Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Coral Springs, FL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Coral Springs, FL.

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The Salary Picture: Where Coral Springs Stands

As a local in South Florida, I can tell you that the nursing market here is competitive, but the compensation needs to be weighed against the cost of living. For an LPN, Coral Springs offers a salary that sits slightly above the national average, but the local economy drives a specific demand for your skills.

Let's look at the hard numbers. The median salary for an LPN in the Coral Springs metro area is $56,553/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.19/hour. This is notably higher than the national average for LPNs, which sits at $54,620/year. The metro area has approximately 269 LPN jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 5%. This growth is steady, not explosive, meaning the market is stable but requires you to be proactive in your job search.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in healthcare are heavily influenced by experience, certifications, and the type of facility you work in. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Coral Springs area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Coral Springs
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Typically starts in long-term care or home health. Hospitals like Broward Health may offer on-the-job training.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$56,553 (Median) - $62,000	This is where most LPNs land. Experience in specialties like geriatrics or pediatrics can push you to the higher end.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$64,000 - $70,000+	Requires lead LPN roles, wound care certification, or working in a specialized clinic. Management experience is key.

Comparison to Other Florida Cities

To understand Coral Springs' position, it helps to see how it stacks up against other Florida metro areas. While salaries in major hubs like Miami and Tampa can be higher, so is the competition and cost of living. Coral Springs offers a balanced middle ground.

City	Median Salary (LPN)	Cost of Living Index	Key Industries
Coral Springs, FL	$56,553	111.8	Healthcare, Senior Living
Miami, FL	$58,200	125.5	Hospitals, Tourism, International
Tampa, FL	$55,800	108.3	Hospitals, Port, Tech
Orlando, FL	$54,500	114.2	Tourism, Healthcare
Jacksonville, FL	$53,400	94.8	Military, Logistics, Healthcare

Data sources: BLS, BestPlaces.net, local job postings. Note: Salary figures are approximate for comparison.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number is just the start. In Coral Springs, your take-home pay is significantly impacted by Florida's tax structure (no state income tax) and the high cost of housing.

Let's break down a monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary of $56,553. We'll assume a single filer with standard deductions.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,713
• Estimated Taxes (Fed + FICA): ~$900
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): ~$3,813

Now, let's layer in the essential monthly costs for Coral Springs:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,621	This is the city-wide average. Older complexes near Sample Rd. may be cheaper; newer luxury units near the Mall can exceed $2,000.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$250 - $350	Florida's summer A/C bills are no joke. Budget on the higher end.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Florida has high auto insurance rates. A reliable car is a must in Coral Springs; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Essentials	$350 - $450	Publix and Aldi are staples. Prices are standard for South Florida.
Healthcare (Copays, etc.)	$150	Even with employer insurance, out-of-pocket costs add up.
Miscellaneous & Savings	$700 - $1,000	This includes dining out, entertainment, and crucially, any savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question for many. With a net monthly income of ~$3,813 and a mortgage payment easily exceeding $2,200 for a median-priced home in Coral Springs (around $450k), it's a significant stretch for a single LPN at the median salary. Homeownership is possible with a dual-income household or after significant career advancement and salary growth. For now, renting is the most realistic option for most early-to-mid-career LPNs.

Where the Jobs Are: Coral Springs's Major Employers

Coral Springs itself is a residential community, but it's a hub for healthcare services in northwest Broward County. The major employers are a mix of hospital systems, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies.

1. Broward Health Coral Springs: Part of the North Broward Hospital District, this is the primary acute-care hospital for the area. It's a major employer of LPNs for its med-surg, telemetry, and orthopedic units. Hiring trends show a consistent need for LPNs, especially for night and weekend shifts.
2. The Oaks at Coral Springs: A well-regarded long-term care and skilled nursing facility. These facilities are the backbone of LPN employment, offering stable schedules and experience in geriatric care. They often have high turnover, so openings are common.
3. Home Health Agencies: Agencies like Visiting Nurse Association of South Florida and Interim HealthCare have a strong presence. They serve Coral Springs' aging population. These roles offer more autonomy but require strong time-management skills and your own reliable vehicle.
4. Broward Health North: Located just east in Pompano Beach, this Level II Trauma Center is a 15-20 minute commute from Coral Springs. It's a larger facility with more specialty units, which can be a pathway to higher pay and experience.
5. Private Physician Clinics: Numerous cardiology, orthopedic, and primary care clinics in the Coral Springs area (often near University Dr. and Sample Rd.) hire LPNs for clinical support. These are typically Monday-Friday, 9-5 jobs, which is a huge draw for work-life balance.
6. Parkland Nursing & Rehabilitation: Located in the neighboring city of Parkland, this is another skilled nursing facility that actively recruits LPNs. The commute is short (10-15 minutes) and the area is very affluent.

Insider Tip: The best way to find jobs here isn't just Indeed. Join the "Broward County Nurses" and "Florida LPN/LVN Network" Facebook groups. Positions are often posted there before they hit the major job boards.

Getting Licensed in FL

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to navigate the Florida Board of Nursing (BON) process. It's straightforward but requires attention to detail.

For Out-of-State LPNs:

1. Verification: Your home state must verify your license to the Florida BON. This is done electronically through the NURSYS system or by mail.
2. Application: Submit the "Licensure by Endorsement" application online via the MQA Online Services Portal. The application fee is $175.
3. Background Check: Florida requires a Level 2 electronic fingerprint background check through a Florida-approved vendor (e.g., Livescan). The cost is approximately $90 - $100.
4. Education: You must provide proof of graduation from an approved nursing program.
5. Timeline: The entire process can take 6 to 12 weeks. Start this process before you move. You can work under a temporary permit while your application is processed.

For New Graduates (from a Florida program):
You'll take the NCLEX-PN exam. The cost for the exam and application is approximately $200 - $300.

Insider Tip: Florida is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate license from another compact state (like Texas, Georgia, or Alabama), you can practice in Florida without getting a Florida license. This is a huge advantage for nurses considering a move.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Coral Springs is a master-planned community with distinct areas. Commute to major employers like Broward Health Coral Springs is generally easy, but traffic on Sample Rd. and University Dr. can be heavy during rush hour.

1. Coral Springs (City Center): Living in the heart of the city puts you within a 10-minute drive of Broward Health Coral Springs and most clinics. It's family-friendly with excellent parks. Rent for a 1BR averages $1,650 - $1,800.
2. Margate: Just north of Coral Springs, Margate is slightly more affordable and has a similar suburban feel. It's very close to The Oaks at Coral Springs and other nursing homes. Rent averages $1,450 - $1,600.
3. Parkland (East): If you can afford it, the eastern edge of Parkland (near the Sawgrass Expressway) offers upscale living with a quick commute to Coral Springs and Fort Lauderdale. It's quieter but pricier. 1BR apartments are less common; expect to pay $1,800+ or look for a roommate.
4. Pompano Beach (West): The western parts of Pompano Beach, near that border with Coral Springs, offer more affordable options while keeping you close to Broward Health North. Commute is ~15 minutes. Rent averages $1,400 - $1,550.
5. Tamarac: South of Coral Springs, Tamarac is another affordable option with good access to major highways. It's a popular choice for healthcare workers due to its central location in Broward County. Rent averages $1,500 - $1,650.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Florida is a solid foundation, but career advancement requires specialization and further education.

• Specialty Premiums: LPNs with certifications in Wound Care (WCC), IV Therapy, or Gerontology can command higher hourly rates, often adding $2-$4/hour to your base pay. These skills are in high demand in home health and long-term care.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead LPN/LPN Supervisor: In long-term care, you can move into a leadership role, overseeing other LPNs and CNAs.
  2. Bridge to RN: Many local LPNs use their experience to enter an LPN-to-RN bridge program at Broward College or Nova Southeastern University (NSU). This is the most significant salary jump. An RN in this area makes $75,000+ on average.
  3. Case Manager/Home Health Coordinator: With experience, you can move from direct patient care into coordination roles within home health agencies.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is steady. The aging population in Florida will ensure demand remains. However, the push towards higher education (BSN for RNs) means LPNs must continually upskill to remain competitive. The long-term trend is stable, but those who specialize or bridge to RN will see the most growth.

The Verdict: Is Coral Springs Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary above national average with no state income tax.	High cost of living, especially housing. Homeownership is a challenge for a single LPN.
Stable job market with diverse employers (hospitals, SNFs, home health).	Car-dependent city with limited public transportation.
Safe, family-friendly suburban environment with excellent public schools.	Competitive healthcare market; you need to network aggressively.
Proximity to Fort Lauderdale and Miami for career advancement and entertainment.	Hot, humid summers and hurricane season can be stressful.
Strong community feel with lots of parks and local events.	Traffic congestion on major roads like Sample Rd. and I-95.

Final Recommendation:
Coral Springs is an excellent choice for an LPN who values a safe, suburban lifestyle and is willing to budget carefully. It's ideal for those with a few years of experience who can command the median salary or higher. It's less ideal for new graduates just starting out, as the rent will eat up a large portion of your income. If you're considering a long-term career in nursing and are open to bridging to RN, the stability and network in Coral Springs provide a strong foundation.

FAQs

1. Can I find a job in Coral Springs without experience?
Yes, but your options will be limited to long-term care facilities and home health agencies. Hospitals like Broward Health Coral Springs typically prefer 1-2 years of experience. Be prepared to start in a skilled nursing facility and build your resume.

2. How is the work-life balance for LPNs here?
It depends on your employer. Home health and clinic jobs usually offer a Monday-Friday schedule. Hospital and long-term care jobs often require 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, but they offer more consecutive days off.

3. Do I need to know Spanish?
While not a strict requirement, it is a significant advantage. South Florida has a large Spanish-speaking population, especially in healthcare settings. Being bilingual can make you a more attractive candidate.

4. What's the best way to prepare for the Florida licensing exam (NCLEX-PN)?
Use resources like Kaplan, UWorld, or Hurst Review. Florida's NCLEX pass rates are generally high for graduates of accredited programs. Focus on clinical judgment and patient safety questions.

5. Is it worth it to work in Miami for a higher salary?
You need to crunch the numbers. While the median salary in Miami is slightly higher, the cost of living is dramatically higher. The commute from Coral Springs to Miami is also brutal (often 60-90 minutes each way). For most LPNs, staying in the Broward County market is more financially sound.