Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Broomfield, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

If you're an LPN looking at Broomfield, the numbers tell a clear story: this is a solid market, not a gold rush. The median salary for an LPN in the Broomfield metro area is $55,521/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $26.69/hour. This sits just above the national average of $54,620/year, giving you a slight edge right from the start. While it won't make you wealthy overnight, it provides a stable foundation in a city where the cost of living is slightly elevated but manageable for a healthcare professional.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. Note that these are realistic local estimates based on the broader data, reflecting the typical progression you'll see with local employers like SCL Health and Avista Adventist Hospital.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Typical Roles
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23 - $25	Nursing Home, Home Health Aide, Clinic Assistant
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$54,000 - $58,000	$26 - $28	Hospital Med/Surg, Skilled Nursing, Specialty Clinics
Senior (8-15 years)	$59,000 - $64,000	$28 - $31	Charge Nurse, Case Management, Clinical Supervisor
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$65,000+	$31+	Diabetes Educator, Wound Care Specialist, Director of Nursing

When you compare Broomfield to other Colorado cities, its position is clear. It's not Denver, with its higher density and competition, nor is it a rural mountain town with lower wages. Broomfield acts as a strategic hub.

City	Median LPN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Advantage
Broomfield, CO	$55,521	105.5	Balanced market, strong hospital system
Denver, CO	~$57,000	115.0	More jobs, higher competition, longer commutes
Boulder, CO	~$56,500	130.0	Proximity to major research, very high rent
Greeley, CO	~$50,000	92.0	More affordable, but fewer specialty roles
Colorado Springs, CO	~$53,000	98.0	Military/VA presence, lower cost of living

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for LPNs in the metro area is 5%, which is steady but not explosive. This means you won't see a hiring frenzy, but you also won't face a saturated, stagnant market. The 153 jobs currently in the metro indicate a consistent demand, especially for experienced nurses in long-term care and home health, which form the backbone of the local LPN workforce.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. With a median salary of $55,521, your monthly take-home pay after federal, state (Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax), and FICA taxes will be approximately $3,400 - $3,600 per month. This varies based on your withholding, but it's a reliable range for planning.

The biggest variable in your budget is housing. The average 1BR rent in Broomfield is $1,835/month. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary.

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
After-Tax Income	$3,500	Based on $55,521 annual salary
Rent (1BR)	$1,835	City average
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, internet (no water/sewer)
Groceries	$350	For one person
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-subsidized is typical
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car; no car payment is better
Gas/Commuting	$120	Broomfield is spread out; you will drive
Student Loans	$200	Varies widely, but a common expense
Miscellaneous	$145	Phone, clothes, entertainment, savings
Total Expenses	$3,500	This is a tight but workable budget

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in Broomfield is around $550,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000), your monthly mortgage (at ~6.5% interest) plus taxes and insurance would be roughly $3,200/month. This is often more than rent and requires significant savings. For a single LPN on the median salary, buying a home in Broomfield is a major challenge without a dual income or a substantial down payment. Renting is the more standard and feasible path for the first 3-5 years.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield's healthcare landscape is dominated by a few key systems. Unlike a major city with dozens of small clinics, opportunities are concentrated. Knowing these employers is key to your job search.

1. Avista Adventist Hospital (Part of Centura Health): Located on the Superior/Broomfield border (US-36 & Superior Blvd). This is your primary hospital employer for LPNs. They hire for med/surg, orthopedics, and sometimes same-day surgery. Hiring is steady, especially for the night shift. Insider Tip: Applications are online-only through the Centura portal. It can take 2-4 weeks to hear back. Mentioning you live locally in your application can help.

2. SCL Health (now Intermountain Healthcare): Their Broomfield Campus (on Lamar St.) is a major hub for outpatient clinics and specialty services. They frequently hire LPNs for diabetes education, wound care clinics, and primary care offices. These roles are often M-F, 8-5, which is a huge lifestyle perk. The pace is faster than a hospital but less chaotic.

3. Broomfield Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center: This is a major employer for LPNs in long-term care. They have a consistent need for LPNs, especially for weekend and evening shifts. The pay is competitive with the hospital, but the work is physically and emotionally demanding. It's an excellent place to gain experience quickly. They often offer sign-on bonuses for night shift.

4. Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers (RMCC) - Broomfield: Located on Wadsworth Parkway. They hire LPNs for infusion therapy and clinical support. This is a specialty niche. If you have oncology experience or an interest in chemotherapy certification, this is a prime target. The environment is more controlled and patient-focused.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., AccentCare, LHC Group): Broomfield has a growing senior population in neighborhoods like The Broadlands and Anthem. Home health agencies are always hiring LPNs for visits. This offers incredible flexibility but requires strong time management and a reliable vehicle. Pay is often per visit, which can be higher than salaried positions if you're efficient.

6. Boulder Community Health (BCH) - Broomfield Pavilion: While the main hospital is in Boulder, their Broomfield outpatient center on Midway Blvd. offers urgent care and specialty clinics. They hire LPNs for clinical support. This is a great option if you want to work for a smaller, community-focused system.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward outpatient and specialty clinics over hospital bedside care. Hospitals are competitive and have higher turnover, but clinics offer better work-life balance. Also, home health is booming due to the aging population in Broomfield's master-planned communities. If you have a clean driving record, you have an advantage.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Colorado Board of Nursing (a division of the Department of Regulatory Agencies) oversees this.

Requirements:

1. Graduate from an approved LPN program (in-state or out-of-state).
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
3. Submit a complete application to the Colorado Board of Nursing.
4. Provide fingerprints for a criminal background check.
5. Pay all fees.

Costs (Estimates):

• NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE)
• Colorado Application Fee: $88.50
• Fingerprinting Fee: ~$45 (varies by vendor)
• Total Initial Cost: Approximately $333.50

Timeline to Get Started:
If you are already licensed in another state, you can apply for Endorsement. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive your Colorado license after submitting a complete application. Insider Tip: Colorado is a compact state (NLC). If your home state is a member of the NLC, you can practice in Colorado with your home license without endorsing. This is a huge advantage for travel nurses or those moving from other compact states.

If you need to take the NCLEX-PN here, the timeline is longer: allow 2-3 months for exam scheduling and results after graduation. Start your application the moment you graduate.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live will impact your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Broomfield is a city of master-planned communities. Here are the best options, ranked by practicality for an LPN.

1. The Broadlands: This is the most affordable and practical choice for a single LPN. It's a large, well-kept neighborhood with a mix of apartments and townhomes. Rent for a 1BR is closer to $1,600-$1,750/month. Commute to Avista or SCL is 10-15 minutes. It's close to shopping (Lowe's, Walmart) and has quick access to I-25. The vibe is family-oriented and quiet.

2. Downtown Broomfield: The area around Main Street and Midway Blvd. offers older apartments and some newer loft-style units. Rent is similar to the city average (~$1,800/month). The advantage is walkability to coffee shops, restaurants, and the library. It's a 5-minute commute to the Broomfield Civic Center and 10 minutes to most healthcare employers. Best for those who want a bit of urban feel without the Denver cost.

3. Anthem Ranch: This is an active adult community, but they have rental options. Rent is higher ($1,900+). The commute is longer to the hospital (20-25 mins). However, if you work for a home health agency or a clinic in Broomfield, it's a lovely, quiet place to live with stunning views of the Front Range. Not ideal if you work night shift at the hospital due to the commute.

4. Superior (Edge of Broomfield): The town of Superior bleeds into Broomfield. Neighborhoods like Rock Creek are technically in Superior but are a 10-minute drive to Avista Adventist Hospital. You get more modern apartments for a similar price ($1,800-$2,000/mo). The trade-off is dealing with Superior's separate taxes and utilities, but the job proximity is excellent for hospital work.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area along US-36 if you're a light sleeper—traffic noise is real. Look for neighborhoods with easy access to Wadsworth Parkway or I-25 for the most flexible commute to all potential employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Where do you go from LPN? In Broomfield, your growth is tied to specialization and moving into supervisory or education roles.

Specialty Premiums:

• Diabetes Educator (CDE): Highly sought after at SCL Health and RMCC. Requires additional certification. Pay can jump to $60,000+.
• Wound Care Specialist: At Avista or in a skilled nursing facility. Certification (WCC) is key. Pay is in the $58,000-$62,000 range.
• Infusion/Chemo Certified: At RMCC or hospital oncology units. Requires IV certification and chemo training. Premium of $2-$4/hour.
• Case Management: Moving from direct care to coordinating services. Often requires a BSN eventually, but LPNs with experience can start in support roles.

Advancement Paths:
The most common path is LPN to RN. Front Range Community College in Westminster (a 15-minute drive) has excellent ADN and bridge programs. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement. If you don't want to be an RN, you can move into Lead LPN, Clinical Supervisor, or Director of Nursing in a long-term care facility. This requires 5+ years of experience and strong leadership skills.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is slow and steady. Automation won't replace LPNs, but the role will evolve. You'll see more technology integration (telehealth support, electronic charting). The demand will be strongest in geriatrics and chronic disease management (diabetes, heart failure) due to Colorado's aging demographic. The key to longevity is to specialize and possibly pursue an RN.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Broomfield offers a pragmatic, stable environment for LPNs. It's not the most exciting city, but it's a fantastic base for building a career and life in Colorado without the extreme costs and chaos of Denver.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market with major healthcare systems.	High Rent relative to salary; home ownership is difficult.
Balanced Cost of Living compared to Boulder/Denver.	Car-Dependent City; public transit is limited.
Excellent Work-Life Balance in outpatient/clinic roles.	Can feel suburban/sleepy; limited nightlife or cultural scenes.
Access to Nature with easy trips to the mountains.	Job growth is moderate, not explosive.
Commuter Advantage to Denver/Boulder for more options.	Summertime traffic on US-36 can be brutal.

Final Recommendation:
Broomfield is an excellent choice for LPNs who value stability, a manageable commute, and a family-friendly environment. It's ideal for those with 2-5 years of experience looking to specialize in a clinic or home health setting. It's not the best choice for new graduates seeking a high-energy hospital environment or for those with a strict goal of buying a home within 3 years on a single LPN salary.

Go for it if: You want a predictable schedule, short commutes, and easy access to the outdoors.
Think twice if: You crave urban excitement, have a very high debt load, or need a fast-paced, high-volume hospital to start your career.

FAQs

1. Is it better to work at the hospital or in a clinic?
It depends on your goals. Avista Adventist Hospital offers higher acuity and faster experience, but the shifts are longer (12 hours) and more strenuous. SCL Health clinics provide a Monday-Friday schedule, better work-life balance, and often a more focused patient interaction. For long-term career growth, hospital experience is valuable, but for lifestyle, clinics are hard to beat.

2. Can I commute from Denver to Broomfield?
Yes, and many do. The US-36 corridor is a major commuting route. The drive from downtown Denver can take 30-45 minutes with traffic. However, the cost of living in Denver is higher, and you'll spend more on gas and tolls (E-470). Unless you have a specific reason to live in Denver, it's usually more practical to live in Broomfield or a western suburb.

3. Are there opportunities for LPNs in home health?
Absolutely. Broomfield's suburban nature and aging population make it a prime market. Agencies like AccentCare and Apria are active. You'll need a reliable car, a clean driving record, and the ability to work independently. Pay is often per visit, which can be more lucrative if you're efficient, but you must manage your own schedule and documentation.

4. What is the biggest mistake LPNs make when moving to Broomfield?
Underestimating the cost of living and the need for a car. The Cost of Living Index of 105.5 means everything is 5.5% more expensive than the national average, but rent is the real kicker. Also, Broomfield is not a walking city. You will need a car for groceries, work, and life. Budget for that from day one.

5. How do I stand out in the local job market?
Specialization. Get certified in wound care, diabetes education, or IV therapy. Highlight any experience with electronic health records (EHR)—Epic and Cerner are the systems used locally. Mention your familiarity with the Colorado Nurse Practice Act. Finally, be flexible with shifts—nights and weekends are where the openings often