Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Bellevue, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Bellevue Stands

As a local, I’ve watched Bellevue’s healthcare scene evolve from a quiet suburb into a powerhouse of medical innovation. For an LPN, this means opportunity, but it’s crucial to understand the local compensation landscape. Let’s cut straight to the data.

The median salary for an LPN in the Bellevue metro area is $56,750/year. This breaks down to a median hourly rate of $27.28/hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average for LPNs, which sits at $54,620/year. While the difference might seem modest, in a high-cost area like Bellevue, every dollar counts. It’s important to note that the Bellevue job market is competitive but not overwhelming, with approximately 303 LPN jobs available in the metro area at any given time.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Greater Bellevue area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Bellevue
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$50,000 - $54,000	Often starts in long-term care or home health. Certifications in gerontology or wound care can boost starting pay.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$56,000 - $62,000	The "median" range. Specialization (e.g., dialysis, oncology) or taking a lead LPN role in a clinic pushes you to the higher end.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$65,000 - $75,000+	Seen in senior roles at major hospitals (Overlake, Evergreen), clinical instruction, or complex case management. Shift differentials (nights/weekends) are significant here.

When comparing to other Washington cities, Bellevue sits in a sweet spot. It’s generally higher than Spokane or Tacoma but can be slightly lower than the absolute peak in Seattle proper, where the cost of living is even more extreme. However, Bellevue often offers a better balance of salary to commute and lifestyle.

How Bellevue Compares to Other WA Cities

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Employer Types
Bellevue	$56,750	113.0	Major hospitals, tech-adjacent clinics, senior care
Seattle	$58,500	152.4	Large hospital systems, specialty clinics, research
Spokane	$52,400	92.5	Regional hospitals, critical access facilities
Tacoma	$54,100	108.9	Community hospitals, military healthcare systems

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be brutally honest about the math in Bellevue. The median LPN salary of $56,750 is a solid figure, but it’s stretched thin by the local cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,269/month, and the city's Cost of Living Index is 113.0—13% higher than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an LPN earning the median salary. (Note: This uses a rough estimate for taxes and deductions. Your take-home will vary.)

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,729
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (FICA, State, Federal ~22%): -$1,040
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,689

Monthly Budget Allocation:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): -$2,269
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$180
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (Gas/Transit): -$150
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$300 (estimate)
• Student Loan / Other Debt: -$200 (average)
• Total Essential Expenses: -$3,499

This leaves approximately $190 per month for discretionary spending, savings, or emergencies. This is a tight budget, with little room for error. The high rent is the primary culprit. It’s why many healthcare professionals in Bellevue choose to live in neighboring cities like Renton, Kent, or Kirkland and commute, or they opt for roommates to reduce housing costs.

Can you afford to buy a home? At the median salary, purchasing a home in Bellevue itself is a significant challenge. The median home price in Bellevue is well over $1.5 million. However, with dual-income households or after significant career advancement (moving into an expert LPN role or pursuing an RN bridge program), buying a home in more affordable nearby suburbs like Auburn or Maple Valley becomes a plausible long-term goal (5-10+ year horizon).

Where the Jobs Are: Bellevue's Major Employers

Bellevue’s healthcare job market is diverse, anchored by major systems and buoyed by a growing senior population and the tech industry’s demand for on-site and concierge healthcare.

1. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics: The primary acute-care hospital in Bellevue. They have a constant need for LPNs in med-surg, orthopedics, and their urgent care clinics. Hiring trends show a preference for LPNs with BLS/ACLS certification and experience in electronic health records (EHR) like Epic.
2. EvergreenHealth Medical Center (Kirkland): Just north of Bellevue, this is a major regional employer. They have a large network of clinics and a main hospital. They frequently hire LPNs for their hospice and palliative care teams, which is a growing specialty.
3. Providence Health & Services: While their main hospitals are in Seattle, Providence operates numerous primary care and specialty clinics throughout Bellevue. This is a great spot for clinic-based LPN work—more regular hours, less physical strain than hospital floors.
4. Bellevue Healthcare (Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation): A prominent local skilled nursing facility. This is a classic LPN employer, offering stable hours and experience in geriatric and post-acute care. They often have signing bonuses for new hires.
5. Aegis Living (Senior Living): Aegis has several high-end assisted living and memory care communities in Bellevue and nearby areas. LPN roles here focus on medication administration, wellness monitoring, and care coordination. It's a less hectic environment than a hospital.
6. ZoomCare: A local chain of urgent care and primary care clinics with a strong presence in Bellevue. They hire LPNs for clinical support roles. Their model is fast-paced and tech-forward.
7. Microsoft & Expedia (Corporate Health Services): The tech giants here have on-site health clinics for employees. While competitive, LPN roles here can offer great pay, benefits, and a unique work environment. They often contract through staffing agencies.

Insider Hiring Tip: Many of the larger employers use a "float pool" or per-diem system. Getting your foot in the door with a staffing agency that services these hospitals (like Aya Healthcare or Nurse Staffing LLC) is a fantastic way to gain experience and potentially convert to a permanent position.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has clear, regulated pathways for LPN licensure. The process is managed by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC).

Requirements:

1. Graduation from an Approved Program: You must graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program. In the Bellevue area, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) in Kirkland is the primary local option. There are also programs at community colleges in nearby cities.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). You must register with Pearson VUE and apply for licensure by exam through the WA DOH.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is mandatory.
4. Fees:
   • NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE)
   • Washington State Licensure Application Fee: $245 (as of 2023, always verify current fee on DOH website)
   • Fingerprint Processing Fee: ~$50
   • Total Estimated Initial Cost: ~$495

Timeline:

• Program Length: 12-18 months for an LPN program.
• Exam Authorization: After graduation, it typically takes 2-4 weeks for the state to approve your exam eligibility.
• Test Results: Preliminary results are available immediately after the exam; official licensure is issued within 2-3 business days after passing.
• Total Time (from start of program to holding license): Approximately 14-20 months.

Note for Interstate Applicants: If you are already an LPN in another state, Washington is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your primary state of residence is a compact state, you can practice in Washington without obtaining a separate WA license. If not, you must apply for licensure by endorsement.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Choosing where to live in Bellevue is a balance of commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Downtown Bellevue: The core. Walkable, vibrant, but the most expensive. You’re close to Overlake Hospital and many clinics. Rent for 1BR: $2,600+. Best for those who want a short commute and urban lifestyle, but it will consume a large portion of your income.
2. Crossroads: A diverse, family-friendly area east of downtown. More affordable than downtown, with a mix of apartments and townhomes. Good access to major highways (I-405, SR-520). Rent for 1BR: $2,000 - $2,300. A great middle-ground for budget and convenience.
3. Factoria: Located in southeast Bellevue, this area feels more suburban. It has its own cluster of medical offices and is a short drive to Overlake and EvergreenHealth. Rent for 1BR: $1,900 - $2,200. Ideal for those with a car who prioritize space and slightly lower costs.
4. Wilburton: Adjacent to downtown but quieter. It’s a mix of residential and commercial, with easy access to the I-405 corridor. Rent for 1BR: $2,100 - $2,400. Good for those who want proximity without the downtown price tag.
5. Living in Neighboring Cities: Consider Renton (south, 1BR rent ~$1,700), Kirkland (north, 1BR rent ~$2,100), or Redmond (east, 1BR rent ~$2,200). Commutes to Bellevue can be 15-30 minutes but offer significant rent savings, making your $3,689 monthly take-home go much further.

Insider Tip: Traffic on the I-405 and SR-520 corridors is notoriously bad. If you work a 7 AM or 3 PM shift, your commute can double. Living close to your workplace or along a direct bus line (like the Sound Transit 560) can be a huge quality-of-life improvement.

The Long Game: Career Growth

As a Bellevue LPN, your career trajectory can go in several rewarding directions beyond the bedside.

• Specialty Premiums: LPNs with certifications in Dialysis (CDT), Wound Care (CWCN), or Ostomy Care (COCN) can command higher salaries, often adding $3-$5/hour to their base rate. These specialties are in high demand in outpatient clinics serving Bellevue’s aging population.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead LPN/Senior LPN: In clinics or long-term care, taking on supervisory duties for other LPNs and CNAs.
  • LPN to RN Bridge: This is the most common advancement. With a BSN, your salary potential in the Seattle/Bellevue area jumps dramatically (often to $85,000+ for an RN). Local programs are offered at UW Bothell, Seattle Central College, and via online/hybrid options.
  • Specialty Clinic LPN: Moving into a specific field like oncology, cardiology, or neurology within a hospital or large clinic system. This offers deeper knowledge and often more regular hours.
  • Case Management/Utilization Review: With experience, some LPNs transition into roles focused on coordinating care and insurance authorizations, often for insurance companies or large health systems.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth for LPNs is projected at 5%, which aligns with national averages. However, in the Bellevue area, growth may be slightly higher due to the aging population and the expansion of outpatient and home-based care models. The key to longevity will be adaptability—embracing technology, pursuing continuous education, and potentially bridging to an RN for greater scope and earning power.

The Verdict: Is Bellevue Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Higher-than-average salary ($56,750 vs. $54,620 national)	Extremely high cost of living, especially rent ($2,269/month for 1BR)
Diverse job market (hospitals, clinics, tech, senior care)	Competitive housing market; homeownership is a distant goal on a single LPN salary
Proximity to top-tier healthcare systems for career growth	Traffic congestion can significantly impact quality of life and commute times
Stunning natural surroundings (lakes, mountains, parks)	The lifestyle is fast-paced and professional; less "small-town" feel
Strong economy and low unemployment	Tight monthly budget after rent and taxes, leaving little for savings or leisure

Final Recommendation:
Bellevue is an excellent choice for an LPN who is career-focused and financially prepared. It’s ideal for those who:

• Are willing to live with a roommate or in an adjacent, more affordable city.
• Are eager to specialize or pursue an RN bridge program to increase earning potential.
• Value proximity to cutting-edge medical facilities and a diverse, professional community.

If you are looking for a more relaxed, affordable lifestyle with a lower-stress budget, you might find better balance in a smaller Washington city like Olympia or Spokane. However, for an LPN seeking to maximize their career trajectory and income in a dynamic, beautiful environment, Bellevue offers a compelling—if challenging—opportunity.

FAQs

1. Can I survive in Bellevue on an LPN salary without a roommate?
It’s extremely tight. With the median salary of $56,750, after taxes and the average rent of $2,269, you’d have roughly $190 left for all other expenses. A roommate to split housing costs or living in a smaller neighboring city is a much more sustainable strategy.

2. Is the job market for LPNs in Bellevue saturated?
No, it’s active but competitive. There are roughly 303 jobs in the metro, which indicates steady demand. However, the best positions (at major hospitals) are competitive. Having a clean license, good references, and a willingness to work in long-term care or home health initially can help you get your foot in the door.

3. Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Bellevue?
While not absolutely mandatory if you live and work in Downtown Bellevue and use public transit, a car is highly recommended. Many employers (like Aegis Living, Bellevue Healthcare) are not directly on major light rail lines, and shift work often starts before or after public transit is fully reliable. A car also gives you access to jobs in surrounding areas.

4. What’s the best way to find an LPN job in Bellevue?
Use a multi-pronged approach: 1) Check the career pages of the major employers listed (Overlake, Evergreen, etc.). 2) Use job aggregators like Indeed and LinkedIn, filtering for "Bellevue, WA." 3) Connect with local healthcare staffing agencies (e.g., Nurse Staffing LLC, Aya Healthcare). 4) Network with other nurses on local Facebook groups or the Washington State Nurses Association.

5. How does Washington's cost of living affect an LPN's lifestyle?
It means you must be intentional with your budget. You'll likely spend over 60% of your take-home pay on housing alone. This leaves less for discretionary spending, travel, or aggressive savings compared to other regions. However, the higher salary helps offset this, and the quality of life (access to nature, cultural amenities) is a major draw that many find worth the financial trade-off.