Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Castle Rock, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Castle Rock Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Castle Rock isn't Denver or Colorado Springs—its healthcare job market is more specialized. For an LPN, the numbers paint a realistic picture. The median salary for an LPN in Castle Rock is $55,521/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.69/hour. This sits just above the national average of $54,620/year, which is encouraging. It means the local market values LPNs competitively, even in a smaller metro area. The key driver here is the 10-year job growth of 5%, which, while not explosive, is steady and reliable. With 162 jobs currently in the metro area, this isn't a boomtown market, but it's a stable one. You're not competing against thousands of applicants, and employers are actively looking for skilled LPNs, particularly for long-term care and home health roles.

To give you a clearer idea of how experience affects your earning potential in the local market, here’s a breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$48,000 - $52,000	Often starts in assisted living or home health. Larger facilities may require 1+ years of experience.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$55,000 - $62,000	This is the median range. Specialized skills (e.g., wound care, geriatrics) can push you to the higher end.
Senior/Expert (8+ yrs)	$63,000 - $70,000+	Takes on lead LPN roles, preceptorships, or niche clinical settings. Management-track roles begin here.

Compared to other Colorado cities, Castle Rock's LPN salary is modest but logical. Denver's median salary is closer to $60,000+, but the cost of living, especially housing, is drastically higher. Colorado Springs offers similar pay to Castle Rock with a slightly lower cost of living, but the job density is higher. For an LPN prioritizing a balance between manageable living costs and a stable job market, Castle Rock fits well. The 5% job growth aligns with statewide projections for LPNs, driven by an aging population and the continued need for extended care services outside of acute hospitals.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A median salary of $55,521 sounds good until you factor in Colorado's state income tax (4.4% flat), federal taxes, and FICA. After these deductions, your take-home pay will be approximately $1,250 - $1,300 per bi-weekly paycheck, or about $2,600 - $2,700 per month. This is a realistic estimate for a single filer with standard deductions.

Now, let's layer in the housing cost. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Castle Rock is $1,635/month. This is a significant portion of your monthly take-home. Here's a conservative monthly budget breakdown for an LPN earning the median salary:

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,635	The biggest fixed cost. Sharing a 2BR can reduce this to ~$900-$1,100.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$180 - $250	Varies by season; winters can be higher due to heating.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $500	Essential in a suburban area with limited public transit.
Gas/Commute	$100 - $150	Depends on commute distance to major employers.
Groceries	$250 - $350	Based on USDA low-cost food plan.
Health Insurance (if not provided)	$200 - $400	Often employer-subsidized, but premiums can vary.
Remaining (Savings/Discretionary)	$ - $400	This is tight. A shared living situation is almost necessary for financial comfort.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single LPN income at the median, it's a significant challenge. The median home price in Castle Rock is around $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000, and a monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $3,000/month, which is unsustainable on a $2,700 take-home. Homeownership is a realistic goal for an LPN in Castle Rock only with a dual-income household, substantial savings, or by targeting a condo/townhome in a lower price bracket.

Where the Jobs Are: Castle Rock's Major Employers

Castle Rock's healthcare landscape is dominated by long-term care, home health, and outpatient services. Acute care is handled by a mix of local clinics and facilities in the broader south metro area. Here are the key local employers:

1. Castle Rock Senior Living (and other local assisted living facilities): This is a primary employer for LPNs. Roles are focused on medication administration, wound care, and daily living assistance for residents. Hiring is consistent, and facilities often offer flexible shifts (8-hour and 12-hour options).
2. Home Health Agencies (e.g., AccentCare, BrightStar Care): These agencies serve the growing senior population in Castle Rock and the surrounding areas like Parker and Sedalia. The job offers independence and a varied caseload. Insider Tip: Agencies value LPNs with strong patient assessment skills and reliable transportation. Mileage reimbursement is a key benefit to ask about.
3. Surgical Care Affiliates (SCA) / Surgery Center of Castle Rock: This outpatient surgery center occasionally hires LPNs for pre-op and post-op care. It’s a great environment if you prefer a fast-paced, procedural setting over long-term care.
4. Douglas County School District: The district employs school nurses (often RNs), but LPNs may find roles in health clinics for students with chronic conditions or in special education support. This offers regular hours and summers off.
5. Penrose-St. Francis Health Services (Clinic Network): While the main hospital is in Colorado Springs, their network of primary care and specialty clinics in the Castle Rock area (like the Castle Rock Medical Center) sometimes has openings for LPNs in clinic settings, handling patient intake, injections, and basic clinical tasks.
6. Private Practices & Specialist Clinics: Local dermatology, orthopedic, and family medicine practices occasionally need LPNs for clinical support. These are often coveted roles due to regular business hours and a less stressful pace.

Hiring Trends: The market is steady. The 162 jobs figure from BLS data reflects a stable, not a high-turnover, market. The most consistent need is in long-term care and home health. Acute care hospital jobs are less common within city limits; those typically require a short commute to Denver or Colorado Springs. Networking with local managers at facilities is key—many positions are filled through referrals before they're widely advertised.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

If you're licensed in another state, Colorado offers licensure by endorsement. The process is managed by the Colorado Board of Nursing. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Verify Eligibility: You must have passed the NCLEX-PN and have an active, unencumbered license from another state. Colorado is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which simplifies things if you hold a multi-state license from another compact state.
2. Application: Submit an online application through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website. You'll need to create an account and pay the application fee.
3. Fingerprinting: Colorado requires a criminal background check. Schedule fingerprinting through the approved vendor (IdentoGO). The fee is approximately $44.50.
4. Transcripts & Verification: Your nursing school must send official transcripts directly to the board. You'll also need to request verification of your original license from the state where you were first licensed.
5. Fees: The total cost for licensure by endorsement is roughly $88.00 (application fee) + $44.50 (fingerprinting) + any additional fees for verification. Budget approximately $150 for the entire process.

Timeline: Once the board receives all documents, processing can take 4-8 weeks. Insider Tip: Start the process at least 2-3 months before your planned move. Colorado is a compact state, so if you already have a multi-state license from another compact state, you can begin working immediately under your existing license while the Colorado endorsement processes, but you must apply to add Colorado to your multi-state license.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Commute is a major factor in Castle Rock. Most employers are clustered near I-25, so proximity to the highway is key.

1. The Meadows: Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000/month. A master-planned community with newer housing. Closer to the north side of town and I-25, making commutes to Denver or Parker easy. Has its own shopping and parks. Good for young professionals or new families.
2. Castle Rock Downtown/ historic District: Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700/month. Charming, walkable, and has a unique character. You'll find smaller apartments and townhomes. Commutes to employers on the north side (like surgical centers) are very short. Limited parking, but great local vibe.
3. Plum Creek / Crystal Valley: Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,850/month. These are established, family-friendly neighborhoods with a mix of single-family homes and some apartments. They offer easy access to both I-25 and Highway 83. Commutes are manageable, and you're close to schools and community centers.
4. Saddlebrook / Crystal Park: Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,900/month. Located on the south side of town, these neighborhoods can offer slightly more space for the rent. Commutes to major employers in the north part of town will be longer (15-20 minutes), but it's quieter and feels more suburban. Insider Tip: Living on the south side means you'll face the sun during your evening commute home in the summer—plan your route accordingly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

As an LPN in Castle Rock, career growth is about specialization and taking on more responsibility. The 10-year outlook is stable, with the 5% growth indicating that LPN roles will remain essential, though advancement to an RN is the most direct path to higher salary and scope of practice.

• Specialty Premiums: While Castle Rock doesn't have the same density of specialties as Denver, you can still add value. Certifications in wound care (WCC), gerontology, or IV therapy can make you a prime candidate for lead LPN roles or specialized home health cases. Some employers may offer a small hourly premium (e.g., $0.50-$1.50/hr) for these certs.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead LPN / Charge LPN: Overseeing other LPNs and nursing assistants in a facility.
  • Clinical Documentation Specialist: Reviewing charts for accuracy (often requires additional training).
  • Transition to RN: Many local hospitals and community colleges (like Arapahoe Community College in nearby Littleton or Pikes Peak State College in Colorado Springs) offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs. This is the most significant salary jump. An RN in Castle Rock can earn $70,000 - $85,000+.
  • Nursing Management: With an RN license and experience, you can move into unit manager or director roles.

The Verdict: Is Castle Rock Right for You?

Castle Rock offers a specific lifestyle and career balance. It's not for everyone, but for the right LPN, it's a great fit.

Pros	Cons
Stable, steady job market with 5% growth and 162 jobs.	High housing costs relative to the median salary of $55,521.
Competitive salary that outpaces the national average of $54,620.	Limited acute care hospital jobs within city limits; commuting may be required.
Manageable commutes compared to Denver.	Social life can be more family/suburban-oriented vs. urban nightlife.
Outdoor access is unbeatable—red rock formations, hiking trails, and a strong sense of community.	Public transit is minimal; a reliable car is a necessity.
Proximity to Denver & Colorado Springs for career networking and weekend trips.	The healthcare market is less diverse than a major metro area.

Final Recommendation: Castle Rock is an excellent choice for an LPN who values a quieter, suburban lifestyle with easy access to nature and a stable career path. It's ideal for those willing to share housing costs initially or who have a dual income. If you're seeking the highest possible salary or a cutting-edge acute care environment, you may want to look closer to Denver. But for a balanced life with reliable work, Castle Rock is a solid, data-driven choice.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find part-time or per-diem LPN work in Castle Rock?
A: Yes, especially in home health and long-term care. Many facilities and agencies offer flexible scheduling. This can be a great way to supplement income or manage work-life balance, but it may not come with benefits like health insurance.

Q: How does the cost of living in Castle Rock compare to Denver?
A: While Castle Rock's Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (US avg = 100), Denver's is closer to 115. The biggest difference is housing. You'll pay significantly less for rent or a mortgage in Castle Rock, though you'll still face higher costs than the national average.

Q: Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Castle Rock?
A: Absolutely. Public transportation is very limited. Most employers are spread out, and home health roles require driving between patients' homes. A reliable vehicle is a non-negotiable part of the job.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for LPNs moving to Castle Rock?
A: The initial housing cost-to-salary ratio. The $1,635 average 1BR rent on a $55,521 salary is tight. The key is to plan for a shared living situation or a strict budget for the first 6-12 months while you establish yourself.

Q: Are there opportunities for advancement without going back to school?
A: Yes, but they are limited. You can move into lead LPN or preceptor roles, which come with more responsibility and a slight pay increase. However, for a substantial salary jump and increased scope of practice, pursuing an RN license is the most effective long-term strategy. Many local employers offer tuition assistance for this path.