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Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed practical nurse in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Practical Nurse in California

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $77,170 median (24% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $77,170, Licensed Practical Nurses in California earn 24% above the national median of $62,340. California ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$77,170

Hourly estimate

$37.10
24% above national median

Difference: +$14,830

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$62,390
  • P2525th percentile$68,960
  • P50Median$77,170
  • P7575th percentile$85,700
  • P9090th percentile$99,840

State vs National Median

State: $77,170
National: $62,340

Total employment: 79,610 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Licensed Practical Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$79,700
#2Rhode Island$77,940
#3Alaska$77,670
#4California$77,170
#5Oregon$76,570

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Practical Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$77,170Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Oregon$76,570Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$73,820Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$74,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA, 95833

Phone: 9162637800

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$77,640Varies by state board1-2 years
AnesthesiologistN/AVaries by state board1-12 months
Athletic Trainer$74,150Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary in California?

The median annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in California is $77,170. Salaries range from $62,390 (10th percentile) to $99,840 (90th percentile).

How does the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in California compare to the national average?

Licensed Practical Nurses in California earn 24% above the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $77,170.

How many Licensed Practical Nurses work in California?

California employs approximately 79,610 Licensed Practical Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Practical Nurses in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Review agency details at https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Licensed Practical Nurse license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.