Licensed Practical Nurse in West Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
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West Virginia employs 6,050 LVNs, with a statewide median of $55,360 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact West Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in West Virginia (May 2025)
- West Virginia median pay
- $55,360 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,690
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,300
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $70,960
- Employed in West Virginia
- 6,050
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major West Virginia markets:
- Washington
- $75,860 (7,170 employed)
- Hagerstown
- $64,280 (660 employed)
- Winchester
- $60,090 (280 employed)
- Huntington
- $54,540 (1,390 employed)
- Charleston
- $54,370 (670 employed)
- Morgantown
- $50,400 (630 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in West Virginia
Prices in West Virginia run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $55,360 median stretches to roughly $61,855 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in West Virginia (2024–2034)
West Virginia is projected to grow LVNs employment +10.0%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 580 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
West Virginia License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to the WV LPN board and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. West Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses →
Training in West Virginia
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in West Virginia include:
- Academy of Careers and Technology — Certificate
- B M Spurr School of Practical Nursing — Certificate / Associate
- Ben Franklin Career Center — Certificate
- Boone Career and Technical Center — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in West Virginia
Real West Virginia nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Majestic Care of Beckley — Beckley
- Good Shepherd Nursing Home — Wheeling
- Beckley Healthcare Center — Beckley
- Huntington Health and Rehabilitation Center — Huntington
- Charleston Healthcare Center — Charleston
- Eagle Pointe Healthcare Center — Parkersburg
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 West Virginia?
The median wage for LVNs in West Virginia is $55,360 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,690, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $70,960. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in West Virginia?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in West Virginia?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which West Virginia metros pay LVNs the most?
Among West Virginia metro areas, Washington leads at $75,860, followed by Hagerstown ($64,280), Winchester ($60,090). 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 West Virginia?
Real West Virginia options include Academy of Careers and Technology, B M Spurr School of Practical Nursing, Ben Franklin Career Center. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in West Virginia?
West Virginia projects LVNs employment to change +10.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 580 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), West Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses (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 West Virginia wages · West Virginia 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.