Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Cary, NC

The Salary Picture: Where Cary Stands

As a local who’s watched Cary’s healthcare scene evolve from a quiet suburb to a booming medical hub, I can tell you LPNs are in a strong position here. The salary data reflects Cary’s unique position—it’s not a major urban core like Raleigh but carries a premium due to its high quality of life and proximity to the Research Triangle. The median salary for an LPN in Cary is $54,292/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.1/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, a common trade-off for living in a desirable, low-crime community with top-tier schools. But don’t let that national comparison mislead you. The 10-year job growth for LPNs in the metro area is projected at 5%, and with 357 current LPN jobs in the metro, the demand is steady and local competition is manageable.

Breaking it down by experience shows how you can climb the ladder right here in Cary:

Experience Level	Cary Salary Range	Notes for the Local Market
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$48,000 - $52,000	Often starts in home health or long-term care. A great way to get your foot in the door with local providers like Durham-based home health agencies that service Cary.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$53,000 - $58,000	This is the sweet spot for most LPNs in Cary. You’ll see this range in outpatient clinics and hospital-based roles at UNC Rex or WakeMed Cary.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$58,000 - $65,000	Specialized roles (e.g., dialysis, school nursing) or charge nurse positions in long-term care facilities. Experience at a major hospital network is a huge plus.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$65,000+	Management, education, or niche clinical roles. Often found in corporate wellness programs or as a clinical supervisor in a large practice.

How does Cary stack up against other North Carolina cities? It’s a premium market. You’ll generally earn more here than in smaller towns like Fayetteville or Wilmington, but less than in the high-cost urban centers of Charlotte or Durham. Cary’s advantage isn’t just the paycheck; it’s the stability. The metro population of 178,883 supports a robust healthcare ecosystem without the intense competition of a larger city.

Insider Tip: Your salary is heavily influenced by your employer. Hospital jobs (UNC Rex, WakeMed) often start at the higher end of the mid-career range and offer better benefits, while private practices or smaller clinics might offer more flexibility but a base salary closer to the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Cary’s cost of living is a key factor. The Cost of Living Index is 98.0, meaning it’s slightly more affordable than the U.S. average. The catch? Housing. The average 1BR rent is $1,176/month, which is above the national median but typical for the Triangle area.

For an LPN earning the median salary of $54,292, here’s a realistic monthly breakdown after taxes (accounting for federal, state, and FICA taxes):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,524	$54,292 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes (22-25%)	~$1,040	Varies by deductions; this is a conservative estimate.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,484	Your actual paycheck.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,176	The biggest variable. Could be lower in some areas.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Cary’s moderate climate helps control costs.
Groceries	$350	Slightly higher than national average.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450	Cary is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200	Many employers offer good plans; this is an estimate.
Student Loan/Payment	$200	If applicable.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$300	Dining out, movies, etc.
Savings/Retirement	$628	A realistic goal if you budget carefully.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but possible, especially with a dual-income household. The median home price in Cary is over $500,000. For a single LPN earning the median salary, a mortgage would be a significant stretch. However, many LPNs in Cary partner with healthcare professionals (doctors, PAs, other nurses) to buy homes. The path to homeownership here often involves starting in a rental to build savings, then leveraging dual income or moving to a special loan program like a USDA loan for surrounding areas (e.g., parts of western Wake County).

Insider Tip: Many LPNs I know live just outside Cary’s borders in Apex or Holly Springs for slightly lower rent and still have an easy 15-20 minute commute. It’s a savvy move for maximizing your budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Cary's Major Employers

Cary’s healthcare job market is anchored by major systems with a strong local presence. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. WakeMed Cary Hospital: This is a top-tier employer. It’s a community hospital within the massive WakeMed system. They have a constant need for LPNs in med-surg, orthopedics, and their outpatient surgery centers. Hiring is often through the main WakeMed careers portal, but having a connection helps.
2. UNC Rex Healthcare (Cary): Part of the UNC Health system, this hospital is known for its cardiac and cancer care. Their LPN roles are highly competitive and often require prior hospital experience. They value specialization and offer clear pathways for advancement.
3. Duke Health (in the vicinity): While Duke’s main campus is in Durham, their primary care and specialty clinics are expanding throughout the Triangle, including Cary. Clinic-based LPN roles here are prized for their regular hours and lower stress compared to hospital settings.
4. Cary Family Medicine & Associates: A large, independent practice that’s a staple in the community. They hire LPNs for back-office roles, patient intake, and assisting with procedures. It’s a great environment for those who want to build long-term relationships with patients.
5. Carolina Dialysis (Cary location): Dialysis is a lucrative specialty for LPNs. The work is technical and consistent. Carolina Dialysis offers training programs for LPNs new to the specialty, and the pay often exceeds the median due to the specialized skill set.
6. Long-Term Care Facilities (e.g., The Preston, Cary Health & Rehabilitation): These facilities are always hiring. The work can be demanding, but the schedules are predictable (often 3x12s), and you become a vital part of residents’ lives. It’s an excellent starting point for new grads.
7. Private Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Triangle): Serving Cary’s aging population, these agencies offer flexibility. You’ll drive to patient homes across Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs. Pay can be on the lower end, but mileage reimbursement and autonomy are big perks.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift toward outpatient and home-based care. Hospitals are still hiring, but growth is in clinics and community health. Also, telehealth support roles are emerging, where LPNs help manage patient portals and remote monitoring—something to watch if you’re tech-savvy.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina has a straightforward but strict licensing process managed by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). If you’re already an LPN licensed in another state, you’ll likely apply for licensure by endorsement.

If you’re a new graduate or moving from another state:

1. Education: You must graduate from an approved LPN program.
2. Exam: Pass the NCLEX-PN. The NCBON will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) after your application is approved.
3. Application: Submit the application online via the NCBON website. You’ll need official transcripts, a passport-style photo, and fees.
4. Fees: The application fee is $75, and the NCLEX-PN fee is $200 (paid to Pearson VUE). Total: $275. Endorsement from another state has a similar fee structure.
5. Timeline: From application submission to a valid license in hand can take 4-8 weeks if everything is in order. Delays often happen if your transcripts are missing or the NCLEX results are pending.

Insider Tip: The NCBON is efficient but can be slow to respond to emails. Use their online portals for status checks, and have all your documents ready before applying to avoid delays. The 5% job growth means you’ll want your license secured as soon as you decide to move.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Cary is made up of distinct villages and neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute time to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
West Cary (near I-40)	Modern, family-friendly, easy access to WakeMed Cary Hospital (10-15 min drive). Close to shopping (Waverly Place).	$1,250 - $1,400	Those working at WakeMed or Duke Cary clinics. Great for families.
Downtown Cary	Charming, walkable, historic. Commute to hospitals is 15-20 mins via US-1 or I-40. Quieter evenings.	$1,100 - $1,250	LPNs who want a community feel, enjoy local parks, and don’t mind a short drive.
MacGregor/Preston	Affluent, suburban, golf courses. Commute to UNC Rex or WakeMed is 15 mins. Very safe and quiet.	$1,300 - $1,500	Established professionals seeking a peaceful home base. Less nightlife.
East Cary (near Apex)	More affordable, growing, with a mix of older and new subdivisions. Commute to most employers is 20-25 mins.	$1,000 - $1,200	Budget-conscious LPNs, especially those starting out. Easy access to Apex’s dining.
The Farm/Carolina Preserve	Newer, master-planned communities with pools and trails. Commute can be 20-30 mins depending on traffic.	$1,150 - $1,350	Young professionals and new families who want amenities and a social environment.

Insider Tip: Traffic on US-1 and I-40 can be brutal during rush hour. If you work a 7-3 or 3-11 shift, your commute will be a breeze. If you’re on a 9-5 schedule, factor in an extra 10-15 minutes for traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying an LPN in Cary is viable, but growth requires intention. The 10-year job growth of 5% suggests stability, not explosion. To increase your earnings and satisfaction, consider these paths:

• Specialty Certifications: While NC doesn’t require them, they boost your value. A Certified Dialysis LPN (CD-LPN) can add $3-$5/hour to your base pay. Similarly, a School Nurse certification (if you work for Wake County Public Schools) offers a stable, salaried role with summers off.
• Advancement to LPN II or Charge Nurse: In hospital systems, there are often pay grades. Moving from a staff LPN to a Charge Nurse in a long-term care facility can add $4-$7/hour.
• Bridge to RN: This is the most common and lucrative path. Many local hospitals (WakeMed, UNC Rex) have tuition reimbursement programs for LPNs to become RNs. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can be completed in 18-24 months part-time. The salary jump is significant—from a median of $54,292 to an RN median of $75,000+ in the Triangle.
• Niche Roles: School nursing (through Wake County Public Schools), occupational health in Cary’s corporate parks, or case management with home health agencies offer different challenges and schedules.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for LPNs will remain solid, especially in geriatrics and home health due to Cary’s aging population. However, automation in some clinical tasks and the push for higher education (hospitals preferring BSNs for leadership) means the ceiling for an LPN without further education will remain relatively flat. The smart move is to use Cary’s stable job market as a launchpad for specialization or an RN degree.

The Verdict: Is Cary Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, diverse job market with major hospital systems and outpatient clinics.	High housing costs relative to the LPN salary, especially for single-income households.
Excellent quality of life: safe, great schools, abundant parks, and a strong sense of community.	Car-dependent city; limited public transportation.
Short commutes compared to living in Raleigh or Durham and working in Cary.	Competitive rental market; you’ll need to act fast on good listings.
Access to top-tier healthcare for you and your family, often with employee discounts.	Slower pace can be a pro or con; less "city" nightlife and cultural events than Raleigh/Durham.
Proximity to the Research Triangle for networking and future career pivots.	5% job growth is steady but not explosive; major career leaps may require commuting or further education.

Final Recommendation: Cary is an excellent choice for LPNs who prioritize stability, safety, and community. It’s ideal for those with a partner or family, or for single LPNs who are budget-savvy and willing to live slightly outside the core. If you’re a new grad looking for action and a fast-paced environment, you might find Cary too quiet. But if you want a rewarding career where you can plant roots, build savings, and enjoy a high quality of life, Cary is a smart, data-driven move.

FAQs

1. How competitive are LPN jobs in Cary?
Moderately competitive. You won’t face the frenzy of a major city, but hospital jobs at WakeMed and UNC Rex are sought after. Having 1-2 years of experience and a clean license will put you at the front of the line. Home health and long-term care roles are easier to land.

2. Can I live in Cary on an LPN salary alone?
Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. The median salary of $54,292 and average rent of $1,176/month means you’ll spend about 25% of your net income on housing, which is manageable but leaves less room for savings or luxury spending. Roommates or living in a slightly cheaper neighborhood (like East Cary) can make it much more comfortable.

3. Do I need my own car?
Absolutely. Cary’s public transit (GoCary) exists but is not reliable for commuting to healthcare jobs, which often have odd hours. Most employers require a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, especially for home health roles.

4. What’s the best way to find a job here?
Start with the big hospital system career pages (WakeMed, UNC Health). Network on LinkedIn with recruiters from Duke Health. Also, check local job boards like the Cary News or the NC Nurses Association job board. Many positions are filled through internal referrals, so let colleagues know you’re looking.

5. Is the cost of living really that close to the national average?
The index (98.0) is misleading because it averages everything. The key is housing. While groceries and utilities are near average, housing is above it. Your budget will feel the pinch most in rent or mortgage, not in daily expenses. Plan for that, and Cary is very livable.