Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Cedar Park, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Cedar Park Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Cedar Park sits in a sweet spot. It’s far enough from Austin’s intense competition to keep things affordable, but close enough to tap into a massive healthcare network. For an LPN, that translates to solid, stable wages that comfortably outpace the national average.

Let’s get right to the numbers. The median salary for an LPN in the Cedar Park metro is $54,226/year. On an hourly basis, that breaks down to $26.07/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, but don’t let that fool you. When you factor in the lower cost of living here, your purchasing power is actually stronger than in many parts of the country.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in our area. I’ve based this on local job postings and conversations with hiring managers at clinics and senior living facilities.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $51,000	Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, some private clinics.
Mid-Career (2-5 years)	$52,000 - $57,000	St. David's North Austin Medical Center, larger private practices, dialysis centers.
Senior/Lead LPN (5-10 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	Home health agencies (supervisory roles), specialty clinics (e.g., wound care, podiatry).
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$65,000+	Case management, dialysis unit lead, clinical educator roles.

When you compare Cedar Park to other Texas cities, it holds its own. It’s more affordable than Austin proper, where rents and competition drive wages up but also drive costs up. Compared to San Antonio or Dallas, Cedar Park LPN salaries are comparable, but the suburban lifestyle and proximity to nature offer a different quality of life.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for LPNs in the metro is 5%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady and reliable. With 157 jobs currently in the metro, it’s a stable market, not a boom-or-bust one. This stability is a huge selling point for anyone looking to put down roots.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real—salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the essentials. Cedar Park’s cost of living index is 97.6, meaning it’s slightly below the U.S. average. That helps, but housing is the big variable.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary of $54,226/year (or about $4,519/month gross).

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$4,519
Taxes (Est. 25%)	-$1,130	Includes federal, FICA, and state income tax.
Net Pay	$3,389	This is your take-home.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	-$1,220	This is the citywide average.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	-$200	Texas summers will spike your electric bill.
Groceries	-$350
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	-$150	Varies, but this is a common premium share.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$400	Essential in Cedar Park; public transit is limited.
Misc. (Phone, Personal Care)	-$200
Total Expenses	-$2,720
Monthly Savings/Debt	$669

With this budget, you’re left with a solid $669/month for savings, student loan payments, or discretionary spending. It’s a workable budget, but it’s tight if you have significant debt or family expenses.

Can you afford to buy a home? That’s the next question. The median home price in Cedar Park is roughly $450,000. With a $669/month savings rate, it would take several years to save a 20% down payment. However, many first-time homebuyer programs in Texas (like TSAHC) offer down payment assistance. With a $54,226 salary, you’d likely qualify for a conventional loan if you have good credit. It’s a stretch in the first few years, but absolutely possible with planning and a partner’s income.

Where the Jobs Are: Cedar Park's Major Employers

Cedar Park's healthcare ecosystem is a mix of large hospital systems and specialized local practices. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. St. David's North Austin Medical Center: Located on the very southern edge of Cedar Park (technically Austin, but it serves our city), this is a major trauma center and maternity hub. They hire LPNs for their post-partum, med-surg, and dialysis units. Hiring is competitive and they value experience. Insider Tip: They often post jobs on their own website before they hit major job boards.

2. Baylor Scott & White Clinic - Cedar Park: A large, multi-specialty clinic on the north side of town. They hire LPNs for their primary care, pediatric, and specialty departments (like orthopedics and cardiology). The environment is more 9-to-5 than a hospital shift.

3. Sunrise Senior Living of Cedar Park: A high-end assisted living community. They are almost always hiring LPNs for medication administration and resident care. This is a great option for those who prefer a consistent schedule and a less acute care environment.

4. The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC) - Cedar Park: A major private multispecialty group. They offer LPNs roles in areas like endocrinology, rheumatology, and neurology. This is perfect for someone looking to specialize in an outpatient setting.

5. Dialysis Clinics, Inc. (DCI) - Cedar Park: Chronic dialysis is a specialty that always needs LPNs. The pay is often at the higher end of the scale due to the technical skills required. It’s a fast-paced, focused environment.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like AccentCare and Encompass Health have a strong presence. These roles offer more autonomy but also require you to be on the road. You’ll need a reliable car and good time management skills.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable, not desperate. The 5% growth reflects this. The biggest demand is in geriatrics (senior living, home health) and specialty outpatient clinics. Acute care hospital jobs are coveted and may require you to start in a less desirable shift (nights/weekends).

Getting Licensed in TX

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to get licensed in Texas. The process is straightforward but has a few key steps.

1. Verify Your License: If you’re already an LPN, you must apply for licensure by endorsement through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). You’ll need to provide verification from your original state. The fee is $100.
2. NCLEX-PN: If you’re a new graduate, you must pass the NCLEX-PN. The exam fee is $200.
3. Fingerprinting: Texas requires a background check. You must get your fingerprints taken at an approved vendor (like IdentoGO). The cost is approximately $38.25.
4. Timeline: From start to finish, the endorsement process can take 6-8 weeks if all your documents are in order. New graduates testing for the first time can expect a similar timeline after passing the exam. You cannot work as an LPN in Texas until you have your active TX license in hand.

Cost Breakdown for an Endorsement:

• Application Fee: $100
• Fingerprinting: ~$38
• Total: ~$138

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Your choice of neighborhood will impact your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here are four areas to consider:

1. Brushy Creek (Central Cedar Park): This is the classic Cedar Park experience. Established neighborhoods with sidewalks, parks, and easy access to everything. You’re a 10-15 minute drive from most major employers. It’s family-friendly and safe. Rent Estimate: A 1BR apartment here runs about $1,250 - $1,400/month.
2. Lakeline (South Cedar Park): Closer to the Austin border and the Lakeline Mall area. This area has a younger vibe, more apartment complexes, and is directly on the MetroRail line (a huge plus if you ever need to commute into Austin). Commute to St. David's North Austin is under 10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,300/month.
3. Anderson Mill (West Cedar Park): Slightly more affordable, with older, well-maintained apartments and some townhomes. It’s quiet, with easy access to US-183 for a straightforward commute. A good choice if you’re budget-conscious. Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,200/month.
4. Leander (Just North of Cedar Park): Technically a separate city, but it’s part of the same metro area. You get more space for your money, with newer apartment complexes and a quieter, suburban feel. The trade-off is a slightly longer commute (10-20 minutes) to most Cedar Park jobs. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,150/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Texas is a fantastic foundation. The 10-year outlook is secure, but for significant salary growth, you’ll need to specialize or advance.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest paying LPN roles are in dialysis and home health supervision. These roles can push you into the $60,000+ range. Case management is another lucrative path, often requiring a few years of experience.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path to a higher salary is to become an RN. Cedar Park is home to several excellent ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs, including at Austin Community College (ACC). Many hospitals, like St. David's, offer tuition reimbursement. With your $54,226 salary, you could work full-time while getting your RN, which typically boosts your salary to the $75,000+ range upon graduation.
• 10-Year Outlook: The steady 5% growth ensures job security. The demand will continue to be driven by our aging population. LPNs who embrace technology, like electronic health records (EHR), and who specialize in a high-demand area will see the best opportunities and wage growth.

The Verdict: Is Cedar Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: Slightly below national average, making your $54,226 salary go further.	Traffic: While better than Austin, rush hour on I-35 or US-183 can be frustrating.
Job Stability: Steady 5% growth and 157 jobs in a stable market.	Public Transit: Limited. A car is a necessity for almost all daily tasks and commutes.
Quality of Life: Excellent schools, low crime, and easy access to parks, hiking, and Lake Travis.	Housing Costs: While better than Austin, rents are rising. The $1,220 average is manageable but not "cheap."
Proximity to Austin: You get the small-town feel but can easily access the culture, food, and nightlife of a major city.	Conservative Atmosphere: As a suburb, it’s more socially and politically conservative than Austin proper.

Final Recommendation: Cedar Park is an excellent choice for an LPN seeking a stable career and a high quality of life. It’s ideal for those who are early in their career or starting a family. The budget is workable on a single LPN salary, though buying a home initially may require a partner’s income or careful saving. If you value safety, good schools, and a community feel over a bustling urban center, you’ll thrive here.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to live and work as an LPN in Cedar Park?
Yes, absolutely. While there is a MetroRail station in Lakeline, it only connects to Austin. Most healthcare facilities, including St. David's and the major clinics, are not on the rail line. A reliable car is non-negotiable for your commute and daily errands.

2. What’s the job market like for new LPN graduates?
It’s competitive but winnable. New grads should be flexible on shifts (nights/weekends) and consider starting in a nursing home or home health to gain experience. Apply to the large hospitals, but also target clinics and senior living facilities, which are often more willing to train new grads.

3. How does the cost of living really feel on a $54,226 salary?
It’s comfortable if you’re single or a dual-income household. The budget breakdown shows you can cover essentials and save a bit. The key is managing housing costs. If you can keep rent at or near the $1,220 average, you’ll be in good shape. A roommate can further boost your savings.

4. Are there opportunities for LPNs to work in schools or other non-traditional settings?
Yes, but they are less common. Some LPNs work in school districts (often for students with special needs) or in occupational health clinics for local businesses. These are niche roles and may take longer to find. Your best bet for steady work is in clinical or long-term care settings.

5. How long will it take to find a job?
With 157 jobs in the metro, it’s not an instant hire market. On average, from application to start date, expect it to take 4-8 weeks. Having a Texas license in hand before you move will significantly speed up the process. Network on LinkedIn with local healthcare recruiters and apply to jobs 1-2 months before your planned move date.