Licensed Practical Nurse in New Hampshire: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
New Hampshire employs 2,220 LVNs, with a statewide median of $77,110 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Hampshire licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in New Hampshire (May 2025)
- New Hampshire median pay
- $77,110 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $59,860
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $82,760
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $93,660
- Employed in New Hampshire
- 2,220
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major New Hampshire markets:
- Boston
- $82,190 (8,410 employed)
- Manchester
- $76,090 (760 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Hampshire
Prices in New Hampshire run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 104.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $77,110 median is worth closer to $74,002 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Hampshire (2024–2034)
New Hampshire is projected to grow LVNs employment +2.0%, slower than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 180 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Hampshire License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to the NH Board of Nursing (OPLC) and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. New Hampshire is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Nursing →
Training in New Hampshire
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Hampshire include:
- Harmony Health Care Institute — Certificate
- River Valley Community College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in New Hampshire
Real New Hampshire nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Hillsborough County Nursing Home — Goffstown
- Merrimack County Nursing Home — Boscawen
- Nashua Post Acute Care — Nashua
- Rockingham County Nursing Home — Brentwood
- Riverside Rest Home — Dover
- Pleasant View Center — Concord
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 New Hampshire?
The median wage for LVNs in New Hampshire is $77,110 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $59,860, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $93,660. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in New Hampshire?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in New Hampshire?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which New Hampshire metros pay LVNs the most?
Among New Hampshire metro areas, Boston leads at $82,190, followed by Manchester ($76,090). 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 New Hampshire?
Real New Hampshire options include Harmony Health Care Institute, River Valley 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 New Hampshire?
New Hampshire projects LVNs employment to change +2.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 180 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), New Hampshire statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the New Hampshire OPLC — 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 New Hampshire wages · New Hampshire 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.