Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
O*NET 29-2061.00 · SOC 29-2061
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse is a solid career choice. Median pay is $64k a year with +3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 51,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Take and record patients' vital signs each shift
- →Administer medications and injections as directed by physicians
- →Change wound dressings and monitor healing progress
- →Insert and care for urinary catheters in patients
- →Collect blood, urine, and other specimens for lab testing
Education & How to Get In
Most Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is projected to grow 3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse make?
The median Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse earns $64k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse jobs?
Our model puts Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse at 27 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 51,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse?
Most Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes