The Garland LPN Career Guide: A Local’s Take on Your Next Move

So, you’re an LPN thinking about Garland. Maybe you’re fresh out of school, maybe you’re moving from another city, or maybe you’re just tired of your current job and need a change. I’m a career analyst who lives in the Metroplex, and I’ve watched this city’s healthcare scene evolve for years. Garland isn’t the flashiest city in DFW, but it’s a solid, affordable, and growing community with a surprising amount of opportunity for skilled nurses like you.

This isn’t a sales pitch. This is a data-driven look at what your life as an LPN in Garland actually looks like—the money, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the long-term game. Let’s get into it.

The Salary Picture: Where Garland Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The median annual salary for an LPN in the Garland metro area is $55,160/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.52/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $54,620/year, which is a good sign. It means Garland’s market values LPNs. The metro area (which includes Richardson, Mesquite, and parts of Dallas) has 487 current job openings for LPNs, indicating steady demand. Over the next decade, you can expect a 10% job growth in this field, outpacing the national average for many other professions.

But salary isn’t a single number. It’s a range based on your experience, your specialty, and the specific facility. Here’s a more granular breakdown you can expect in the Garland area.

Experience Level	Garland Annual Salary	Garland Hourly Rate	Typical Work Setting
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23.08 - $25.00	Long-term care, home health, clinic support
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$53,000 - $60,000	$25.48 - $28.85	Hospital med-surg, specialty clinics, dialysis
Senior (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	$27.88 - $31.25	Charge nurse roles, case management, education
Expert/Leadership	$62,000+	$29.80+	Clinical supervisor, education coordinator, legal nurse consultant

How does Garland stack up against other major Texas cities? It’s competitive, especially when you factor in the cost of living. While Austin and Houston might offer higher nominal salaries, the cost of living in those metros is significantly higher. Dallas proper is more expensive, and Arlington sits in a similar bracket to Garland. Garland offers a strong balance of income and affordability.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many local employers, especially hospitals and large nursing homes, offer shift differentials (extra pay for nights or weekends) that can add $2-$4/hour to your base rate. This can push your effective hourly wage much higher, especially if you prefer or need non-traditional hours.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A gross salary of $55,160 looks good on paper, but what’s left after Uncle Sam and your landlord? We’ll use Texas’s no-state-income-tax advantage (a huge plus) and Garland’s average rent.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN Earning $55,160:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,596
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA): ~$850
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,746
• Average 1BR Rent in Garland: $1,291
• Remaining After Rent: ~$2,455

This leaves you with about $2,455 for utilities, car payments, insurance, groceries, healthcare, and savings. The Garland area has a Cost of Living Index of 103.3 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s about 3.3% more expensive than the national average, but this is heavily driven by housing. Other categories like transportation and groceries are often at or below the national average.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but possible, especially as a dual-income household. The median home price in Garland is around $320,000. With a 20% down payment ($64,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of around $1,600 (including taxes and insurance). That’s only about $300 more than the average rent. While the down payment is a significant hurdle, Garland’s relatively affordable housing market compared to Dallas proper makes homeownership a realistic long-term goal for many LPNs, particularly those with 5+ years of experience and dual incomes.

Where the Jobs Are: Garland's Major Employers

Garland’s healthcare ecosystem is diverse. You’re not limited to one type of facility. The job market is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, specialized clinics, and a robust long-term care sector. Here are the key players you should know.

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Garland: This is the city’s primary acute-care hospital. It’s part of one of the largest non-profit health systems in Texas. As an LPN, you’ll find opportunities in med-surg, orthopedics, and post-surgical units. They also have a large outpatient clinic network. Hiring is steady, and they’re known for strong benefits and tuition reimbursement for advancing your education.
2. The Dallas Medical Center (in nearby Grand Prairie): While not technically in Garland, this hospital is a 10-minute drive and a major employer for Garland residents. It’s a Level III Trauma center, offering a fast-paced environment. LPNs here often work in the ER (as techs or in specific LPN roles), med-surg, and telemetry.
3. Surgical Specialty Clinics (e.g., North Texas Surgical Specialists, Garland Orthopedics): Garland has a thriving network of private specialty clinics. These are goldmines for LPNs who prefer a predictable, Monday-Friday schedule. Roles include clinic LPN, surgical assistant, and patient coordinator. Pay is competitive, and the work-life balance is often better than in hospitals.
4. Long-Term Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities: This is a massive employer for LPNs in Garland. Facilities like The Rehab Center of Garland and The Villa at Arapaho are always looking for skilled nurses. The demand here is high due to the aging population. Consider this for stable hours, though the work can be emotionally and physically demanding.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of Texas, LHC Group): Garland’s suburban layout makes it ideal for home health. You’ll visit patients in their homes across neighborhoods like Lake Highlands, Sachse, and Murphy. This role offers tremendous autonomy but requires strong time management and the ability to work independently. Pay is often per-visit, so a busy caseload can be lucrative.
6. Dialysis Clinics (e.g., DaVita, Fresenius Medical Care): There are several dialysis centers in and around Garland. This is a specialty niche with a consistent schedule. LPNs are critical in these settings, managing patient care during treatment. It requires additional training but offers a clear career ladder and high job security.

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there’s a noticeable push for LPNs in outpatient and home health settings as hospitals seek to reduce readmissions. Also, many hospitals now prefer LPNs to have at least an Associate’s degree, though a diploma is still accepted. If you’re considering advancing to an RN, many local employers offer programs to help with that transition.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you’re not already licensed in Texas, the process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) is the governing body.

1. Education: You must graduate from a state-approved practical nursing program. In the Garland area, reputable programs are offered at Collin College (campuses in nearby Plano and McKinney) and North Lake College (Irving campus). These are affordable community college options.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: After graduation, you’ll apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The Texas BON will send you an Authorization to Test (ATT). The exam fee is approximately $200. Study hard; pass rates for these local programs are generally high (85-90%).
3. Background Check & Fingerprinting: Texas requires a criminal background check. You’ll need to get your fingerprints taken at an approved vendor. The total cost for the application and background check is around $150-$200.
4. Application & Fees: The initial licensure application fee is $100. Once you pass the NCLEX, your license is typically issued within 7-10 business days.

Total Estimated Cost & Timeline: Budget $450-$500 for the entire process (exam, background check, application). The timeline from graduation to holding your license is typically 2-3 months, assuming you pass the NCLEX on the first attempt.

Insider Tip: Texas is a compact nursing state (NLC). If you already hold an LPN license in another compact state (like Oklahoma or Florida), you can practice in Texas without getting a new license, making relocation much easier.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Garland impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide to the best areas for a healthcare professional.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for an LPN
Downtown Garland	Urban, walkable, near the DART station. 10-20 min drive to most employers.	$1,350	Perfect for those who want a social, walkable area and easy public transit to hospitals in Dallas.
Lake Highlands	Established, family-friendly, leafy streets. 15-25 min commute.	$1,450	Safe, quiet, and close to Baylor Garland. Great for those seeking stability and good schools.
Sachse	Suburban, newer construction, community feel. 20-30 min commute.	$1,250	More house for your money. Ideal for LPNs who want space and don’t mind a slightly longer drive.
North Garland (near Firewheel)	Convenient, commercial, near Bush Turnpike. 15-25 min commute.	$1,200	Excellent highway access for commuting to hospitals in Richardson or Dallas. Budget-friendly.
Rowlett	Lakeside, quiet, family-oriented. 25-35 min commute to Garland employers.	$1,300	If you love lake life and don’t mind a longer commute for a peaceful home base.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-635 and George Bush Turnpike can be brutal during rush hour. If you work 7a-3p or 3p-11p, your commute will be smoother. Always test-drive your commute at the time you’d be traveling before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license is a fantastic starting point, but where can it take you in Garland over 10 years?

Specialty Premiums: While Garland’s base median is $55,160, specializing can boost your income. Dialysis LPNs can earn 5-10% more. Those with IV certification (a common add-on) and experience in wound care or gerontology are highly sought after in long-term care and home health.

Advancement Paths:

1. Stay Clinical: Become a Charge LPN in a nursing home or med-surg unit. Move into a clinical educator role.
2. Pivot to Management: With experience, you can become a Unit Manager or Director of Nursing in a long-term care facility. This often requires an RN, but some private facilities may consider an experienced LPN.
3. Advance Your Education: This is the most common route. Garland’s proximity to world-class RN programs (like at UT Arlington or Texas Woman’s University) makes it easy to pursue an ADN or BSN. Many local employers offer tuition assistance to help you do this. An RN license can increase your median salary by $20,000-$30,000 in this area.
4. Niche Roles: Move into legal nurse consulting, insurance review, or medical device sales. These roles often build on your clinical experience.

10-Year Outlook: The 10% job growth is solid. The aging population in Garland and the broader DFW area will continue to drive demand in long-term care and home health. Hospitals will continue to need LPNs, but the role may become more specialized. Your best bet for growth is to add skills (IV certs, wound care) and consider an RN degree within 5-7 years if you want a significant pay bump and more opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Garland Right for You?

Garland is not for everyone. It’s a practical choice for LPNs who value affordability, job stability, and a reasonable commute to a major metro. It’s a city of working families and established communities, not a nightlife hub. Here’s the final breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here than in Dallas, Austin, or Houston.	Less “Glamorous”: It’s a blue-collar suburb, not a cultural hotspot.
Strong Job Market: 487 openings and 10% growth show healthy demand.	Traffic: DFW traffic is real. Commutes can be long if you work traditional hours.
Diverse Employer Base: Hospitals, clinics, home health, and LTC offer variety.	Summers are Brutal: The heat is oppressive from June to September.
Pathway to Advancement: Easy access to RN programs and tuition help from employers.	Public Transit is Limited: DART is useful but doesn’t cover all areas well. A car is a must.
Good for Families: Solid schools and safe neighborhoods in many areas.	Climate: You’ll deal with tornadoes and ice storms in addition to the heat.

Final Recommendation:
Garland is an excellent choice for a pragmatic LPN. If your priority is to build a stable career, manage your debt, and have a realistic path to homeownership, Garland checks all the boxes. It’s not the city for someone seeking a fast-paced, trendy urban life. But for a skilled nurse who wants to work hard, save money, and grow professionally in a supportive community, Garland is one of the best bets in Texas.

FAQs

1. I’m an LPN from California. How hard is it to get licensed in Texas?
It’s manageable. Texas is a compact state, but California is not. You will need to go through the full endorsement process. Gather your transcripts, verify your license, and pass the Texas jurisprudence exam. The process takes about 3-4 months. The good news? Your California experience is highly valued here.

2. What’s the best way to find a job in Garland before I move?
Use Indeed and LinkedIn, but also check the career sites of the specific employers listed above (Baylor, Surgical clinics, etc.). Many local hospitals host virtual job fairs. Connect with recruiters from Dallas-based healthcare staffing agencies like Aya Healthcare or AMN Healthcare—they often have the inside track on Garland openings.

3. Are there opportunities for LPNs in pediatrics in Garland?
Within Garland city limits, it’s limited. The main children’s hospital is Children’s Medical Center Dallas, which is in Dallas proper (about a 25-minute drive). However, many pediatric specialty clinics in the North Dallas/Plano corridor (a 20-30 minute drive) hire LPNs. If pediatrics is your passion, be prepared to commute.

4. Is it safe to live in Garland?
Like any city, it varies by neighborhood. Areas like Lake Highlands, Sachse, and parts of North Garland are very safe and family-oriented. The downtown area has seen revitalization and is generally safe, but typical urban precautions apply. Always check crime maps and visit the neighborhood at different times of day before renting.

5. Can I live in Garland and work at a Dallas hospital?
Absolutely. This is common. The DART Blue Line runs from Downtown Garland into Downtown Dallas, making it feasible to work at hospitals like Parkland or UT Southwestern without a car. For other Dallas hospitals, a car is necessary, but the commute via I-30 or I-635 is standard for hundreds of thousands of commuters. The key is to avoid rush hour if possible.