Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Bloomington, MN

As a career analyst who’s lived in the Twin Cities metro for years, I’ve watched Bloomington’s healthcare job market evolve. It’s a practical, job-rich community where LPNs are in steady demand. If you're considering a move here, this guide is for you—no fluff, just the data and local insights you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

Bloomington’s LPN salary landscape is solid, sitting just above the national average but with a key difference: our cost of living is higher. The median salary for an LPN in Bloomington is $55,357 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $26.61. This is slightly higher than the national average of $54,620, but it’s crucial to view this in context.

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Bloomington)	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Large hospital systems (Allina, Fairview), senior living facilities.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $62,000	Specialty clinics, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$63,000 - $72,000+	Management roles (charge nurse), dialysis centers, wound care clinics.

Compared to other Minnesota cities, Bloomington is a strong middle ground. It’s more affordable than Minneapolis or Edina, where salaries might be $2-3 higher per hour but rent is significantly steeper. It’s also more expensive than suburbs like Burnsville or Eagan, but offers a more central location with better transit and amenities. For an LPN prioritizing both career opportunity and manageable living costs, Bloomington hits a sweet spot.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your paycheck. On a $55,357 annual salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Minnesota state taxes (which are progressive), and FICA will be approximately $42,000-$44,000 per year, or $3,500-$3,667 per month. This is a rough estimate; your actual take-home depends on your tax filing status and deductions.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single LPN in Bloomington:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,327	The citywide average. You can find options from $1,150 to $1,600+.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; winter heating costs can spike.
Groceries	$350	Based on USDA moderate-cost plan for a single adult.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	If you have a car note; insurance is lower in MN than many states.
Gas/Transport	$150	Bloomington is car-centric, but good bus routes exist.
Healthcare (Copays, etc.)	$150	Assuming employer-provided insurance.
Miscellaneous/Savings	$700	For dining, entertainment, and savings.
TOTAL	$3,227	Leaves a small buffer of ~$300-$400 per month.

Can you afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible on a single LPN salary. The median home price in Bloomington is around $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000. With the budget above, saving for that would take years. However, many LPNs here buy with their partners, use FHA loans (3.5% down), or look at more affordable towns on the metro’s southern edge (like Prior Lake or Savage) for a first home. It’s a long-term goal, not an immediate one for most singles.

Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

Bloomington is a healthcare hub, anchored by the M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital and surrounded by a network of clinics and senior facilities. The job market is stable, with 174 LPN jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 5%. Here are the major players:

1. M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital (Edina, but serves Bloomington): The biggest game in town. They hire LPNs for their medical-surgical floors, rehab units, and same-day surgery. Hiring is often cyclical, with more openings in the spring and fall.
2. Allina Health - Bloomington Clinic & Abbott Northwestern Hospital (Minneapolis): Allina has a significant presence. The Bloomington Clinic offers outpatient roles, while Abbott Northwestern (a short drive) has large inpatient units. They value continuity and often promote from within.
3. St. Francis Regional Medical Center (Shakopee): A 15-minute drive south, this hospital is a major employer for the southwestern suburbs. It’s known for a strong community feel and often has openings in med-surg and emergency departments.
4. Senior Living & Long-Term Care: Bloomington has numerous facilities like The Rivers, Bloomington Retirement Community, and Emerald Crest of Minnetonka (just west). These are excellent for gaining experience in geriatrics and chronic care management. Turnover here is higher, meaning more frequent openings.
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Bayada Home Health Care have offices in the area. They hire LPNs for visits, which offer more autonomy but require strong time-management skills and reliable transportation.
6. Dialysis Centers (DaVita, Fresenius): These clinics offer specialized training and often pay a slight premium for LPNs willing to learn nephrology. It’s a stable, predictable schedule compared to hospital shifts.

Insider Tip: The most active hiring happens on the M Health Fairview and Allina Health job boards. Set up alerts. Also, don’t underestimate small, private clinics (like dermatology or orthopedics) that post on Indeed—they’re less competitive and can offer great work-life balance.

Getting Licensed in MN

If you’re moving from another state, Minnesota requires you to apply for licensure by endorsement. The process is straightforward but requires planning.

1. Verify Your License: Your current license must be in good standing. Minnesota participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your home state is a compact state (e.g., Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota), you can practice in Minnesota without a new license, but you must declare MN as your primary state of residence. This is a huge advantage. If you're from a non-compact state, you'll need to apply for endorsement.
2. Submit Application: Apply through the Minnesota Board of Nursing website. You’ll need official transcripts from your LPN program and proof of your current license. The application fee is $165.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required, adding about $50-$75 in fees.
4. Timeline: From submission to approval, it typically takes 4-8 weeks, but it can be longer if your documents are incomplete. Start this process at least 2-3 months before your planned move.

Insider Tip: Even if you're from a compact state, if you establish permanent residency in Minnesota (e.g., get a MN driver's license), you must eventually apply for a MN compact license. It’s easier to do it upfront.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Bloomington is diverse. Where you live affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Normandale Lake	Quiet, suburban, near Normandale Community College. Easy access to I-494.	$1,250 - $1,450	LPNs working at Southdale or the Bloomington Clinic. A safe, predictable commute.
Old Shakopee Road	More affordable, older apartments. Close to the Mall of America and I-35W.	$1,100 - $1,300	Budget-conscious LPNs. Commute to downtown hospitals is 15-20 mins.
Bloomington Central Station	Urban-suburban mix, walkable to the light rail (Blue Line) which goes to downtown Minneapolis and the airport.	$1,300 - $1,600	LPNs who want to avoid a car commute or work downtown.
East Bloomington	Family-oriented, quieter, with parks and the Minnesota River nearby.	$1,200 - $1,400	Those seeking a peaceful home base and don’t mind a 10-15 minute drive to major employers.
South Loop (South of 82nd St)	Newer developments, closer to Savage and Prior Lake. More car-dependent.	$1,250 - $1,500	LPNs who don’t mind a short highway drive and want modern amenities.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-494 and I-35W during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) can add 15-20 minutes to your commute. Living within 2 miles of your workplace is a game-changer for your quality of life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Minnesota is a valuable credential, but career growth requires intentionality.

Specialty Premiums: You can earn $2-$5 more per hour by specializing. The most common paths are:

• Dialysis: Requires 6-12 months of on-the-job training.
• Wound Care: Often requires a WCC (Wound Care Certified) credential.
• Psychiatry: In high demand at places like the Hennepin Healthcare Psychiatric Center (a short drive).
• IV Therapy: Many hospitals offer IV certification courses for their LPNs.

Advancement Paths:

1. Charge Nurse: With 3-5 years of experience, you can supervise other LPNs on a shift.
2. LPN to RN Bridge: This is the most common path for significant salary growth. Local schools like Normandale Community College (in Bloomington!) offer excellent, affordable ADN programs. An RN in Bloomington earns a median salary of $82,000+, a substantial jump.
3. Case Management/Supervision: Move into office-based roles coordinating care for home health or long-term care facilities.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is steady, not explosive. The demand will be driven by an aging population needing long-term care. Automation won’t replace hands-on LPN work. Your best bet for advancement is to specialize early, build strong references, and seriously consider the RN bridge if you want higher earning power.

The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of launching your LPN career in Bloomington.

Pros	Cons
Stable, diverse job market with major health systems.	Higher cost of living than national average and some MN suburbs.
Central location in the metro—easy to get anywhere.	Car dependency is high; public transit is decent but not comprehensive.
Above-average pay for the Midwest.	Winters are long and cold; you’ll need a winter-ready vehicle and wardrobe.
Strong sense of community with good parks and amenities.	Competitive housing market for both renting and buying.
Excellent pathway to RN at local colleges.	Traffic congestion on major highways during peak times.

Final Recommendation: Bloomington is an excellent choice for LPNs who are career-focused, value stability, and want a moderate urban-suburban lifestyle. It’s ideal if you’re planning for the long term—especially if you intend to bridge to an RN. It’s less ideal if you’re on a very tight budget, prefer a rural setting, or hate driving. If you can secure a job offer before moving and budget carefully for the first year, Bloomington offers a solid foundation for a nursing career.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Bloomington without a car?
It’s possible but challenging. The Metro Blue Line light rail runs through the city, connecting to Minneapolis and the airport. Major employers like Southdale are near bus routes. However, for grocery shopping or visiting other suburbs, a car is highly recommended.

2. How competitive is the LPN job market here?
It’s moderately competitive. For entry-level positions at major hospitals, you’ll compete with recent graduates from local schools. For experienced LPNs (3+ years), especially those with specialties like dialysis or geriatrics, you will be in high demand.

3. What’s the best way to network as a new LPN in Bloomington?
Join the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) and attend local meetings. Also, connect with recruiters from Allina and Fairview on LinkedIn—many are very active. Don’t forget to build relationships with nurses and supervisors during clinical rotations or temporary assignments.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
Yes, especially in home health, dialysis, and long-term care. Hospitals also offer per-diem (as-needed) positions, but these are usually offered to nurses with prior experience at that facility. It’s a great way to supplement income or gain experience in different settings.

5. How does the cost of living in Bloomington compare to Minneapolis proper?
Bloomington is generally 10-15% cheaper in terms of rent for comparable apartments. While Minneapolis offers more cultural amenities and walkability, Bloomington provides more space, easier parking, and a quieter environment, all while being a short commute away. The Cost of Living Index of 104.5 (US avg=100) reflects this—it’s above average but not prohibitively so.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Minnesota Board of Nursing, U.S. Census Bureau, local job boards (Indeed, Glassdoor), and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).