Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Evansville, IN

The Salary Picture: Where Evansville Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Evansville’s healthcare economy is stable but not booming. It’s a classic Midwestern hub—reliable, steady, and affordable. For an LPN, this means you’re entering a market with consistent demand but not the explosive growth you’d find in larger metros. The median salary here is $52,948/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52,948 / 2080 = $25.46/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, but the trade-off is our significantly lower cost of living.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Evansville metro area. These are estimates based on local job postings and conversations with hiring managers.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Context in Evansville
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $50,000	New graduates often start at hospitals like Ascension St. Vincent or Owensboro Health. Expect shifts in skilled nursing facilities or home health to get your foot in the door.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $55,000	This is where the median sits. You'll have leverage for shift differentials (especially nights/weekends) and might move into charge LPN roles in long-term care.
Senior (8-15 years)	$56,000 - $60,000	Specialization (e.g., wound care, gerontology) or moving into a clinical supervisor role in a nursing home can push you above the median.
Expert (15+ years)	$60,000+	Top earners often transition into education (clinical instructor for local tech programs) or management in home health agencies.

Compared to other Indiana cities, Evansville sits in the middle. It doesn’t command the salaries of Indianapolis (closer to the $58,000 median) but significantly outpaces smaller rural markets like Terre Haute (closer to $49,000). For an LPN, the value here is in the balance: a solid wage that goes much further.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base rate. Many Evansville employers, especially the larger systems, offer shift differentials of $2.50 - $4.00/hour for evenings, nights, and weekends. That can add $5,000 - $8,000 to your annual income if you work a less desirable shift.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. For an LPN earning the Evansville median of $52,948, here’s a rough monthly budget breakdown. This assumes a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions and Indiana’s flat state income tax of 3.23%.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,412
• Est. Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$980
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $3,432

Now, let’s factor in Evansville’s biggest advantage: housing. The average 1BR rent is $850/month. Let’s build a conservative budget:

Monthly Expense	Avg. Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$850	This is for a decent apartment in a safe neighborhood. You can find cheaper or more expensive options.
Utilities	$150	Includes electric, water, gas, internet. Winters can be mild, but summer AC usage is a factor.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential in Evansville. Public transit (METS) is limited.
Groceries	$300	For one person. Evansville has competitive grocery prices (Kroger, Aldi, Walmart).
Health Insurance	$200	Through an employer plan, post-deductible.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$400	Dining out, streaming, small savings.
Total Expenses	$2,250
Monthly Surplus	$1,182

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Evansville area is around $180,000. With your surplus, you could save a 5% down payment ($9,000) in under a year. A 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) would be roughly $1,100/month (including taxes & insurance), which is feasible on your take-home pay. Many LPNs here are homeowners, often buying in their late 20s or early 30s—a stark contrast to coastal cities.

Insider Tip: Look for rental houses in the Upper Fitzgerald or Lincolnshire areas. You can often find a 2BR house for $900-$1,000, giving you more space for barely more than a 1BR apartment.

Where the Jobs Are: Evansville's Major Employers

The Evansville metro supports 226 LPN jobs (BLS data), with a 10-year job growth of 5%. That’s stable, not explosive, but it means openings are consistent. The hiring landscape is dominated by a few key players.

1. Ascension St. Vincent Evansville: The largest employer. They hire LPNs for their main hospital, but more frequently for their network of primary care clinics and their long-term acute care hospital. They have a strong reputation for benefits and tuition reimbursement.
2. Owensboro Health (Regional Hospital): While the main hospital is in Owensboro, KY (a 45-minute drive), they have a significant presence in Evansville with their cancer center and outpatient clinics. They are a major competitor for healthcare talent, often offering competitive pay and a “smaller family” feel.
3. Deaconess Health System: Based in nearby Newburgh (15 mins from downtown Evansville), Deaconess is a massive system. They operate Deaconess Gateway Hospital (the area’s only Level III Trauma Center) and numerous clinics. They are frequently hiring for LPNs in their OR, post-surgical, and specialty clinics.
4. St. Mary’s Medical Center (Daviess County): Another Owensboro-based system with a strong Evansville footprint, particularly in cardiac and orthopedic specialties.
5. Local Nursing Homes & Rehabilitation Centers: This is the bedrock of LPN employment. Companies like Kindred Healthcare, Browne Nursing Home, and Transcend Healthcare are always hiring. These facilities often have high turnover, so jobs are plentiful, especially for evening/night shifts.
6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Kindred at Home serve the aging population. These roles offer more autonomy but require reliable transportation and can have variable hours.
7. Evansville State Hospital: A psychiatric facility that regularly hires LPNs for its inpatient units. It’s a unique setting that offers experience in mental health nursing.

Hiring Trends: The biggest trend is the push for LPNs to work in clinic and outpatient settings rather than just hospitals. Ascension and Deaconess are expanding their primary care networks, which require LPNs for rooming patients, administering vaccines, and basic patient education. Also, there’s a growing need for LPNs in school health, particularly with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs never make it to Indeed. Join the “Evansville Healthcare Professionals” Facebook group. Hospital managers and clinic directors often post openings there first.

Getting Licensed in IN

Indiana’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The process is managed by the Indiana State Board of Nursing.

1. Education: You must graduate from a state-approved LPN program. Locally, the best options are Ivy Tech Community College (Evansville campus) and Evansville Tri-State College of Nursing (ETSCN). Ivy Tech is public and more affordable; ETSCN is private and known for its accelerated pace.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: After graduation, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The exam fee is $200.
3. State Application: Apply for licensure by examination through the Indiana State Board of Nursing. The application fee is $50. You’ll need to submit official transcripts and register with Pearson VUE (the exam vendor).
4. Background Check: Indiana requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check through the Indiana State Police, which costs $16.50 (plus any fees from the fingerprinting vendor).
5. Total Estimated Cost for New Grads: ~$266.50 (without the cost of the nursing program itself).

Timeline to Get Started:

• LPN Program: 12-18 months (full-time).
• Exam Prep & Scheduling: 1-3 months after graduation.
• Licensure Processing: Once you pass the NCLEX, Indiana typically issues your license within 10-14 business days.

For Out-of-State Nurses: Indiana is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate license from another compact state (like Kentucky, Ohio, or Illinois), you can practice in Indiana without obtaining an Indiana license. If you’re from a non-compact state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement, which may require a temporary permit if you have a job offer.

Insider Tip: Start studying for the NCLEX-PN during your final semester of school. The first-time pass rate for graduates from Ivy Tech and ETSCN is consistently high (over 90%), but those who wait until after graduation struggle more.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Evansville is compact, so commutes are generally short. However, safety, amenities, and proximity to hospitals vary. Here are top picks for an LPN.

1. Upper Fitzgerald (East Side): Close to Deaconess Gateway Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent. This area is family-friendly, with good schools and older, affordable homes (you can rent a house for $950/month). The commute to most hospitals is under 15 minutes.
2. Lincolnshire (East Side): Adjacent to Upper Fitzgerald, this is a quiet, established neighborhood with mid-century homes. It’s a 10-minute drive to the major medical centers. Rent for a 2BR apartment here is around $900/month.
3. North Main (North Side): A mix of old charm and revitalization. It’s closer to downtown Evansville and has a more walkable feel. You’ll find unique apartments and houses. Commute to St. Vincent is about 10-12 minutes. Rent ranges from $750 - $900.
4. Newburgh (South Side): Technically in Warrick County, but it’s a 15-minute commute to downtown Evansville. It’s a picturesque river town with excellent schools and a lower crime rate. The downside is slightly higher rents ($950-$1,100 for a 1BR), but the lifestyle is worth it for many.
5. Eastland/North Park (East Side): A more budget-friendly option with a mix of apartments and older homes. It’s very close to I-69, making commutes to any major employer easy. You can find a 1BR for $750-$800. It’s a no-frills, convenient area.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate downtown core for your first rental unless you find a specific, secure loft. The best value and safety for a young professional are in the Upper Fitzgerald or Lincolnshire areas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Indiana is a solid foundation, but growth requires intentional steps.

• Specialty Premiums: While Evansville doesn’t have the extensive specialty pay scales of large cities, you can still increase your earnings. LPNs with wound care certification or experience in infusion therapy can command higher rates, especially in home health or outpatient clinics. In a nursing home, becoming a pump nurse (for insulin administration) or charge nurse comes with a pay bump.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. RN Bridge Program: The most common path. Ivy Tech offers an ADN program, and the University of Evansville (UE) has a BSN program. Many employers, especially Ascension and Ivy Tech itself, offer significant tuition reimbursement for LPNs to become RNs. This is the single best career investment. An RN in Evansville has a median salary closer to $70,000+.
  2. Clinical Leadership: Move into a clinical supervisor or unit manager role within a long-term care facility. These roles often pay $55,000 - $62,000.
  3. Education: With experience, you can become a clinical instructor at Ivy Tech’s LPN program or a local CNA training school. This is a great way to give back and has stable hours.
  4. Niche Specialties: Pursue certifications in gerontology, palliative care, or psychiatric nursing. These are in demand due to our aging population and the state hospital’s needs.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 5% growth rate, the job market will remain steady. The key driver will be the aging population of the Evansville metro, which will continue to demand long-term care and home health services. The risk for LPNs is being phased out of hospital settings in favor of RNs and techs, so diversifying into clinic, home health, or specialty care is a smart long-term strategy.

Insider Tip: Join the Indiana Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (IALPN). It’s an affordable organization that offers networking, continuing education, and a voice in state policy. It’s a great way to stay ahead of trends.

The Verdict: Is Evansville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $52,948 salary goes far, making homeownership early in your career possible.	Slower Salary Growth: Compared to national averages and larger cities, your earning potential has a ceiling without becoming an RN.
Stable Job Market: 226 jobs and 5% growth mean consistent openings, especially in nursing homes and clinics.	Limited Cultural/Recreational Scene: It’s not a “destination” city. Nightlife, dining, and arts are modest.
Short Commutes: You can live affordably and be at any major hospital in under 20 minutes.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable car. Public transport is not a viable primary option.
Strong Community Vibe: Evansville has a tight-knit, friendly feel. It’s easy to build a network and settle in.	Weather: Summers are hot and humid; winters can be gray and damp. Not for those who crave four distinct, mild seasons.

Final Recommendation: Evansville is an excellent choice for LPNs who prioritize financial stability and work-life balance over high earnings and a bustling urban lifestyle. If you want to buy a home within a few years, avoid crushing student debt, and work in a stable healthcare system, this is a top-tier market. It’s particularly well-suited for LPNs who are planning to bridge to an RN—the low cost of living allows you to save for school while working. If you crave big-city energy, a fast-paced scene, and higher salary ceilings, you’ll likely outgrow Evansville in 5-7 years.

FAQs

1. What’s the biggest challenge for new LPNs in Evansville?
The biggest challenge is often finding that first job without prior experience. The hospital jobs are competitive. Your best strategy is to apply to multiple nursing homes and home health agencies simultaneously. Be willing to work nights or weekends to get your foot in the door. Once you have a year of experience, transitioning to a clinic or hospital becomes much easier.

2. How does the cost of living really compare?
It’s a game-changer. The Cost of Living Index is 89.8 (US avg = 100). This means you need about 10% less income to live here than the national average. For an LPN, this translates to being able to afford a car payment, a decent apartment, and still have $1,000+ left over monthly—something nearly impossible for an LPN in most coastal cities.

3. Is the nursing culture in Evansville collaborative or competitive?
Generally collaborative. It’s a smaller market, so nurses tend to run into each other across different employers. The culture in the major hospitals is professional and team-oriented. In long-term care, it can be more demanding due to staffing challenges, but the camaraderie among nurses is often strong. It’s not a cutthroat environment.

4. What about continuing education?
Ivy Tech Community College is your hub. They offer a wide range of CEUs, workshops, and bridge programs. Many employers host in-house CEUs, especially for mandatory topics like infection control. The Indiana State Nurses Association (ISNA) also offers educational resources and conferences, often at a discount for members.

5. Can I live in Kentucky and commute to Evansville?
Yes, absolutely. Many healthcare workers live in Owensboro, KY, or Henderson, KY, and commute to Evansville. The drive is easy (about 30-40 minutes) via I-69. The key consideration