Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
North Carolina employs 18,010 LVNs, with a statewide median of $63,270 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in North Carolina (May 2025)
- North Carolina median pay
- $63,270 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,480
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $69,700
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $74,730
- Employed in North Carolina
- 18,010
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major North Carolina markets:
- Durham–Chapel Hill
- $66,950 (960 employed)
- Asheville
- $65,470 (860 employed)
- Charlotte metro
- $65,140 (3,890 employed)
- Raleigh
- $64,080 (1,740 employed)
- Greensboro
- $63,610 (1,470 employed)
- Winston-Salem
- $62,970 (1,330 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Carolina
Prices in North Carolina run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,270 median stretches to roughly $67,094 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Carolina (2024–2034)
North Carolina is projected to grow LVNs employment +4.8%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,540 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Carolina License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — multistate compact license available — regulated by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (~12 months; NC community colleges are the affordable route).
- Submit fingerprints and pass the NCLEX-PN.
- North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact state — a multistate license works across compact states.
Official requirements: North Carolina Board of Nursing →
Training in North Carolina
NC's community college system runs LPN programs in nearly every county at low tuition, and compact membership makes the license portable. Long-term care statewide hires continuously.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Carolina include:
- Alamance Community College — Certificate
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College — Certificate
- Beaufort County Community College — Certificate
- Bladen Community College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in North Carolina
Real North Carolina nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Maple Grove Health and Rehabilitation Center — Greensboro
- Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center — Wilson
- Premier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center — Jacksonville
- Alpine Health and Rehabilitation of Asheboro — Asheboro
- Carver Living Center — Durham
- Willow Valley Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation — Winston-Salem
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 North Carolina?
The median wage for LVNs in North Carolina is $63,270 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,480, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,730. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Carolina?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — multistate compact license available, overseen by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (~12 months; NC community colleges are the affordable route).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in North Carolina?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which North Carolina metros pay LVNs the most?
Among North Carolina metro areas, Durham–Chapel Hill leads at $66,950, followed by Asheville ($65,470), Charlotte metro ($65,140). 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 North Carolina?
Real North Carolina options include Alamance Community College, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Beaufort County 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 North Carolina?
North Carolina projects LVNs employment to change +4.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,540 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), North Carolina statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the North Carolina 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 North Carolina wages · North Carolina 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.