Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Beaverton, OR

The Salary Picture: Where Beaverton Stands

Living and working in Beaverton as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) means your salary will be slightly above the national average, but your purchasing power is heavily influenced by the region's cost of living. The median salary for an LPN in the Beaverton metro area is $55,701/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $26.78/hour. For context, the national average for LPNs is $54,620/year, so you're earning about $1,081 more annually before considering local expenses.

The job market is stable but not booming. According to local data, there are approximately 193 LPN positions in the Beaverton metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 5%. This growth is slower than the national average for healthcare support occupations, indicating a mature market where experience and specialization are key to standing out.

Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in Beaverton:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Beaverton Market
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $52,000	Often starts in long-term care or home health. Starting wages can be tight given the cost of living.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$53,000 - $60,000	This is where most LPNs land. Experience in specialties like dialysis or geriatrics commands higher pay.
Senior/Expert	8+ years	$61,000 - $70,000+	Typically requires a niche skill (e.g., wound care certification, IV therapy) or a lead/preceptor role.

Insider Tip: The $55,701 median is a solid baseline, but many LPNs in Beaverton earn more by picking up weekend or night shift differentials (often an extra $3-$5/hour) or by working for larger hospital systems like Tuality Healthcare (now part of Adventist Health) rather than smaller private practices.

Comparison to Other Oregon Cities:

• Portland Metro (Overall): Slightly higher, with a median around $56,500, but cost of living is also higher in central Portland.
• Salem: Lower median salary (~$52,800), but significantly more affordable housing.
• Eugene: Similar to Beaverton (~$55,000), with a comparable cost of living.
• Bend: Higher salary potential (~$58,000), but the cost of living is dramatically higher, especially for housing.

For an LPN, Beaverton offers a "sweet spot" of decent wages without the extreme costs of downtown Portland or the premium of a resort town like Bend.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. The median salary of $55,701 breaks down to approximately $4,642/month before taxes. After federal, state (Oregon has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be closer to $3,400 - $3,550/month, depending on your withholdings and benefits.

The biggest expense will be housing. The average one-bedroom apartment rent in Beaverton is $1,545/month. Using the 30% rule (spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing), your ideal rent should be under $1,393/month. The reality is that the average rent is higher than this guideline.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,450	After taxes and average deductions.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,545	This is the city-wide average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	PGE and NW Natural are the primary providers.
Groceries	$400	Shopping at Fred Meyer, WinCo, or local markets.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450	Essential in Beaverton; public transit (TriMet) is an option but less convenient for healthcare schedules.
Health Insurance (if employer-sponsored)	$200	Varies widely; this is a typical employee contribution.
Retirement Savings (401k/IRA)	$150	Crucial for long-term financial health.
Discretionary/Other	$505	Covers everything from entertainment to personal care and unexpected expenses.

Can you afford to buy a home? It's a significant challenge on a single LPN salary. The median home price in Beaverton is approximately $525,000. A 20% down payment would be $105,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,800—well over the recommended 30% of your gross income. Homeownership is generally feasible only for dual-income households, those with substantial savings, or those who pursue further education (e.g., becoming an RN) to significantly increase their earning potential.

Where the Jobs Are: Beaverton's Major Employers

Beaverton's healthcare landscape is dominated by a mix of large health systems, specialty clinics, and senior care facilities. The 193 available jobs are concentrated among these key employers:

1. Adventist Health Tuality Healthcare: This is Beaverton's primary hospital system. While their main hospital is in Hillsboro, they operate numerous clinics and urgent care centers in Beaverton (e.g., in the Murrayhill and Tanasbourne areas). They are a major employer of LPNs for roles in clinics, urgent care, and specialty departments. Hiring is steady, with a preference for candidates with strong electronic health record (EHR) experience (they use Epic).

2. Providence Health & Services: While their main hospitals are in Portland, Providence operates a large network of primary care and specialty clinics throughout Washington County, including in Beaverton. They often hire LPNs for their clinic settings, offering good benefits and a clear path for advancement within the massive Providence system.

3. Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser has a significant presence in the Portland metro area. Their Beaverton-area medical offices (like the one in the Murrayhill district) employ LPNs for care team roles. Kaiser is known for competitive pay and excellent benefits, making these positions highly sought-after.

4. Senior Living & Skilled Nursing Facilities: This is a huge employer category for LPNs. Key players include:

   • Marquis Companies (operates facilities like Marquis Tualatin)
   • Avamere Health Services (multiple locations in Washington County)
   • Bonaventure Senior Living
     These facilities offer consistent demand for LPNs, especially in long-term care and rehabilitation. Shifts are often 12-hour, and weekend/holiday work is common.

5. Home Health & Hospice Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and ComForCare have offices serving Beaverton. These roles offer more autonomy and a flexible schedule but may have less predictable hours and require your own reliable transportation.

6. Specialty Clinics & Private Practices: There are numerous private practices in fields like dermatology, orthopedics, and cardiology that employ LPNs for clinical support. These can be excellent environments with regular hours, but they may offer fewer benefits than large systems.

Hiring Trends: The demand for LPNs is strongest in geriatric care (driven by an aging population) and in outpatient settings. There's a noticeable push for LPNs to become certified in areas like wound care, IV therapy, or gerontology to increase their value and pay.

Getting Licensed in Oregon

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to obtain an Oregon LPN license. The process is managed by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN).

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Education: You must graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program. If you're already licensed in another state, you'll need to request verification.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). If you're already licensed elsewhere, you may not need to retake it if your license is from a compact state (Oregon is not part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact, so you will need to apply for an Oregon license).
3. Application: Submit an application to the OSBN, which includes:
   • A completed application form.
   • Official transcripts.
   • A recent passport-style photo.
   • A background check (fingerprinting).
   • Application fee: $295 (as of 2023; confirm current fee).
4. Endorsement: If you're already licensed in another state, you'll apply for licensure by endorsement. The OSBN will verify your license with your original state's board.
5. Processing Time: Allow 6-8 weeks for processing once all documents are received. You can check the status online.

Insider Tip: Oregon is a "decompact" state, meaning you cannot practice here with just a multi-state license from a compact state. You must obtain a single-state Oregon license. Start the process at least 3 months before your planned move.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Beaverton is a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile. Your choice will depend on whether you value walkability, affordability, or proximity to specific employers.

1. Central Beaverton (Downtown):

   • Commute: Excellent for jobs in Central Beaverton or downtown Portland via MAX light rail. A car is helpful but not always necessary.
   • Lifestyle: Urban, walkable, with a growing number of restaurants and shops. Has a more "city" feel.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: LPNs who want an active, social scene and easy transit access.

2. Tanasbourne:

   • Commute: Central location. Easy access to major highways (US-26, 185th Ave) and the Sunset Transit Center. Ideal for commutes to Adventist Health clinics or Kaiser.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-friendly, with excellent shopping (The Streets of Tanasbourne) and amenities. More car-dependent.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,750/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: LPNs seeking a balanced suburban life with convenient access to major employers.

3. Murrayhill:

   • Commute: South Beaverton area. Good access to I-5 and Barbur Boulevard for commutes to Providence and downtown Portland hospitals.
   • Lifestyle: Established, quiet, and residential. Close to the Murrayhill Recreation Center and natural areas. Less commercial than Tanasbourne.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: LPNs who prefer a quieter, established neighborhood and don't mind a slightly longer commute.

4. South Beaverton / Garden Home:

   • Commute: Direct access to Barbur Boulevard and I-5. A straight shot to many Portland healthcare employers.
   • Lifestyle: A mix of older, charming homes and new apartments. More affordable than Central Beaverton. Strong community feel.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious LPNs who want a shorter commute to Portland jobs and a community-oriented setting.

5. Raleigh Hills:

   • Commute: On the border with Portland. Excellent access to both Beaverton and Portland employers via Highway 10 or Burnside.
   • Lifestyle: Blends suburban Beaverton with urban Portland amenities. Walkable pockets with cafes and shops.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,850/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: LPNs who work in Portland but want Beaverton's slightly lower rents and want the best of both cities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a risk with 5% 10-year growth. To advance, you must be strategic.

Specialty Premiums: LPNs who obtain certifications can see a salary bump of $2-$5/hour. In-demand specialties in the Portland metro include:

• Wound Care (WCC): Crucial in long-term care and home health.
• IV Therapy Certification: Opens doors to hospital and infusion clinic roles.
• Gerontology Certification: Highly valued in the senior living sector.
• Catheter Care Specialist: A niche but growing need.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead LPN / Preceptor: Supervising newer LPNs or CNA students. Often comes with a pay increase.
2. LPN to RN Bridge Programs: This is the most common and impactful advancement. Oregon has several accelerated bridge programs (e.g., at Portland Community College, Clackamas Community College). An RN license can boost your salary by $15,000-$25,000 annually and open doors to management and specialized roles.
3. Public Health or School Nursing: Requires additional certifications but offers regular hours and a different pace of care.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth means competition will be steady. LPNs who specialize, demonstrate strong soft skills (communication, empathy), and are willing to work in high-demand settings (like psychiatric or forensic facilities, which are scarce in Beaverton but exist in the greater metro) will have the best job security and mobility.

The Verdict: Is Beaverton Right for You?

Deciding on Beaverton requires weighing its specific pros and cons against your personal and professional goals.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 193 jobs provide consistent opportunities, especially in senior care.	High Cost of Living: Rent and housing prices are steep relative to the $55,701 median salary.
Proximity to Portland: Access to a huge healthcare job market without paying Portland's premium rents.	Traffic & Commute: Beaverton is a commuter suburb. Rush hour traffic on highways 26 and 217 can be significant.
Outdoor Access: Easy access to the Tualatin Hills Nature Park, Forest Park, and the Cascade Mountains.	Slower Growth: 5% 10-year growth is modest; advancement requires proactive effort.
Diverse Community: A vibrant, multicultural city with excellent food and cultural events.	Car Dependency: While improving, public transit is not as comprehensive as in central Portland.
Good Employer Mix: Combination of large health systems and private practices offers varied work environments.	Competitive Market for Specialties: While certifications help, the market for newly certified LPNs is competitive.

Final Recommendation:
Beaverton is a strong choice for LPNs who value stability and proximity to a major city. It's ideal for you if:

• You have a partner or roommate to share housing costs, making the budget more manageable.
• You are willing to specialize early to maximize your earning potential.
• You appreciate a suburban lifestyle with urban amenities and outdoor access nearby.

It may be a challenging choice if:

• You are a single income earner aiming for homeownership in the near future.
• You prefer a highly walkable, urban environment where a car is optional.
• You are looking for rapid, dramatic job growth in the immediate future.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living truly manageable on an LPN salary in Beaverton?
A: It's tight but possible with careful budgeting. The key is to control housing costs. Look for apartments in South Beaverton or Garden Home, or consider a roommate. The median salary of $55,701 is livable, but you won't be building significant savings without overtime or a second income.

Q: What's the best way to find an LPN job in Beaverton?
A: Use a multi-pronged approach. Check the career pages of major employers like Adventist Health and Providence directly. Network on LinkedIn with local nurses. Indeed and Glassdoor are effective, but be wary of staffing agencies—they can be a good foot in the door for contract work but may lack benefits. For senior care, go directly to facility websites.

Q: Do I need to know Spanish to work as an LPN here?
A: It's not a requirement, but it is a major asset. Beaverton has a large Hispanic/Latino community. Being bilingual (English/Spanish) will make you a more competitive candidate, especially in community health, home health, and senior care settings.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible scheduling?
A: Yes. The 193 jobs include many part-time and per-diem positions, particularly in home health, hospice, and outpatient clinics. Senior living facilities often offer various shift combinations (e.g., 8-hour or 12-hour). Flexibility is often greater in home health and staffing agency roles.

Q: What's the sense of community among nurses in the Portland metro area?
A: It's quite strong. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is active, and there are frequent local conferences and meetups. The "Portland Nurse" Facebook groups are very active for advice, job postings, and support. Beaverton's proximity to Portland allows easy participation in this larger community.

Sources: Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN),