Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Guide: Carrollton, Texas

Welcome to Carrollton, Texas. If you’re an LPN looking for a place where your skills are in demand, your paycheck goes further than in Dallas proper, and your commute is manageable, you’re in the right spot. As a local, I’ve seen firsthand how the nursing landscape here has evolved. This guide isn't fluff—it's a data-driven look at what your life as an LPN in Carrollton would actually be like, from the numbers in your bank account to the specific neighborhoods you'll call home.

Carrollton sits in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, offering a unique blend of suburban comfort and metro access. It’s not the flashiest city, but for healthcare professionals, it’s a stable, growing market.

The Salary Picture: Where Carrollton Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The financial reality for an LPN in Carrollton is competitive, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

The median salary for an LPN in Carrollton is $55,160/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.52/hour. This sits slightly above the national average for LPNs, which is $54,620/year. The DFW metro area is a massive healthcare hub, and Carrollton benefits from that demand. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job postings indicate there are approximately 264 active LPN jobs within the Carrollton metro area at any given time, with a projected 10-year job growth of 5%. This growth is steady, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient and long-term care facilities.

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

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$48,000 - $52,000	New grads often start in skilled nursing facilities or home health.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$53,000 - $58,000	This is where the median $55,160 sits. Hospital roles (e.g., Baylor Scott & White) often start here.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$58,000 - $64,000	Specialized roles (dialysis, wound care) or charge nurse positions.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$64,000+	Management, education, or highly specialized clinical roles.

How does Carrollton compare to other Texas cities?

• Dallas: Salaries are similar, often $1-3k higher, but the cost of living and commute are significantly worse. Rent for a 1BR in Dallas proper averages $1,550+.
• Fort Worth: Very comparable to Carrollton in both salary and cost of living. A toss-up based on job preference.
• Austin: Salaries may be slightly higher (due to tech-driven inflation), but the cost of living is substantially higher. Rent is often 20-30% more.
• San Antonio: Salaries are typically 5-10% lower than in Carrollton, but the cost of living is also lower.

Carrollton hits a sweet spot: competitive metro-level pay with a suburban cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s translate that median salary into a real monthly budget. This is where you see if the numbers work for your lifestyle.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (LPN earning $55,160/year)

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,596
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$850
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,746

Now, let's allocate that net income:

• Rent (1BR Average): $1,291
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $350
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $450 (DFW is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $200
• Miscellaneous (Savings, Entertainment, etc.): $1,275

Insider Tip: This budget is comfortable but not extravagant. The key is finding an apartment complex that includes water/trash in the rent, which is common in Carrollton. Also, many local employers like Baylor Scott & White offer excellent health insurance plans that can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is a more complex question. The median home price in Carrollton is around $375,000. With a $55,160 salary and a $1,291 rent payment, you can qualify for a mortgage, but your debt-to-income ratio will be tight. Lenders typically want your total monthly debt (including a proposed mortgage) to be under 43% of your gross income. A 30-year fixed mortgage on a $300k home (after a 20% down payment) would be roughly $1,600/month (including taxes/insurance). This is higher than your rent, but doable if you have minimal other debt and a solid down payment. Many LPNs in Carrollton choose to buy homes after 2-3 years of saving, often pairing up with a partner or spouse to make it more affordable.

Where the Jobs Are: Carrollton's Major Employers

Carrollton isn't a standalone healthcare island; it's a key node in the DFW network. Your job search should target these specific employers.

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Carrollton: The flagship hospital in the city. They have a constant need for LPNs in med-surg, orthopedics, and post-surgical units. Hiring is steady, and they offer strong benefits and tuition reimbursement. The culture is professional and structured.
2. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Carrollton: Another major hospital system. They often have openings for LPNs in their emergency department (as techs/assistants) and on various inpatient floors. They are part of the larger Texas Health Resources network.
3. The Medical City – Carrollton: Part of the HCA Healthcare system. This is a fast-paced environment. LPNs here often work in procedural areas, outpatient surgery, or urgent care. They tend to hire quickly but expect high patient turnover.
4. Carrollton Regional Medical Center (Encompass Health): A rehabilitation hospital. This is a fantastic niche for LPNs who want to focus on patient recovery and long-term care. The pace is different from an acute-care hospital—more focused on therapy and progress.
5. Extended Stay America / Sunrise Senior Living (Multiple Locations): Carrollton has a growing senior population. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and assisted living communities are always hiring LPNs for medication administration and daily care. These roles often offer more predictable schedules (e.g., 7a-3p, 3p-11p).
6. Local Home Health Agencies (e.g., AccentCare, Aveanna): For those who prefer autonomy, home health is a solid option. You’ll visit patients in their homes across Carrollton, Lewisville, and Addison. Pay can be per-visit, and you need a reliable car.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward "hybrid" roles. For example, an LPN might work 3 days a week in a hospital and pick up 1-2 shifts a month at a local SNF. Flexibility is king in the DFW market.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to secure a Texas LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) license. The title is different, but the scope of practice is nearly identical to an LPN.

Requirements & Costs (Source: Texas Board of Nursing):

1. NCLEX-PN Exam: You must pass this exam. If you’re already licensed in another state, you may be eligible for licensure by endorsement.
2. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Mandatory. Cost: ~$40.
3. Application Fee: $100 for a new license by exam.
4. Total Estimated Cost: $150 - $250 (including exam fees if not already paid).
5. Timeline: If you’re applying by endorsement (already licensed elsewhere), it can take 4-6 weeks. If you’re a new graduate taking the NCLEX, it can be 8-12 weeks from application to license in hand.

Insider Tip: The Texas Board of Nursing website is your best friend. Start the application process before you move. You can often secure a job contingent on your Texas license being issued, which speeds up the hiring process immensely.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Carrollton will define your commute and lifestyle. Here are the top picks:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Old Town Carrollton	Historic charm, walkable to shops/restaurants. 10-15 min drive to Baylor Scott & White.	$1,350	LPNs who want a "small town" feel with city access.
South Carrollton (near Hebron Parkway)	Modern apartments, close to major highways (I-35E). 15-20 min commute.	$1,250	Those who prioritize a quick highway commute to Dallas or the airport.
West Carrollton (near Perry Creek)	Quieter, more suburban, near parks and trails. 20 min commute to most hospitals.	$1,150	LPNs seeking a peaceful, family-friendly environment.
Valley Ranch (adjacent to Carrollton)	Upscale, master-planned community. Very safe, great amenities. 15-20 min commute.	$1,400	LPNs with a higher budget who want a premium lifestyle.
Lewisville Corridor (I-35E)	Technically Lewisville, but 5-10 mins from Carrollton hospitals. Very affordable.	$1,100	Budget-conscious LPNs willing to trade a slightly longer commute for lower rent.

Commute Reality: Traffic on I-35E and George Bush Turnpike can be heavy during rush hour. Living within 5-10 miles of your workplace is a huge quality-of-life win.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license is a fantastic foundation, but where you take it in Carrollton matters.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dialysis: LPNs in dialysis centers (like DaVita or Fresenius) often earn $3-5/hour more than the median.
• IV Therapy/Infusion: With additional certification, you can work in infusion centers, which typically pay a premium.
• Wound Care: Certified Wound Care Nurses can see a salary bump into the $60k+ range quickly.

Advancement Paths:

1. RN Bridge Programs: The most common path. Carrollton has several ADN programs (Brookhaven College, North Lake College) and BSN programs (TWU, UNT). Many employers offer tuition assistance.
2. Management: Charge LPN or Unit Supervisor roles in SNFs or smaller clinics.
3. Education/Case Management: Moving into patient education or utilization review for insurance companies.

10-Year Outlook: With 5% growth, the field is stable. The key will be specialization. Generalist LPNs will always find work, but those with certs in geriatrics, wound care, or dialysis will command the highest salaries and have the most job security. The aging DFW population guarantees demand.

The Verdict: Is Carrollton Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary vs. Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes further here than in Dallas or Austin.	Traffic: DFW traffic is real. A 10-mile commute can take 30 minutes.
Strong Job Market: 264 jobs and steady growth mean employers are competing for you.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited. You need a reliable vehicle.
Suburban Lifestyle: Safe, family-friendly, with good schools and parks.	Limited "City" Nightlife: If you want a bustling downtown scene, you'll head to Dallas.
Central Location: Easy access to DFW Airport, major sports, and entertainment.	Summers: It gets hot and humid. Air conditioning is a must.

Final Recommendation:
Carrollton is an excellent choice for LPNs who value stability, affordability, and a manageable commute. It’s ideal for those planning to start a family or who want to save money while earning a metro-level wage. If you’re a single LPN craving a 24/7 urban vibe, you might prefer living in Dallas or Fort Worth. But for a balanced lifestyle where your career as an LPN is respected and financially rewarding, Carrollton is hard to beat.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own car?
Absolutely. Carrollton is designed for cars. While there is a DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) station, it’s not practical for getting to most hospitals or clinics. Budget for a car payment, insurance, and gas.

2. How competitive is the job market for new LPNs?
It’s moderately competitive. You won’t struggle to find a job, but you might not get your first-choice hospital unit right away. Be open to starting in a SNF or home health to get your Texas experience, then transition to a hospital after 6-12 months.

3. What’s the cost of living really like?
The Cost of Living Index is 103.3 (US avg = 100). It’s slightly above average, but the key is housing. Your $1,291 rent is manageable on a $55,160 salary. Groceries and utilities are close to the national average.

4. Are there opportunities for overtime?
Yes. Most hospitals and large SNFs offer regular overtime opportunities, especially on weekends and nights. This is a common way for LPNs to boost their annual income by $5,000 - $10,000.

5. How do I get my Texas LVN license quickly?
If you’re already licensed in another state, apply for licensure by endorsement immediately. You can work under a temporary permit while your application is processed. If you’re a new graduate, schedule your NCLEX as soon as you graduate—don’t wait. The Texas Board of Nursing is efficient, but you need to do your part promptly.