Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Georgetown, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Georgetown Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re weighing a move. As an LPN in Georgetown, the financial reality is a mix of stability and modest growth compared to the national landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage data, the median salary for an LPN in Georgetown is $54,226 per year. That translates to a median hourly rate of $26.07 per hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $54,620 per year, the cost of living here is also lower than the U.S. average, which can make your paycheck feel more robust.

Here’s how earnings typically break down by experience level in our local market. These figures are based on aggregated data from local job postings and state labor statistics.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$23.50 - $25.50	$48,880 - $53,040
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$25.50 - $28.00	$53,040 - $58,240
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$28.00 - $31.00	$58,240 - $64,480
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$31.00 - $34.00+	$64,480 - $70,720+

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for LPNs in Georgetown is projected at a steady 5%. While not explosive, it’s reliable. The key is that the 192 jobs in the metro area often include positions at large employers like St. David's Georgetown Hospital and the burgeoning senior care sector, which is our strongest hiring segment.

Compared to other Texas cities: You’ll find Austin's LPNs command a higher median salary (closer to $58,000-$60,000), but their rent and general living expenses are significantly steeper. In San Antonio, salaries are more comparable to Georgetown's, but with different job market dynamics. Georgetown offers a middle ground: a reasonable salary for a lower cost of living, especially if you're commuting from a more affordable suburb.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary of $54,226/year. This assumes you file as a single filer with no dependents and contribute to a standard 401(k) or retirement plan.

First, the Take-Home Pay:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $54,226 / 12 = $4,518.83
• Estimated Deductions (Federal, FICA, State Tax, Local, Retirement): ~22-25% of gross.
• Estimated Net Monthly Pay: $3,400 - $3,600

The Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,220	This is the city-wide average. Can be higher in premium areas.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Trash)	$180 - $220	Georgetown energy costs are reasonable; higher in summer for A/C.
Groceries & Household	$350 - $400	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Highly variable; car insurance rates in Texas are above average.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200 - $350	Employer plans will vary; this is a market estimate.
Fuel & Transportation	$150 - $250	Georgetown is car-dependent; commute to Austin adds cost.
Miscellaneous (Cell, Internet, Fun)	$300 - $400	Essential and discretionary spending.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,800 - $3,440

Can you afford to buy a home? It's a challenge on a single LPN income. The median home price in Georgetown hovers around $425,000. Following the 28% rule (housing costs shouldn't exceed 28% of gross income), your maximum mortgage payment should be about $1,265/month. With today's interest rates, a $425,000 home with a 10% down payment would result in a mortgage payment well over $2,200/month (including taxes and insurance), far exceeding that guideline. However, if you have a dual-income household, buy after gaining senior-level experience, or look at more affordable starter homes in the $300k-$350k range (often in areas like Pflugerville or parts of Georgetown with older homes), it becomes possible. Insider Tip: Look into Texas-specific programs like the My First Texas Home program, which can offer down payment assistance for first-time buyers.

Where the Jobs Are: Georgetown's Major Employers

The healthcare job market here is centered on a few key players, with a strong emphasis on senior living and hospital care.

1. St. David's Georgetown Hospital (Part of HCA Healthcare): This is the primary acute-care hospital in the city. They frequently hire LPNs for their med-surg, orthopedic, and rehab units. Hiring is steady, and they offer robust benefits. The culture is corporate but structured.
2. The Georgetown Behavioral Health Institute: A growing behavioral health facility. They often seek LPNs for inpatient psychiatric care. This is a niche with potential for premium pay. Hiring trends show increased demand post-pandemic.
3. Sunrise Senior Living (Georgetown): A high-end assisted living and memory care community. LPNs here can work as charge nurses or care coordinators. The hours are often more predictable than hospital shifts. Hiring is consistent due to the aging population.
4. Brookdale Georgetown (Senior Living): Similar to Sunrise, Brookdale is a major operator. They frequently list openings for LPNs to oversee clinical care in assisted living. The pace is different from a hospital—more about wellness and medication management.
5. Georgetown Health & Rehabilitation (Part of Ensign Services): A skilled nursing facility (SNF). This is a common workplace for LPNs, offering experience in long-term care, wound care, and post-acute rehab. It's a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
6. Local Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of Central Texas): For those who prefer autonomy, home health agencies hire LPNs for visiting nurse roles. This often requires a driver's license and reliable transportation. Pay can be competitive, sometimes with mileage reimbursement.
7. The Georgetown Clinic & Local Urgent Care Centers: Smaller clinics and urgent cares (like MedExpress or local practices) sometimes hire LPNs for triage, injections, and basic patient care. These are less common but offer a daytime, no-weekends option.

Insider Tip: The 192 jobs in the metro often get filled quickly. The best strategy is to set up job alerts on the major hospital's career page (St. David's) and check the Texas Health and Human Services job board for state/county facility openings.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you're an LPN moving to Texas from another state, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement.

1. Verify Eligibility: You must hold a current, active LPN license in another state. Texas does not have a compact nursing license for LPNs (only for RNs), so you must go through the full endorsement process.
2. Submit an Application: Use the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) website. The application fee is $100 (non-refundable).
3. Fingerprinting: You must complete a fingerprint background check. The fee is $38.25 for the Texas DPS/FBI check. This is done electronically through a vendor hired by the BON.
4. Verification: You must request verification of your original license from the state where you were first licensed. Some states charge a fee for this (typically $20-$50).
5. NCLEX-PN: If you graduated from a Texas-approved program but are not licensed, you must pass the NCLEX-PN. For out-of-state applicants, you may need to provide proof of passing the exam in your original state.
6. Timeline: The entire process can take 6-10 weeks from the time your complete application is received. Insider Tip: Start the process before you move. You cannot practice in Texas without a Texas license. Contact the Texas BON directly if you have any unique circumstances.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Georgetown is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel and commute profile.

1. Sun City (Retirement Community): This is a massive, master-planned 55+ community. It's not for everyone, but if you're looking for a quiet, safe neighborhood with minimal traffic and are near retirement age, it's unique. Rent Estimate: Hard to find as it's owner-dominated, but nearby 1BRs in Georgetown start at $1,250+. Commute: To St. David's, it's 10-15 minutes. A serene, golf-cart-friendly lifestyle.
2. Southwest Georgetown (Riverside, Georgetown Village): This area is very close to the hospital and major shopping (Wolf Ranch). It's popular with young families and professionals. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR. Commute: 5-10 minutes to the hospital. Excellent access to I-35 for travel to Austin (30-45 mins).
3. Downtown Historic Georgetown: Charming, walkable, and full of character. It's ideal for those who value a strong sense of community and local shops. Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600 for a 1BR in a renovated older building or small complex. Commute: 5-10 minutes to the hospital. Parking can be tighter.
4. Northwest Georgetown (near Williams Drive): A more suburban, family-oriented area with newer subdivisions. Rent Estimate: $1,150 - $1,350 for a 1BR. Commute: 10-15 minutes to the hospital. Slightly longer drive to Austin via US-290.
5. Pflugerville (Just South of Georgetown): While technically a separate city, many LPNs live here for more affordable rent and still have a reasonable commute (20-25 mins to St. David's). Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,250 for a 1BR. Commute: 20-25 minutes to Georgetown employers. A popular choice for those who want more space for their money.

The Long Game: Career Growth

As an LPN in Georgetown, your career path has defined steps. The 10-year outlook is positive but requires strategic moves.

• Specialty Premiums: You can increase your earning power by moving into specialized areas. Psychiatric LPNs (at Georgetown Behavioral Health) often earn $2-$4 more per hour than general med-surg. Home Health LPNs with experience can command higher rates due to the autonomy required. Hospice LPNs also see a premium.
• Advancement Paths: The most common advancement is to become an LPN Charge Nurse in a skilled nursing facility or assisted living, overseeing other LPNs and CNAs. This often comes with a pay bump of $2-$3/hour. The ultimate advancement, of course, is to become an RN. Many local employers, including St. David's, offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs pursuing an RN degree. This is a critical long-term strategy to move from the $54,226 median toward the RN median of $75,000+ in this region.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the aging population, demand for LPNs in senior care will remain strong. However, technologies like telehealth may shift some roles. LPNs who adapt and specialize will have the most stability and growth. The 5% job growth will be primarily in long-term care and home health, not in acute hospital settings.

The Verdict: Is Georgetown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your $54,226 median salary stretches further here than in Austin or Dallas.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Stable Job Market: 192 jobs and steady growth in senior care provide security.	No "Nightlife": If you want a bustling club scene, Austin is a 30-45 min drive.
Family-Friendly: Excellent school districts, low crime, and a slower pace of life.	Commute to Austin: If you want a job in Austin proper, traffic on I-35 can be brutal.
Proximity to Austin: You get the benefits of a major city (music, food, airport) without the Austin housing prices.	LPN Salary Ceiling: Advancement to higher pay requires specialization or moving to RN.
Strong Community: A genuine small-town feel with big-city amenities nearby.	Limited Diversity: The population is predominantly white and older; it's less diverse than a major metro.

Final Recommendation: Georgetown is an excellent choice for LPNs who value work-life balance, want to live in a safe, community-oriented city, and are willing to specialize or pursue further education for long-term growth. It's ideal for those with families or who are planning their next career chapter. If you're young, single, and crave urban energy, you might prefer living in Austin and commuting to Georgetown, but you'll pay significantly more for rent.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my own car if I'm an LPN in Georgetown?
A: Yes, absolutely. Georgetown is not walkable, and most employers are spread out. While some day-shift hospital jobs might have a bus line, it's not reliable for all shifts. A car is a necessity.

Q: Is it easier to get hired at a hospital or a senior living facility?
A: It depends. Hospitals (St. David's) often have more formal hiring processes and may prefer some acute care experience. Senior living facilities (Sunrise, Brookdale) are often hiring more frequently and may be more open to new graduates or those with varied backgrounds. Insider Tip: Apply to both!

Q: What is the most common shift for an LPN in Georgetown?
A: In hospitals and SNFs, 12-hour shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a) are common. In assisted living and home health, 8-hour day shifts are more typical. Overnight shifts in senior care often come with a small shift differential.

Q: How competitive is the job market for LPNs here?
A: With only 192 jobs in the metro, competition is moderate. You should stand out with a clean, professional resume and good references. Having a Texas license before applying will give you a significant edge. Networking on LinkedIn with local nurse managers can help.

Q: Can I work as an LPN in Georgetown while in RN school?
A: Yes, and it's a common path. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement or flexible scheduling for employees pursuing RN degrees. However, be prepared for the physical and mental challenge of balancing work and school. Ensure your employer and your school's clinical requirements don't conflict.