Licensed Practical Nurse in Nebraska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Nebraska employs 4,580 LVNs, with a statewide median of $62,660 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nebraska licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Nebraska (May 2025)
- Nebraska median pay
- $62,660 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,890
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $71,860
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,940
- Employed in Nebraska
- 4,580
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Nebraska markets:
- Omaha
- $63,540 (1,840 employed)
- Lincoln
- $63,070 (660 employed)
- Grand Island
- $61,090 (200 employed)
- Sioux City
- $60,440 (260 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Nebraska
Prices in Nebraska run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,660 median stretches to roughly $69,545 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Nebraska (2024–2034)
Nebraska is projected to grow LVNs employment +5.9%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 450 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Nebraska License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Nebraska DHHS — Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to Nebraska DHHS and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Nebraska is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Nebraska DHHS — Board of Nursing →
Training in Nebraska
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nebraska include:
- Central Community College — Certificate
- Clarkson College — Certificate
- College of Saint Mary — Certificate
- Little Priest Tribal College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Nebraska
Real Nebraska nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Emerald Nursing & Rehab Lancaster LLC — Lincoln
- Douglas County Health Center — Omaha
- Tabitha Nursing Home — Lincoln
- Hillcrest Country Estates-Cottages — Papillion
- St. Joseph Villa Nursing Center — Omaha
- Maple Crest Health Center — Omaha
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 Nebraska?
The median wage for LVNs in Nebraska is $62,660 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,890, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,940. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Nebraska?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Nebraska DHHS — Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Nebraska?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Nebraska metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Nebraska metro areas, Omaha leads at $63,540, followed by Lincoln ($63,070), Grand Island ($61,090). 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 Nebraska?
Real Nebraska options include Central Community College, Clarkson College, College of Saint Mary. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Nebraska?
Nebraska projects LVNs employment to change +5.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 450 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), Nebraska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Nebraska DHHS — 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 Nebraska wages · Nebraska 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.