LVNs employment +8.8%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 150 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Montana DLI — Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to the Montana Board of Nursing (DLI) and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Montana DLI — Board of Nursing →
Training in Montana
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Blackfeet Community College — Associate
- Flathead Valley Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Great Falls College Montana State University — Certificate
- Helena College University of Montana — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Montana
Real Montana nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Village Health & Rehabilitation — Missoula
- Park Place Transitional Care and Rehabilitation — Great Falls
- St John's Lutheran Home — Billings
- Copper Ridge Health and Rehabilitation Center — Butte
- Yellowstone River Nursing and Rehabilitation — Billings
- Immanuel Skilled Care Center — Kalispell
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 Montana?
The median wage for LVNs in Montana is $62,210 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,230, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,330. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Montana?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Montana DLI — Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Montana?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Montana metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Bozeman leads at $63,790, followed by Helena ($63,690), Missoula ($63,130). 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 Montana?
Real Montana options include Blackfeet Community College, Flathead Valley Community College, Great Falls College Montana State 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 Montana?
Montana projects LVNs employment to change +8.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 150 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), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Montana DLI — 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 Montana wages · Montana 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.