Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Bryan, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Bryan Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Bryan, Texas, offers a solid foundation for an LPN career, especially if you're looking for a lower cost of living compared to major metros like Dallas or Houston. The data reflects a stable, if not booming, market. The median salary for an LPN in Bryan is $53,096/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $25.53/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, but the numbers tell a more complete story when you factor in the local economy. The Bryan-College Station metro area has 179 LPN jobs, indicating consistent demand. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is 5%, which is a reliable, steady pace of expansion, primarily driven by an aging population and the continued expansion of healthcare services in the region.

To understand how your earning potential evolves with experience, consider this breakdown. It's a realistic look at what you can expect at different stages of your career in the Bryan area.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Bryan, TX)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $49,000	Basic patient care, med administration, vital signs, working under RN supervision in long-term care or clinics.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$50,000 - $56,000	More complex patient care, mentoring new hires, specialized duties in areas like wound care or IV therapy (with certification).
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$57,000 - $62,000	Charge nurse duties in LTC settings, case management, patient/family education, leading small teams.
Expert/Supervisory (15+ yrs)	$63,000+	Management roles (e.g., LPN Supervisor), clinical coordinator positions, policy development, extensive training roles.

When you compare Bryan to other Texas cities, the trade-off becomes clear. While you might earn more in Austin ($60,000+) or Dallas ($58,000+), you'll face a significantly higher cost of living. Bryan offers a balance that's hard to find in larger metros. The median salary of $53,096 goes much further here. For LPNs prioritizing financial stability and a manageable lifestyle over the highest possible paycheck, Bryan is a compelling option. The job market is less volatile than in tech-centric cities, providing a steady, reliable career path.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what that $53,096 means for your monthly budget. After federal and state taxes (Texas has no state income tax, which is a major plus), your take-home pay will be approximately $3,500 - $3,700 per month. Now, let's look at your biggest expense: rent.

The average 1BR rent in Bryan is $1,015/month. This is a huge advantage. The Cost of Living Index is 90.7 (US avg = 100), meaning you get about a 10% discount on everyday expenses compared to the national average.

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

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,015	Utilities (electric, water, internet) not included. Budget an extra $150-$200.
Groceries	$350	Based on a single person's budget.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assumes a modest car payment and full coverage. Bryan is car-dependent.
Gas/Transportation	$150	Commute distances are generally short in Bryan.
Health Insurance	$200	Will vary by employer. Some larger systems offer competitive rates.
Personal/Discretionary	$400	Dining out, entertainment, savings, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,515
Remaining (Take-Home ~$3,600)	~$1,085	This can go toward savings, student loans, or a mortgage.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, like St. Joseph Health, offer benefits that can reduce your out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Always ask about the total compensation package, not just the hourly rate.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $1,085 left over after a solid budget, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Bryan hovers around $250,000 - $280,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000 - $56,000. At the median LPN salary, saving $1,000/month for a home would take about 4-5 years. Many LPNs I know in the area choose to buy a starter home in neighborhoods like Bryan Northgate or Eastside once they've been in the area for a few years. It's a realistic goal here, unlike in many coastal cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Bryan's Major Employers

The Bryan job market for LPNs is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and community clinics. Hiring is steady, but competition for the best hospital jobs is real. Here are the key players and what you need to know about them.

1. St. Joseph Health (Baylor Scott & White): This is the region's largest employer and the primary hospital system in Bryan. They have a main campus in Bryan and the Brazos Valley. They hire LPNs for their inpatient floors, same-day surgery, and clinic settings. Hiring Trend: They are in constant growth mode, with a new hospital tower and expanding clinics. They value internal promotion and offer excellent benefits, including tuition reimbursement for those looking to bridge to RN. Insider Tip: Getting your foot in the door here, even in a less desired unit, is a strategic move. It's the best way to access their career ladder.

2. Brazos County Health Department: A stable government employer. LPNs here work in public health, immunizations, and communicable disease control. Hiring Trend: Positions open occasionally and are highly competitive due to the pension and job security. It's a different pace from hospital work—more predictable hours and a community-focused role.

3. Local Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities: Bryan has several, including The Gables at Brenham (which serves Bryan residents) and Brazos Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation. These are the backbone of LPN employment. Hiring Trend: High demand, high turnover. This is often where new graduates start. Shifts can be tough, but it's the fastest way to gain hands-on experience. Insider Tip: Be prepared to work weekends and holidays. However, some facilities offer shift differentials (an extra $1.50-$3.00/hour) for nights and weekends, which can boost your income.

4. Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Bryan: Multiple clinics across the city, from primary care to specialties like orthopedics or cardiology. LPNs here work in outpatient settings, handling patient intake, injections, and provider assistance. Hiring Trend: Growing with the population. These jobs often have more regular business hours, making them attractive for work-life balance.

5. Brazos Valley Senior Care: A network of senior living communities. LPNs provide medication management and care coordination for residents in assisted living and memory care units. Hiring Trend: This sector is booming with the aging Baby Boomer population. It's a growing field with opportunities for advancement into management.

6. Texas A&M University Health Services: While competitive, the university employs LPNs for its student health clinic. It offers a unique environment with good benefits. Hiring Trend: Hiring is sporadic, tied to the academic calendar. Keep an eye on their job board.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to secure a Texas LPN license. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is your go-to resource.

State-Specific Requirements:

• You must have graduated from an approved practical nursing program.
• You must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
• If you're licensed in another state, you'll apply for licensure by endorsement.

Costs (Approximate):

• Licensure by Endorsement Application Fee: $110
• Criminal Background Check: $38.25 (paid to a third-party vendor)
• Nursing Jurisprudence Exam: Free (online, mandatory)
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$150

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Immediate (Before Moving): Verify your current license is in good standing. Start the application on the Texas BON website. Gather all required documents (official transcripts, verification of licensure from your current state board).
2. Upon Arrival in Texas: Complete the fingerprinting for the background check at a designated vendor (IdentoGO).
3. Weeks 1-4: Take and pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam online (this is a state law exam, not clinical).
4. Weeks 2-8: The BON processes your application. You can check your status online. Once approved, you'll receive your license number by email, which you can use to start applying for jobs before the physical license arrives.
5. Pro Tip: Texas is a compact nursing state (NLC). If you hold an LPN license from another compact state (like Oklahoma or Louisiana), the process is faster. Check the NLC map on the BON website.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Bryan is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute time to major employers. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Approx. 1BR Rent	Commute to St. Joseph's Hospital
Bryan Northgate	Historic, walkable, near Texas A&M campus. Full of coffee shops, bars, and bike paths. Popular with young professionals and students.	$1,100 - $1,300	8-10 minutes
Southside Bryan	Quiet, family-oriented, more suburban. Established neighborhoods with larger yards. Close to shopping centers and schools.	$950 - $1,150	10-15 minutes
Eastside Bryan	Affordable, diverse, and growing. Mix of older homes and new developments. Good value for your rent dollar.	$850 - $1,100	12-15 minutes
Brazos Heights / Westside	More rural feel, lower density. A mix of older ranch-style homes and new builds. Quieter, with longer drives to amenities.	$800 - $1,050	15-20 minutes

Insider Tip: If you're working at St. Joseph's Hospital, living in Northgate or Southside offers the shortest and easiest commute. If you work a night shift, consider a quieter neighborhood like Southside where daytime noise is less of an issue. Eastside is a fantastic choice if you're budget-conscious and don't mind a slightly longer drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career in Bryan doesn't have to plateau at the LPN level. There are clear pathways for advancement, both within nursing and beyond.

Specialty Premiums: While not as standardized as in larger cities, LPNs with extra certifications can command higher pay. For example:

• IV Therapy Certification: Can add $1.00 - $2.00/hour in certain settings.
• Wound Care Certification: Highly valued in long-term care and home health.
• Gerontological Nursing Certification: Useful for senior care roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Bridge to RN: The most common path. The local community college, Blinn College (Bryan campus), offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Many hospitals, especially St. Joseph's, have tuition reimbursement programs to help LPNs become RNs. This is the single biggest career move you can make, with RNs in Bryan earning $70,000 - $80,000+.
2. Management: With experience, you can move into LPN Supervisor or Charge Nurse roles in long-term care. This brings a pay bump and leadership experience.
3. Specialization: Moving into areas like hospice, dialysis, or school nursing can offer different challenges and rewards, though pay may not increase dramatically.
4. Beyond the Bedside: With additional education, you could move into roles like patient advocacy, healthcare administration, or medical sales, though these often require a BSN or higher.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is reliable. Bryan's population is slowly increasing, and the healthcare infrastructure is expanding to match. The biggest change will likely be the increasing demand for LPNs in home health and palliative care, driven by the aging population. The rise of telehealth may also create new roles for LPNs in care coordination. The key to longevity is adaptability and considering the bridge to RN if you want to maximize your earning potential and scope of practice.

The Verdict: Is Bryan Right for You?

Bryan isn't for everyone, but for many LPNs, it represents a sweet spot of affordability, stable employment, and a manageable lifestyle. Here’s a final, straightforward look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (90.7 index) allows your $53,096 salary to go far.	Slightly below national average salary. The ceiling for an LPN is lower than in major metros.
Stable, predictable job market with 179 jobs and 5% growth.	Limited specialty opportunities compared to Houston or Austin.
Major employer (St. Joseph's) offers a clear career ladder and benefits.	Car-dependent city with limited public transportation.
Easy access to nature (Lake Bryan, parks) and a relaxed pace of life.	Cultural offerings are modest compared to larger cities.
Friendly, community-focused atmosphere where you can build strong local networks.	Can feel like a "college town" with the influence of Texas A&M on the economy and culture.

Final Recommendation: Bryan is an excellent choice for LPNs who prioritize financial stability, a lower-stress environment, and a high quality of life. It's ideal for those looking to start their career, buy a home, or raise a family without the financial pressure of a major metro. If you value the hustle and bustle of a big city and want a wide array of specialty nursing roles, you might look elsewhere. But if you want a solid career with a lifestyle where your paycheck isn't constantly stretched thin, Bryan, TX, deserves your serious consideration.

FAQs

1. What is the job interview like in Bryan?
Interviews are typically straightforward and focused on your clinical experience and fit with the team. You'll likely be asked situational questions about patient care. Dress professionally. Research the specific employer—mentioning St. Joseph's recent expansion or a local nursing home's mission shows you've done your homework.

2. How do I find housing quickly when moving to Bryan?
Local real estate sites are useful, but for rentals, Facebook groups like "Bryan/College Station Rentals" are incredibly active. Property management companies like The Local Market or Century 21 handle many rentals. Start your search 4-6 weeks before your move. Be prepared with proof of income and references.

3. Is it easy to find a part-time or PRN LPN job?
Yes, very. The long-term care facilities and some hospital units frequently hire PRN (as-needed) staff. This is a great way to supplement your income or test out different work environments. The trade-off is no benefits, but the hourly rate is often higher.

4. What's the one thing I should know about working in Bryan hospitals?
The major hospitals (St. Joseph's) are part of large systems (Baylor Scott & White). This means they have standardized policies and good resources, but it can also mean more bureaucracy. Be prepared for a structured environment. Building relationships with RNs and charge nurses is key to a smooth workday.

5. How does the weather impact daily life for an LPN?
Bryan has hot, humid summers and mild winters. The heat is a factor for anyone commuting by car or walking to work, especially on afternoon shifts. Winters are generally mild, with occasional ice storms that can disrupt schedules. Most healthcare facilities are well-prepared, but it's something to consider for your commute and work wardrobe.