CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by WV Board of Healthcare

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in West Virginia

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Practical Nurse in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,850 median (20% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #48 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of $49,850, Licensed Practical Nurses in West Virginia earn 20% below the national median of $62,340. West Virginia ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$49,850

Hourly estimate

$23.97
20% below national median

Difference: -$12,490

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$40,290
  • P2525th percentile$45,820
  • P50Median$49,850
  • P7575th percentile$59,860
  • P9090th percentile$64,200

State vs National Median

State: $49,850
National: $62,340

Total employment: 6,330 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Ranking

#48 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
West Virginia$49,850Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$62,010Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$69,870Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$62,310Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$58,450Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$60,990Degree requiredState-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
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Maryland68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES

See official licensing board website

Phone: 3045583572

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required18 years
Anesthesiologist$168,390Degree required2-3 months
Athletic Trainer$45,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$87,980Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 exams are required for Licensed Practical Nurses in West Virginia?

West Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Licensed Practical Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in West Virginia?

The board typically expects Degree required for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure in West Virginia.

What is the typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in West Virginia is $49,850. Salaries range from $40,290 (10th percentile) to $64,200 (90th percentile).

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

Licensed Practical Nurses in West Virginia earn 20% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $49,850.

How many Licensed Practical Nurses work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 6,330 Licensed Practical Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse license to West Virginia 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 West Virginia?

The licensing agency is LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES. Review agency details at http://www.lpnboard.state.wv.us/.

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

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