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

Allied healthcare

Washington employs 6,780 LVNs, with a statewide median of $83,150 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.

What LVNs Earn in Washington (May 2025)

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

What That Pay Is Worth in Washington

Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $83,150 median is worth closer to $77,710 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)

Washington is projected to grow LVNs employment +13.0%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 970 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Washington License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — multistate license via NLC — regulated by the Washington State Nursing Commission (Department of Health).

1. Complete a state-approved practical nursing program (typically 12–18 months, covering fundamentals, med-surg, maternal-child, and clinical rotations).
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN. Apply to the WA Nursing Commission for your LPN license.
3. Washington joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in July 2023 — Washington nurses can apply for a multistate license beginning January 2024, allowing practice in all 41 NLC states without additional licenses.

Official requirements: Washington State Nursing Commission (Department of Health) →

Training in Washington

Renton Technical College, Bellevue College, South Seattle College, and Spokane Community College all run accredited PN programs. Long-term care, clinics, and home health are the biggest LPN employers in Washington. The NLC multistate license is a major asset for travel nursing.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:

• Bates Technical College — Certificate / Associate
• Bellevue College — Certificate
• Bellingham Technical College — Certificate
• Big Bend Community College — Certificate

Where LVNs Work in Washington

Real Washington nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:

• Washington Veteran Home-Retsil — Pt Orchard
• Providence Mount St Vincent — Seattle
• The Broadview Center — Seattle
• Caroline Kline Galland Home — Seattle
• Life Care Center of Kirkland — Kirkland
• Martha and Mary Health Service — Poulsbo

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

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Nursing Commission (Department of Health) (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.