The Complete Career Guide for LPNs in Greeley, CO

If you're a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) looking at Colorado, you might be eyeing Denver or Boulder—but don't sleep on Greeley. As someone who's watched this city's healthcare scene evolve over the last decade, I can tell you it's a uniquely practical place to build a nursing career. It's not flashy, but it's stable, affordable, and has a genuine need for skilled nurses. This guide breaks down exactly what your life as an LPN in Greeley would look like, from your paycheck to your neighborhood.

The Salary Picture: Where Greeley Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. As of the latest data, the median salary for an LPN in the Greeley metro area is $53,964/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $25.94/hour. To put this in context, the national average for LPNs is $54,620/year. So, Greeley sits just slightly below the national median—a common pattern for mid-sized inland cities, but with a significantly lower cost of living that makes up for the difference.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earnings will climb as you gain experience. Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Greeley)	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $51,000	$23.08 - $24.52
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$53,000 - $58,000	$25.48 - $27.88
Senior	8-15 years	$58,000 - $63,000	$27.88 - $30.29
Expert/Specialized	15+ years	$63,000 - $70,000+	$30.29 - $33.65+

Note: These are estimates based on local job postings and the median salary data. Specialized roles (e.g., wound care, dialysis) can command higher premiums.

How Greeley Compares to Other Colorado Cities

Colorado is a state with significant salary variation. Greeley offers a middle ground between rural areas and the high-cost urban centers.

City / Metro Area	Median LPN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Takeaway
Greeley	$53,964	96.0	Best balance of salary and affordability.
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood	$61,210	110.5	Higher pay, but rent and general costs are ~15% higher.
Colorado Springs	$55,890	103.2	Slightly better pay, but cost of living is above average.
Grand Junction	$50,150	94.5	Lower salary, but even lower cost of living.
Fort Collins-Loveland	$54,210	105.8	Comparable salary, but housing is significantly more expensive.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the salary number. The $1,190/month average 1BR rent in Greeley is a game-changer. In Denver, that same apartment would cost you $1,500+, eating up nearly $4,000 more of your annual income. That’s the real difference.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's model a realistic monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary of $53,964/year ($4,497/month gross). We'll use Colorado's state income tax rate (4.4%) and the average local sales tax (~8.5%) for our estimates.

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Gross Pay: $4,497

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	% of Gross Pay	Notes
Federal & State Taxes	$900 - $1,100	20-24%	Varies by deductions (401k, health insurance).
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,397 - $3,597	~75-80%	This is your usable income.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,190	27%	Well below the recommended 30% threshold.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	4%	Greeley's continental climate means seasonal utility swings.
Groceries	$350	8%	A reasonable estimate for one person.
Car Payment/ Insurance	$400	9%	Highly variable; Greeley is car-dependent.
Gas/Transport	$150	3%	Lower than Denver, but you'll drive everywhere.
Health Insurance	$250	6%	If not covered by employer.
Miscellaneous / Savings	$327 - $527	7-12%	This is your discretionary/savings money.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
With a net monthly income of $3,500, after rent and essential expenses ($2,270), you're left with roughly $1,230. This is a solid position for saving a down payment. The median home price in Greeley is around $375,000. A 10% down payment ($37,500) is achievable with disciplined saving over 2-3 years. The key is that your housing costs (rent) are manageable, freeing up capital for a future mortgage. Many LPNs in Greeley do buy homes, especially those in dual-income households or who've been in the area for several years.

Where the Jobs Are: Greeley's Major Employers

Greeley's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players, with new opportunities emerging in senior care and home health. Here’s where to focus your job search:

1. North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) - Banner Health: The region's largest hospital. It's a Level II Trauma Center and the primary employer for nurses. They have a dedicated Surgical Services unit, Medical-Surgical floors, and a Skilled Nursing Facility attached. Hiring is consistent, especially for Med-Surg. Trend: They are actively expanding their orthopedic and cardiac services, which means more LPN roles in pre- and post-op care.

2. University of Colorado Health (UCHealth) - Greeley Medical Center: Part of the massive UCHealth system, this facility is known for its Oncology and Family Medicine clinics. LPNs here often work in outpatient settings, managing patient intake, vitals, and injections. Trend: UCHealth is investing heavily in Greeley, with new clinics opening regularly. Look for jobs in their "Integrated Medicine" and "Urgent Care" departments.

3. Greeley Place (formerly Bonell Good Samaritan Society): This is a massive, 180-bed long-term care and rehabilitation facility. It's one of the largest employers of LPNs in the city. The work is demanding but offers strong community and predictable schedules. Trend: As the population ages, demand for LPNs in skilled nursing is skyrocketing. Greeley Place is almost always hiring.

4. SavaSeniorCare / Greeley Post-Acute & Rehabilitation: Another major skilled nursing facility in the area. They specialize in short-term rehab and long-term care. LPN roles here are focused on medication management, wound care, and assisting with daily living activities. Trend: This facility often has a high turnover rate, which means more openings for new hires. It's a good place to get your foot in the door.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., SunCrest Home Health, Always Best Care): The home health sector is growing rapidly. LPNs provide in-home care for seniors and post-surgical patients. The work is autonomous and offers a different pace. Trend: Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts are a big driver here. Agencies with VA partnerships often have more stable work and better benefits.

6. Local Clinics & Special Practices: Don't overlook smaller employers. Mountain Vista Medical Center (a large primary care clinic), North Range Behavioral Health (for LPNs with an interest in mental health), and Platte Valley Medical Clinic are all consistent sources of LPN jobs.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers post jobs on their own websites first. Always check there before relying on major job boards. Also, the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment occasionally hires LPNs for public health outreach and vaccination clinics.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to get licensed by the Colorado Board of Nursing. It's a straightforward process but requires advance planning.

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

1. Application: Submit an application through the Colorado Board of Nursing online portal. You'll need proof of your LPN/LVN license from your home state (if applicable).
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: You must have passed the NCLEX-PN. Colorado is part of the NCSBN, so your score is transferable (if taken within the last 5 years). If your license is lapsed, you may need to retake the exam.
3. Fingerprints & Background Check: Colorado requires a state and federal background check. You'll get fingerprints done at a local agency (cost ~$45).
4. Fee: The total application fee for a new license (by endorsement) is $88.50 (as of late 2023; always verify on the board's website).
5. Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks. Start your application before you move. You can work under a temporary permit while your application is processed, but it's better to have your full license in hand.

Resources:

• Colorado Board of Nursing: dora.colorado.gov/dora/licensing
• NCSBN (NCLEX info): ncsbn.org

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Greeley is a car-centric city, but your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Hospitals	Best For
Central Greeley (Downtown)	Historic, walkable to coffee shops and restaurants. Older homes, some new apartments.	$1,100 - $1,250	5-10 min to NCMC/UCHealth	LPNs who want a short commute and urban feel on a budget.
East Greeley (near 11th Ave)	Quiet, residential, more single-family homes. Established and safe.	$1,150 - $1,300	10-15 min to all hospitals	Those wanting a classic suburban feel with good value.
Northwest Greeley (near Campus West)	Younger, influenced by UNC. More apartments and townhomes.	$1,050 - $1,200	15 min to NCMC, 10 min to UCHealth	New grads, those who don't mind a slightly longer commute for lower rent.
South Greeley (near 23rd St)	Mix of older and new developments. Close to shopping (Target, Walmart).	$1,200 - $1,400	15-20 min to hospitals	LPNs with families or those who prioritize proximity to amenities.
West Greeley (near 10th St)	Rapidly developing with new apartments and townhomes. More modern amenities.	$1,250 - $1,500	10-15 min to all hospitals	Those willing to pay a bit more for newer construction and a central location.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around the county fairgrounds if you're sensitive to noise. The fair is a blast, but it gets loud. The best value is often in the older parts of East Greeley, where you can find well-maintained apartments for under $1,200.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN role in Greeley isn't a dead end; it's a strategic starting point.

Specialty Premiums:

• Wound Care Certification (WCC): Can add $2-$4/hour to your pay. NCMC and long-term care facilities highly value this.
• IV Therapy Certification: Required for many hospital roles. The course costs ~$200 and is a worthwhile investment.
• Dialysis: DaVita and Fresenius have clinics in Greeley. LPNs in dialysis often earn $3-$5/hour more than the median.
• Mental Health: With a growing need at North Range Behavioral Health, LPNs with an interest in this area have a unique career path.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals have a clinical ladder program. Moving from LPN I to LPN II or III comes with a pay increase and more responsibility.
2. Charge Nurse: After 3-5 years of experience, you can become a charge nurse on a unit (e.g., Med-Surg at NCMC). This is a leadership role with a pay bump.
3. Bridge to RN: Greeley is an excellent place to pursue an LPN-to-RN bridge program. Aims Community College in Greeley offers a highly regarded, affordable program. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement. This is the most common and rewarding advancement path.

10-Year Outlook (10-Year Job Growth: 5%):
The 5% growth is modest, but it's stable. Greeley's aging population ensures demand for LPNs in geriatrics and long-term care. The expansion of UCHealth and Banner Health will create more outpatient and specialty clinic roles. The key to long-term growth here is specialization. An LPN who becomes a wound care expert or a dialysis specialist in Greeley will have job security for decades.

The Verdict: Is Greeley Right for You?

Greeley offers a pragmatic, sustainable path for an LPN career. It’s not a glamorous city, but it provides stability, affordability, and a clear path for advancement.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable car.
Strong Job Market: Consistent demand in hospitals, SNFs, and clinics.	Less Cultural Diversity: Greeley is improving, but remains less diverse than Front Range metros.
Manageable Commutes: You're never more than 20 minutes from work.	"Cow Town" Reputation: Industrial history and occasional agricultural odors.
Clear Career Ladders: Straightforward paths to specialize or become an RN.	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment: Quieter lifestyle; Denver is an hour away.
Community Feel: It's a city where people know their neighbors.	Air Quality: Can be affected by wildfires and inversion layers.

Final Recommendation:
Greeley is an excellent choice for LPNs who are budget-conscious, value job stability, and prefer a slower pace of life. It's ideal for new graduates looking to gain solid experience without crushing rent, or for seasoned LPNs seeking a lower-stress environment with a high quality of life. If you're an LPN who craves big-city energy and endless entertainment, you might feel constrained. But for the majority, Greeley offers a rare combination: a nursing career you can actually afford to live on.

FAQs

1. Is it difficult to find an LPN job in Greeley as a new graduate?
Yes, it can be competitive, but it's manageable. The key is to start applying 3-4 months before graduation and be flexible with shifts (nights/weekends). Long-term care facilities like Greeley Place are often the most willing to hire new grads. Connect with the nursing programs at Aims Community College or UNC—they have strong local employer relationships.

2. What's the weather like for commuting, and do nurses work year-round?
Greeley has a semi-arid climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with snow (average 60 inches), but roads are plowed quickly. Summers are hot and dry. You'll need a car with good tires and a remote start for winter. Nurses work year-round, but winter is typically the busiest season for respiratory illnesses and flu.

3. Are there many opportunities for overtime?
Yes, especially in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Turnover and high patient volumes often create overtime opportunities. This can be a significant income booster. Per diem (as-needed) shifts are also available for experienced LPNs.

4. How does the cost of living index of 96.0 translate to real savings?
The index means Greeley is 4% cheaper than the national average. For an LPN earning $53,964, this translates to roughly $2,150 less in annual living costs compared to a city with an index of 100. The biggest savings is in housing—potentially $3,000-$5,000 per year compared to Denver or Boulder.

5. Is Greeley a good place to raise a family as an LPN?
Many LPNs in Gree