Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Everett, WA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Everett, Washington.

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The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Everett isn't the cheapest place to live in the Puget Sound, but it offers a solid middle ground for healthcare workers. The nursing market here is steady, driven by a growing population and a robust healthcare infrastructure that serves the entire Snohomish County region. For an LPN, it's a practical market with defined career pathways and competitive, though not Seattle-level, wages.

The median salary for an LPN in Everett is $56,750 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.28. This figure sits slightly above the national average of $54,620, reflecting Washington's higher cost of living and strong demand for healthcare services. The metro area supports approximately 222 LPN jobs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 5%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable and indicates consistent demand for skilled LPNs in the years to come.

Here’s how that median salary breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry trends, as the provided data represents the overall median.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $54,000
Mid-Career	2-7 years	$54,000 - $62,000
Senior	7-15 years	$62,000 - $70,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$70,000+

Compare to Other WA Cities

To understand Everett's position, it's helpful to see how it stacks up against other major Washington cities. While Seattle offers higher nominal wages, the cost of living is dramatically higher. Everett provides a balance, particularly for those willing to commute within the Snohomish/King County corridor.

City	Median LPN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Everett	$56,750	113.0
Seattle	$62,500+	152.4
Tacoma	$55,000	116.5
Spokane	$52,000	95.0
Olympia	$54,500	110.0

Data is compiled from BLS state/area data and cost of living indices. Seattle salaries are often reported higher due to a larger concentration of specialty clinics and major medical centers.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the salary number. An LPN earning $56,750 in Everett has more purchasing power than an LPN earning $62,500 in Seattle once you factor in the 30%+ difference in rent and general expenses.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. A median salary of $56,750 sounds reasonable, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Everett? Here’s a breakdown.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$4,729	$56,750 / 12
Federal/State Taxes & Deductions	-$1,050	Approx. 22% effective rate (varies)
Net Monthly Income (Take-Home)	$3,679	This is your starting point
Average 1BR Rent	-$1,864	Citywide average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$200	Varies by season and usage
Groceries & Household	-$400	For one person
Transportation (Gas/Car/Insurance)	-$300	Highly dependent on commute
Health Insurance (if not covered)	-$150	Employer plans vary
Remaining (Savings, Debt, Fun)	$765	Your discretionary funds

Analysis: The budget is tight but manageable for a single person with no major debt. The biggest variable is housing. At $1,864/month, rent consumes over 50% of your take-home pay if you're at the median salary. This is why choosing the right neighborhood is critical.

Can they afford to buy a home? In short, not on a single LPN salary right now. The median home price in Everett is around $600,000. A 20% down payment is $120,000, and a mortgage payment would likely exceed $3,000/month, far beyond a comfortable budget. However, dual-income households or those who advance to an RN (Registered Nurse) role can make homeownership a realistic goal within a few years.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett's healthcare scene is dominated by a few key players, but opportunities exist in smaller clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. Here are the major employers you should be targeting:

1. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (Colby Campus & Pacific Campus): This is the 800-pound gorilla of healthcare in the region. They run a Level II Trauma Center and a comprehensive cancer institute. LPNs are hired for med-surg, orthopedics, oncology, and outpatient clinics. Hiring Trend: Consistently high demand; they are the largest single employer of nurses in Snohomish County.

2. The Everett Clinic: Now part of Optum, this is a massive multi-specialty outpatient group. LPN roles here are primarily in clinic settings—rooming patients, taking vitals, administering vaccines, and assisting with procedures. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on primary care and specialty clinics (dermatology, ENT, etc.).

3. Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.S.: A major regional specialty practice with a significant presence in Everett. LPNs here get specialized training in ophthalmology and dermatology. It's a great path if you want to avoid hospital hours. Hiring Trend: Growing as the population ages and demands for specialized care increase.

4. Washington State Department of Corrections (Monroe Correctional Complex): While a 25-minute drive south, this is a major employer for LPNs in the region. Correctional nursing is a unique and demanding specialty. Pay is often at the higher end for LPNs due to the challenging environment. Hiring Trend: Consistent need; turnover can be higher, creating openings.

5. Local Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation Centers: Facilities like Bethany at Silver Lake and Columbia Baptist Hospital (now part of Providence) offer LPNs crucial roles in geriatric care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. These are often the most consistent entry points for new LPNs. Hiring Trend: Extremely high demand due to the aging population. This is a growth sector.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Visiting Nurse Association of Puget Sound hire LPNs for in-home patient care. This offers flexibility but requires strong independence. Hiring Trend: Growing as healthcare shifts toward home-based care models.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers post jobs exclusively on their own career portals. Check them weekly, in addition to general sites like Indeed or LinkedIn.

Getting Licensed in WA

If you're licensed in another state, Washington is a "compact" state via the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your primary state of residence is another compact state (like Idaho or Utah), you can practice in Washington with your multistate license. If you are coming from a non-compact state (like California), you'll need to apply for a Washington single-state license.

Steps for Out-of-State LPNs:

1. Verify Education: Ensure your LPN program is approved by your state's board and meets Washington's educational requirements.
2. Apply for Licensure by Endorsement: The Washington State Board of Nursing (WSBON) handles this. You'll submit an online application, pay the fee (approx. $125), and have your original nursing school transcript sent directly to the WSBON.
3. Background Check: You must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. This costs about $45.
4. NCLEX-PN: If you are not licensed in any state, you must pass the NCLEX-PN. If you hold an active license in another state, you typically do not need to retake it.
5. Wait for Processing: The entire process can take 4-8 weeks. Start early if you're planning a move.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're already licensed, you can start applying for jobs about 2-3 months before your planned move. Once you have a job offer, you can apply for your Washington license. Many employers will allow you to start work under a temporary permit while your full license is processed.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Your neighborhood choice in Everett will define your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s take:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate
North Central	Working-class, diverse, central. Close to Providence Pacific Campus. Easy access to I-5. Walkable to some amenities.	$1,600 - $1,800
Southwest (Harborview)	More residential, quieter, near the waterfront. Commute to hospitals is easy via Evergreen Way or I-5.	$1,700 - $1,900
Beverly Park Area	Family-oriented, suburban feel. Good parks and schools. Requires a car for everything. A longer commute to central Everett.	$1,650 - $1,850
Downtown Everett	Urban, walkable, trendy. Close to bars, restaurants, and Providence's Colby Campus. Parking can be a challenge.	$1,800 - $2,100+
Eastmont	Quiet, established suburb. Primarily single-family homes. A longer commute to Everett's core but great for families.	$1,750 - $1,950

Insider Tip: If you work at Providence's Colby Campus, living in Downtown or North Central can save you hours on your monthly commute. The traffic on I-5 south towards Seattle during evening shift changes can be brutal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license is a fantastic starting point, but it's not the ceiling. In Everett, your growth potential is significant if you plan it.

Specialty Premiums: While formal "premiums" are less common for LPNs than for RNs, specializing can lead to higher pay and better opportunities. Gaining experience in areas like oncology, wound care, or dialysis makes you a more valuable and versatile candidate. Correctional and home health nursing also often command higher base rates due to the unique skill set required.

Advancement Paths:

1. RN Bridge Programs: This is the most common and impactful path. Multiple local schools offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs, including Everett Community College (EvCC). With an RN license, your salary potential jumps dramatically (median RN salary in the area is over $90,000).
2. Lead LPN / Case Management: With experience, you can move into a leadership role, overseeing other LPNs or LVNs, or transition into case management, especially in home health or long-term care.
3. Further Certifications: Pursue certifications like the Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) or Geriatric Nursing Certification (GERO). These demonstrate specialized expertise and can lead to roles in specialized clinics or wound care centers.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth for LPNs is a baseline. The real growth will be in LPNs who bridge to RNs, specialize, or move into management. The aging population in Snohomish County guarantees steady demand for geriatric and long-term care LPNs for the foreseeable future.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by Providence and a growing population.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are a significant burden on a single LPN salary.
Strong Career Pathways: Clear routes to specialize or bridge to an RN.	Traffic: Commutes can be congested, especially on I-5 and Highway 526.
Balanced Lifestyle: Access to city amenities, outdoor recreation (beaches, mountains), and a less hectic pace than Seattle.	Limited Nightlife: Compared to Seattle, Everett's nightlife is quieter.
Competitive (but not top-tier) Wages: Pay is solid relative to the regional cost of living.	Weather: The classic Pacific Northwest gray and drizzle from fall to spring.

Final Recommendation:

Everett is an excellent choice for LPNs who are practical, career-focused, and value a balanced lifestyle. It's ideal for:

• New LPNs looking for a stable market with diverse entry-level opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care.
• Experienced LPNs seeking to specialize or who are ready to bridge to an RN program (with EvCC as a local option).
• Those who want to be near Seattle for career and cultural opportunities without the extreme cost of living.

If you are a new graduate looking for the absolute highest starting salary or a vibrant, 24/7 urban environment, you might find Seattle or Bellevue more appealing. But for a sustainable career with room to grow, Everett is a smart, data-driven bet.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Everett?
Yes, almost certainly. The public transit system (Community Transit) is improving but doesn't offer the direct, frequent service you'd find in a larger city. A car is essential for commuting to most healthcare facilities and for grocery shopping.

2. How competitive is the job market for new LPNs?
It's reasonably competitive. While there are many jobs, employers still prefer candidates with some clinical experience. Your best bet is to apply for new graduate programs at Providence or start in a long-term care facility, which often have higher turnover and are more open to new grads.

3. What's the weather really like for someone coming from a sunny climate?
Be prepared for a "gray period" from October through June. It's not cold (rarely below freezing), but it's overcast and drizzly for long stretches. Summers are glorious, with long, sunny days and mild temperatures. A quality rain jacket and waterproof shoes are non-negotiable work gear.

4. Can I work in Seattle while living in Everett?
Yes, many healthcare workers do this reverse commute. The pay may be slightly higher in Seattle, but you'll spend more on gas and car maintenance. The drive on I-5 south in the morning and north in the evening can be 45-75 minutes each way. Factor this time and cost into your decision.

5. What's the single best piece of advice for an LPN moving to Everett?
Get your Washington license sorted as early as possible. The process takes time, and having it in hand (or a temporary permit) makes you a much more attractive candidate to employers like Providence and The Everett Clinic. Don't wait until you arrive to start the paperwork.