Licensed Practical Nurse in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
North Dakota employs 1,920 LVNs, with a statewide median of $62,300 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $62,300 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,950
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $65,020
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $74,130
- Employed in North Dakota
- 1,920
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major North Dakota markets:
- Fargo
- $62,300 (770 employed)
- Bismarck
- $61,690 (310 employed)
- Minot
- $61,110 (70 employed)
- Grand Forks
- $60,500 (300 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota
Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,300 median stretches to roughly $70,000 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow LVNs employment +7.5%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 180 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the North Dakota Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to the North Dakota Board of Nursing and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. North Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: North Dakota Board of Nursing →
Training in North Dakota
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:
- Bismarck State College — Certificate / Associate
- Dakota College at Bottineau — Certificate
- Dickinson State University — Associate
- Lake Region State College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in North Dakota
Real North Dakota nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Valley Senior Living on Columbia — Grand Forks
- Missouri Slope — Bismarck
- Bethany on University — Fargo
- Smp Health - St Raphael — Valley City
- Trinity Homes — Minot
- Baptist Health & Rehab — Bismarck
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 Dakota?
The median wage for LVNs in North Dakota is $62,300 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,950, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,130. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in North Dakota?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in North Dakota?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which North Dakota metros pay LVNs the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Fargo leads at $62,300, followed by Bismarck ($61,690), Minot ($61,110). 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 Dakota?
Real North Dakota options include Bismarck State College, Dakota College at Bottineau, Dickinson 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota projects LVNs employment to change +7.5% 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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the North Dakota 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 Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.