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Licensed Practical Nurse in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Oregon employs 4,260 LVNs, with a statewide median of $80,470 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.

What LVNs Earn in Oregon (May 2025)

Oregon median pay: $80,470 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $64,000
Experienced (75th percentile): $90,690
Top earners (90th percentile): $98,990
Employed in Oregon: 4,260
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,340 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Oregon markets:

Portland: $83,510 (2,250 employed)
Bend: $83,260 (150 employed)
Albany: $79,610 (130 employed)
Salem: $79,600 (660 employed)
Medford: $79,160 (260 employed)
Eugene: $77,790 (590 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon

Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,470 median is worth closer to $77,824 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)

Oregon is projected to grow LVNs employment +10.0%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 420 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Oregon License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year at an Oregon community college).
Apply to the Board and clear a background check.
Pass the NCLEX-PN. Note: Oregon is NOT a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so you'll hold an Oregon-specific license.

Official requirements: Oregon State Board of Nursing →

Training in Oregon

Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry via Oregon community colleges. Because Oregon isn't a compact state, plan to license directly with OSBN.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:

Central Oregon Community College — Certificate
Chemeketa Community College — Certificate
Institute of Technology — Certificate
Klamath Community College — Certificate

Where LVNs Work in Oregon

Real Oregon nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:

Rose Haven Nursing Center — Roseburg
West Hills Health & Rehabilitation — Portland
Maryville — Beaverton
Laurelhurst Post Acute & Rehabilitation — Portland
Lebanon Veterans Home — Lebanon
Oregon Veterans Home — The Dalles

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 Oregon?

The median wage for LVNs in Oregon is $80,470 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $64,000, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,990. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Oregon?

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Oregon State Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year at an Oregon community college).

Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Oregon?

Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.

Which Oregon metros pay LVNs the most?

Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $83,510, followed by Bend ($83,260), Albany ($79,610). 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 Oregon?

Real Oregon options include Central Oregon Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Institute of Technology. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Oregon?

Oregon projects LVNs employment to change +10.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 420 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon State 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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.