Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Bellingham, WA

As a career analyst who’s watched Bellingham’s healthcare scene evolve over the last decade, I can tell you this city is a unique blend of small-town community and growing medical demand. For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), it’s a stable market with a specific character—less frantic than Seattle, more connected than sprawling metro areas. This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Washington State Department of Health, and local market intelligence. Let’s break down what your career as an LPN would actually look like in Bellingham.

Data Snapshot:

• Median Salary: $55,291/year
• Hourly Rate: $26.58/hour
• National Average: $54,620/year
• Jobs in Metro: 189
• 10-Year Job Growth: 5%

The Salary Picture: Where Bellingham Stands

Bellingham’s LPN salary sits slightly above the national average, but context is everything. The median salary of $55,291 reflects a market where experience and specialization are directly rewarded. The 10-year job growth of 5% is modest but steady, mirroring the aging local population and the expansion of facilities like PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the Bellingham area. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the metro area.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Primary Work Settings
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Nursing homes, home health, acute care float pools
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$53,000 - $60,000	Hospital units (med-surg, rehab), specialty clinics
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $65,000+	Charge nurse roles, clinical educator, case management
Expert/Clinical Lead (15+ years)	$62,000 - $70,000+	Management, specialized procedure units, hospice

Compared to other Washington cities, Bellingham offers a middle ground. Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma metros pay significantly more (~$63,000 median) but come with a staggering cost of living. Eastern WA cities like Spokane offer lower salaries (~$49,000 median) with much lower housing costs. Bellingham’s value proposition is its balance: a living wage in a desirable coastal community without the extreme financial pressure of Puget Sound’s core.

Insider Tip: The $55,291 median is your baseline. New grads often start at large employers like PeaceHealth or Skagit Valley Hospital (in nearby Mount Vernon) to gain experience. Specializing in geriatrics or behavioral health can push you toward the higher end of the range more quickly due to local demand.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about take-home pay. With a median salary of $55,291, your monthly gross is about $4,607. After estimated federal, state, and FICA taxes (roughly 22-25% for this bracket), your net take-home is approximately $3,455 - $3,600 per month.

The biggest variable is housing. The average 1BR rent in Bellingham is $1,306/month. This is above the national average but reasonable for the Pacific Northwest. Here’s a practical monthly budget breakdown for a single LPN earning the median wage.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,500	After taxes (approx. 23% effective rate)
Rent (1BR, City Average)	$1,306	The single largest expense
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200	Bellingham’s damp climate can mean higher heating costs
Groceries & Household	$350 - $400
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Ins.)	$300 - $500	Car is essential; BC Transit is limited for shift work
Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored)	$100 - $200	Varies by employer; premiums are often reasonable
Retirement (401k/457b, 5% match)	$230	$55,291 / 12 / 12 = $230/mo contribution
Debt/Student Loans/Savings	$400 - $600	A critical variable
Discretionary/Buffer	$200 - $400	For dining, entertainment, emergencies

Can they afford to buy a home? The median single-family home price in Bellingham is approximately $625,000. For an LPN earning $55,291, this is a significant stretch. A standard 20% down payment is $125,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, $21,875), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $3,200, which is nearly 90% of your net take-home. Homeownership on a single LPN income is challenging without a second income, substantial savings, or a move outside the immediate city core (e.g., to Whatcom or Skagit counties). Many healthcare workers in Bellingham comfortably rent or own with a partner.

Where the Jobs Are: Bellingham's Major Employers

The job market for LPNs in Bellingham is concentrated but robust. 189 active jobs in the metro indicates consistent openings, especially in long-term care and home health. Here are the key players:

1. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center: The region’s largest hospital. LPNs are primarily in medical-surgical units, the emergency department (as techs/assistants), rehab, and home health services. They offer strong benefits and tuition assistance. Hiring is steady, with a preference for candidates with acute care experience.

2. Skagit Regional Health (in nearby Mount Vernon, a 25-minute commute): A major employer for Bellingham residents. Their LPN roles span primary care clinics, urgent care, and their cancer center. Commuting south is a common and viable option.

3. Whatcom County Nursing & Rehabilitation (WCRH): A premier long-term care facility. This is a prime destination for LPNs specializing in geriatrics. They often have higher-than-average pay for the county due to specialized care needs.

4. Bellingham at Home (Home Health Agencies): Multiple agencies, including Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and ComForCare, hire LPNs for home health visits. This offers autonomy and a standard day shift, but requires reliable transportation.

5. Fircrest and Shuksan Healthcare Centers: These are major skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) with high LPN demand. They often serve as entry points for new grads and offer experience in wound care, medication management, and post-acute rehab.

6. Bellingham Public Schools: LPNs are hired to manage student health plans, administer medications, and provide care for students with special needs. These are school-year positions with summers off.

Hiring Trends: There is a noticeable push for LPNs to work in behavioral health and home health, aligning with national trends. PeaceHealth and larger SNFs are increasingly using LPNs in case management support roles. The demand is highest for night and weekend shifts.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington is an approval state, meaning you must be authorized by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to work, even if you're already licensed elsewhere.

Process for New Applicants:

1. Education: Graduate from an approved LPN program.
2. NCLEX-PN: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
3. Apply for Licensure by Endorsement (if already licensed in another state) or by Examination (if a new graduate): The application fee is $225.
4. Background Check: Requires a fingerprint card and a fee of $48.25.
5. Wait Time: Processing can take 4-8 weeks from the time your complete application is received. You cannot work until you have your Washington license in hand.

Costs (Estimates):

• Application Fee: $225
• Fingerprinting: $48.25
• NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE)
• Total (New License): ~$473.25 (not including tuition or study materials).

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from a compact state (e.g., Idaho, Oregon), you are not automatically licensed to work in Washington. You must apply for Washington endorsement. Start this process at least 2 months before your planned move. The Washington Board of Nursing website is your definitive source.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Where you live in Bellingham directly impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are top picks for healthcare workers:

1. Fairhaven: A charming, historic district with a walkable downtown. Close to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (10-15 min drive). Rent is premium ($1,400 - $1,600 for 1BR). Ideal for those who want a vibrant, small-town feel without a long commute.
2. Cordata / Meridian: A central, convenient corridor. Most major employers (PeaceHealth, SNFs) are within a 10-15 minute drive. Offers a mix of apartments and single-family homes. Rent is near city average ($1,250 - $1,400 for 1BR). A top choice for practical commuters.
3. Sudden Valley: A wooded, master-planned community near Lake Whatcom. A 20-25 minute commute to downtown, but offers more space and nature. Popular with families. Rent can be slightly lower ($1,200 - $1,350 for 1BR). Be aware of HOA fees if buying.
4. Mount Baker / Lettered Streets: A historic, diverse neighborhood near downtown. Older homes, great character. Commute is easy to downtown hospitals (5-10 min). Rent varies widely ($1,100 - $1,500 for 1BR). Good for those who want an urban feel.
5. Skagit County (Mount Vernon/Burlington): If you work at Skagit Regional Health, living south is a smart move. Rent is 10-15% lower than Bellingham. Commute to Bellingham jobs is reverse (against traffic), but the drive is manageable.

Insider Tip: Bellingham’s job market is not hyper-concentrated. Living in Cordata or Fairhaven gives you the best balance of access to most employers. Avoid the far north end if you work at Skagit Valley Hospital; the commute can be a bottleneck.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Bellingham’s LPN career trajectory is less about rapid vertical climbing in a single hospital and more about strategic specialization and lateral moves.

• Specialty Premiums: LPNs with certifications in gerontology, wound care (WOCN), or IV therapy can command $2-$4 more per hour. These are often used in home health or SNFs. Behavioral health is an emerging premium area.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals (like PeaceHealth) have clinical ladder programs. Moving from LPN I to LPN II/III can bring $2-$5/hour increases.
  2. Management: Becoming a Charge Nurse in an SNF or clinic is a common next step. This requires strong organizational skills and may come with a 5-10% pay bump.
  3. Bridge to RN: Many LPNs in Bellingham use Bellingham Technical College’s excellent ADN program to become RNs. This is the most significant financial leap. RNs in Bellingham have a median salary of ~$82,000, a $27,000 increase over the LPN median.
  4. Specialized Roles: Case management assistant, clinical educator, or dialysis technician (often requires additional training).

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is stable, not explosive. Automation won’t replace direct patient care, but the type of care is shifting. Telehealth support, chronic disease management for an aging population, and integrated behavioral health will create new LPN roles. The key to growth is adaptability and continued education.

The Verdict: Is Bellingham Right for You?

Bellingham is an excellent choice for LPNs who value work-life balance in a beautiful, outdoors-oriented community. It’s not the place to get rich quickly, but it’s a place to build a stable, meaningful career.

Pros	Cons
Salaries slightly above national average with a reasonable cost of living compared to Seattle/Portland.	Housing is expensive relative to the median LPN salary; homeownership is difficult on a single income.
Stable, demand-driven job market in long-term care, home health, and hospitals.	Job growth is modest (5%); fewer large-scale hospital expansions compared to bigger metros.
Unbeatable access to outdoor recreation (Lummi Island, Mt. Baker, Lake Whatcom).	Weather is a major factor: gray, damp winters from November to April can be challenging for some.
Strong sense of community and a healthcare network that feels interconnected.	Limited public transit for night/weekend shifts; a personal vehicle is a necessity.
Excellent educational institutions (Bellingham Technical College) for advancing to RN.	Can feel like a "college town" (WWU) which may influence the rental market and social scene.

Final Recommendation: Bellingham is ideal for LPNs who are outdoor enthusiasts, value a slower pace, and are focused on quality of life over maximizing income. It’s a fantastic place for those with families (due to community feel and nature access) or for those planning to pursue an RN degree. If you’re seeking the highest possible salary or a fast-paced, urban hospital environment, look toward Seattle or Tacoma.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Bellingham?
Yes, absolutely. While the downtown core is walkable, most healthcare employers (PeaceHealth, major SNFs, home health agencies) are spread out. Public transit (BC Transit) runs on main routes but is not reliable for early morning or late-night shifts, especially in winter.

2. How competitive is the job market for new LPN graduates?
It is competitive but manageable. New grads have the best chances at larger employers with structured orientation programs, such as PeaceHealth’s residency-style programs or major SNFs like Whatcom County Nursing. Being open to night/weekend shifts significantly increases your opportunities.

3. Are there opportunities for LPNs to work in mental health or substance abuse facilities?
Yes, this is a growing area. Facilities like the Bellingham Crisis Center and various nonprofit organizations (e.g., Sea Mar, Lighthouse Mission) sometimes hire LPNs for supportive roles in behavioral health settings. These roles often require additional training or a strong interest in the specialty.

4. How does the cost of living impact an LPN's lifestyle in Bellingham?
The cost of living index of 104.1 means it's 4.1% above the national average. For an LPN earning $55,291, this requires careful budgeting, especially with rent at $1,306/month. You can live comfortably, but discretionary spending (like dining out frequently or buying a new car) must be planned. Shared housing or renting a slightly older apartment can create significant breathing room.

5. What is the best path to advancing my career from LPN in Bellingham?
The most impactful step is enrolling in an RN program at Bellingham Technical College or Whatcom Community College. For immediate advancement without a degree, pursue certifications in wound care or IV therapy. Network within your employer; many charge nurse and specialty roles are filled internally. Joining local professional groups like the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) can provide mentorship and job leads.