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The Nursing Careers

LPN vs RN comparison

Compare practical/vocational nursing with registered nursing on entry education, licensure exam, national median pay, work settings, and state-controlled scope.

BLS May 2025 OEWS · Inputs stay in your browser

Who this is for

Compare LPN and RN side by side

Model each license's pay in the LPN salary calculator and RN salary calculator. If you already hold an LPN license, use the time-to-RN timeline.

Side-by-side

LPN / LVN compared with RN

National median pay is not an offer, and scope is not legal advice. Source links sit in each row.

LPN / LVN compared with RN
TopicLPN / LVNRNSources
Entry educationState-approved practical nursing program; BLS says programs typically take about 1 yearBachelor's, associate's, or approved diploma nursing program
Licensure examNCLEX-PNNCLEX-RN
National median pay (May 2025)$64,400$97,550
BLS occupationLicensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (29-2061)Registered Nurses (29-1141)
Legal scopeDefined by the applicable nurse practice act, board rules, employer policy, and the clinical situationDefined by the applicable nurse practice act, board rules, employer policy, and the clinical situation
Common settingsNursing and residential care, home health, hospitals, and physician officesHospitals, ambulatory care, nursing facilities, home health, education, and government

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Browse openings by license type after you decide which path fits your timeline.

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How the comparison works

How LPN vs RN is scored here

  1. 1

    Use BLS occupations for pay

    LPN/LVN is SOC 29-2061. RN is SOC 29-1141. Both use May 2025 national medians.

  2. 2

    Separate credentials from a school timeline

    The table uses BLS entry-education categories and its practical-nursing duration. A specific catalog controls prerequisites, transfer credit, and calendar length.

  3. 3

    Leave legal scope to the board

    The table does not summarize permitted tasks. Use the applicable nurse practice act, board rules, employer policy, and clinical context.

Primary sources

BLS, NCLEX, and state-scope sources

National May 2025 medians. Verified August 17, 2026. Next review November 17, 2026.

LPN / LVN wagesRN wagesBLS LPN / LVN profileBLS RN profileNCLEX preparationFind your nurse practice actNCSBN scope framework

Common questions

LPN vs RN FAQ

What is the difference between an LPN and an RN?

LPNs/LVNs complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass NCLEX-PN. RNs complete an approved bachelor's, associate's, or diploma nursing program and pass NCLEX-RN. Exact legal scope is controlled by the applicable nurse practice act and board rules.

Who makes more, LPN or RN?

The May 2025 national median wage is $64,400 for LPNs/LVNs and $97,550 for registered nurses, according to BLS OEWS. Local pay, setting, and differentials change take-home amounts.

How long is LPN school versus RN school?

BLS says state-approved practical nursing programs typically take about one year. RN entry routes include bachelor's, associate's, and approved diploma programs; actual program length and prerequisites belong to the school, so this table does not assign one universal RN duration.

Can an LPN become an RN?

Yes. An LPN-to-RN bridge is one route. The learner must complete an approved RN education path, satisfy the board's application requirements, and pass NCLEX-RN. Estimate a school-specific timeline with the planner on this site.

Is LVN the same as LPN?

Licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is the title used in some states, notably California and Texas. It is the practical-nurse license, not the RN license.

Does this table decide what I am allowed to do at work?

No. Scope of practice is defined by state nurse practice acts and employer policy. This table is not legal advice.

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