The High Point LPN Career Guide: A Local's Take on Your Next Move

High Point isn't just the "Furniture Capital of the World" or a college town anchored by High Point University. For healthcare workers, it's a practical, affordable market with a steady demand for skilled LPNs. If you're considering relocating here, you're likely looking for a balance of decent pay, manageable living costs, and a reasonable commute. This guide, written from a local's perspective, cuts through the fluff and gives you the data-driven reality of life as an LPN in the Piedmont Triad.

The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. As a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the High Point metro area, you're looking at a median salary of $53,423/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.68. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, which is common for cities in the Southeast where the cost of living is lower. However, the job market here is solid, with approximately 232 LPN positions available in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%, which is stable, if not explosive, driven by an aging population and the expansion of home health and long-term care facilities.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your starting pay will depend heavily on your specialty and the employer. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $49,000	Often in nursing homes or home health. Starting pay at Meca or High Point Regional may be closer to $48,000.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$53,000 - $58,000	This is near the median. You'll see this range in hospital med-surg units and specialized outpatient clinics.
Senior (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	LPNs with niche skills (wound care, dialysis tech) or in supervisory roles (e.g., unit clerk, team lead) command higher pay.
Expert (15+ years)	$65,000+	Typically for LPNs who've moved into education (clinical instructor), management (director of nursing in a small facility), or high-demand specialties like hospice.

Comparison to Other NC Cities

How does High Point stack up against its neighbors? It's a middle-ground option.

City	Median LPN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Notes
High Point	$53,423	92.7	Stable, diverse employers. Good for work-life balance.
Greensboro	$54,100	93.1	Larger metro, more hospital jobs (Moses Cone, Wesley Long). Slightly higher pay but more competition.
Charlotte	$57,800	102.3	Highest pay, but significantly higher cost of living and brutal traffic.
Asheville	$55,500	105.6	Attractive lifestyle, but housing is extremely expensive. Pay doesn't keep up.
Wilmington	$52,900	97.5	Coastal living, but a more seasonal economy and fewer large employers.

Insider Tip: The real value in High Point is the proximity to Greensboro. Many LPNs live in High Point for the lower rent and commute 15-20 minutes to a Greensboro hospital for a $1,000-$2,000 annual pay bump.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $53,423 sounds reasonable, but let's see what it means for your monthly budget. After federal taxes, FICA (7.65%), and NC state tax (5.25%), your take-home pay will be approximately $3,350 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (LPN Earning $53,423/year)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,350	Based on single filer, no dependents.
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,042	City average. Can be as low as $850 in some areas or over $1,300 in new complexes.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Higher in summer with AC.
Groceries	$350	For a single person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assumes a moderate car payment and full coverage.
Gas/Transport	$150	High Point is car-dependent.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200	Varies by employer.
Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.)	$200
Total Expenses	$2,542
Remaining (Savings/Debt/Discretionary)	$808	This is your buffer for student loans, entertainment, or savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

With $808 left over each month, homeownership is a challenge on a single LPN income in today's market. The median home price in High Point is around $260,000. A 20% down payment is $52,000. With a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest, the monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,700—over half your take-home pay.

Verdict: On a median LPN salary, buying a home alone is tight but possible with aggressive saving, a partner's income, or if you move into a senior/expert role. Renting is the more realistic and financially comfortable option for most.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

High Point's healthcare scene is anchored by a few key players. The job market is less saturated than in Charlotte or Raleigh, giving you leverage.

1. High Point Medical Center (part of Novant Health): This is the main hospital in the city. They have a dedicated med-surg unit, ER, and often hire LPNs for inpatient care. Hiring trends show a consistent need for night shift and weekend staff. Insider tip: They offer tuition reimbursement for RN bridge programs, which many LPNs use to advance.

2. Meca (Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital) - Greensboro: While technically in Greensboro, it's the region's largest employer and a 15-minute commute for most High Point residents. Meca has a high volume of LPN positions in their long-term care facility (Moses Cone Care Center) and in various outpatient clinics. They are known for strong benefits, including a pension plan.

3. University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) Health: This is a growing system. Their outpatient clinics (especially in family medicine and pediatrics) frequently hire LPNs for medical assistant-style roles. It's a great setting for those who prefer a 9-to-5 schedule.

4. Long-Term Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities: High Point has several large facilities, including Denton Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center and High Point Healthcare. These are often the highest-volume employers for LPNs, with a constant need for staff due to high turnover. Pay can be on the lower end, but experience is readily gained here.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Amedisys, LHC Group): The Triad has a robust home health market. Pay is often per-visit, which can average $28-$32/hour when calculated, but you must factor in unpaid travel time and gas. It's ideal for those who crave autonomy.

6. High Point University (HPU): HPU's health sciences programs and student health center employ LPNs. It's a unique niche with a more academic environment and summers off if you align with the academic calendar.

7. Private Clinics & Specialty Practices: From orthopedics to dermatology, the High Point/Greensboro corridor is dotted with private practices. These are hidden gems, offering regular business hours and a less hectic pace. Check job boards for "LPN" or "Medical Assistant" postings.

Getting Licensed in NC

If you're already an LPN licensed in another state, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON).

• Requirements: Proof of an active, unencumbered license in another state; verification from your original nursing school; and a completed application. You may need to provide proof of continuing education.
• Costs: The application fee is $75, and the license-by-endorsement fee is $100. Total: $175. You'll also need to pay for a background check (approx. $38).
• Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application. Insider tip: Start the process before you move. You cannot work as an LPN in NC until you have your active NC license.
• For New Grads: You must pass the NCLEX-PN. The NCBON typically processes applications within 2 weeks of receiving all documents, but scheduling the exam can add another 2-4 weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)s

Where you live in High Point impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four solid options:

1. Uptown/Emerywood (Downtown High Point):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, charming. Close to the hospital, shops, and restaurants.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to High Point Medical Center.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 1BR. You pay a premium for location and character.
   • Best For: LPNs who want to be in the heart of the action and have a short commute.

2. Northwood (Northeast High Point):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, family-oriented. Mix of single-family homes and apartments.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers. Easy access to I-85 for trips to Greensboro.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,150 for a 1BR. More affordable than Uptown.
   • Best For: Those seeking a balance of affordability, space, and a safe, suburban feel.

3. Westchester (Southwest High Point):

   • Vibe: Older, established neighborhood with a mix of ages. Close to shopping centers and I-85.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to hospitals, 20 minutes to Meca in Greensboro.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Good value.
   • Best For: Practical LPNs who want easy highway access for commuting to higher-paying jobs in Greensboro.

4. Southside (South High Point):

   • Vibe: A revitalizing area with newer apartment complexes and some older homes. Growing retail and dining options.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to employers, depending on traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250 for a modern 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: LPNs who prefer newer amenities and don't mind a slightly longer commute for a more contemporary living space.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% 10-year growth is solid, but the real growth for LPNs in High Point is in specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: LPNs with certifications in Wound Care (CWCN) or as a Dialysis Technician can add $3-$5/hour to their base pay. In High Point, these specialties are often needed in long-term care and outpatient dialysis centers (like those affiliated with DaVita or Fresenius).
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is bridging to an RN (Associate Degree in Nursing - ADN). With an RN license, median salary jumps to $72,000+ in the Triad. High Point Medical Center and Meca both offer robust tuition assistance for this. Another path is moving into LPN leadership (e.g., Unit Secretary, Charge LPN) or care coordination in home health.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong in geriatrics and home health. Technology integration (telehealth) may create new roles for LPNs in patient monitoring and education. The key is to avoid stagnation; the market rewards LPNs who upskill.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living (Index 92.7). Your $53,423 salary goes further here.	Limited Large Employers. Fewer hospitals than Greensboro or Charlotte means less job variety.
Stable Job Market. 232 jobs and 5% growth offer security.	Car Dependency. Public transit is limited; you need a reliable vehicle.
Strategic Location. Easy 15-20 min commute to Greensboro for higher pay.	Lower Ceiling for LPNs. To significantly increase income, you'll likely need to advance to RN.
Manageable Commute. Less traffic than major metros.	Nightlife/Scene is Quieter. If you crave a vibrant, 24/7 city, High Point may feel subdued.
Strong Community Feel. It's a city, but not a massive, impersonal one.	Summers are Hot and Humid. The Piedmont climate is a factor.

Final Recommendation: High Point is an excellent choice for LPNs who value affordability and work-life balance. It's ideal for new grads, those relocating from higher-cost areas, or LPNs planning to bridge to RN. If you're an experienced LPN seeking the highest possible salary now, you may prefer Greensboro or Charlotte, but you'll sacrifice quality of life and face a higher cost of living. For most, High Point offers a sweet spot.

FAQs

1. I'm a new LPN grad. Will I find a job easily in High Point?
Yes, but be strategic. The highest volume of openings is in long-term care and home health. Apply broadly, including in Greensboro. Having your NC license in hand before applying is crucial. Start at a nursing home to gain experience, then transition to a hospital or clinic after 6-12 months.

2. How does the cost of living really feel on a median LPN salary?
It's manageable if you're single. You won't be living lavishly, but you can cover all essentials, have a social life, and save a bit. The biggest challenge is housing—if you can find a roommate or a studio apartment for under $900, your financial comfort increases dramatically.

3. Do I need to know Spanish in High Point?
While not a strict requirement, basic medical Spanish is a huge asset, especially in clinics and home health. The Hispanic community is growing in the Triad. It won't help you get the job, but it will make your daily work easier and may give you an edge over other candidates.

4. What's the best way to find a job here?
Don't just rely on Indeed. Check the career pages of the specific employers listed above (Novant, Meca, UNCG). Also, use local staffing agencies like Adecco Healthcare or Maxim Healthcare Services; they often have contracts with local facilities and can help place you quickly. Networking on LinkedIn with other Triad LPNs is also effective.

5. Is it worth it to commute to Greensboro for a higher salary?
For most, yes. A $1,500-$2,000 annual raise more than covers gas and time. The commute on I-85 or Highway 29 is predictable and short (15-25 minutes). Many LPNs do this and find it's a worthwhile trade-off for a $27-$28/hour wage versus $25.50 in High Point.

Data Sources: Salary data and job growth projections are based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 data, filtered for the Greensboro-High Point metropolitan area. Cost of living and rent data are from bestplaces.net and ApartmentList.com, respectively. Licensing information is from the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) website. Employer information is compiled from local job postings and healthcare system websites.