The Hollywood, FL Career Guide for Licensed Practical Nurses

As a career analyst who's spent years tracking the South Florida job market, I'll give you the straight facts about Hollywood, FL. This isn't a promotional brochure—it's a practical breakdown of what life as an LPN really looks like here, from your paycheck to your neighborhoods.

Hollywood sits between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, in the heart of Broward County. It's a diverse, sprawling city of 153,864 people with a distinct vibe: part beach town, part suburban community, and part healthcare hub. For an LPN, it's a market with steady demand, but you need to understand the local dynamics—especially the cost of living—to decide if it's the right move for you.

Let's get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Hollywood Stands

Hollywood pays its LPNs competitively, but the real story is in the details. The median salary for an LPN here is $56,553 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.19. This sits slightly above the national average of $54,620, but that margin is thin. When you factor in Florida's cost of living, particularly in the South Florida metro, you need to see how this salary actually performs.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the Hollywood market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $53,000	Home health agencies, long-term care facilities
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$54,000 - $62,000	Memorial Healthcare System, outpatient clinics
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$63,000 - $75,000+	Specialized units, private practices, supervisory roles

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local employers offer shift differentials ($2-$4/hour extra for nights/weekends) and sign-on bonuses, especially for those willing to work in long-term care. Always ask about the total compensation package.

Compared to other Florida cities, Hollywood sits in a middle ground:

• Miami: Similar or slightly higher pay ($58,000+), but with a dramatically higher cost of living.
• Tampa: Comparable median pay, but a more affordable housing market.
• Jacksonville: Often has a lower median salary (around $52,000), but a much lower cost of living.
• Orlando: Pay is similar to Hollywood, but tourism and hospital growth drive demand.

Hollywood's strength is its stability. The 10-year job growth for LPNs is projected at 5%, mirroring the national average. With 307 jobs in the metro area at any given time, you're not competing for scraps, but you're not in a runaway hiring boom either. It's a consistent, reliable market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where the rubber meets the road. A $56,553 salary sounds solid, but the average 1BR rent of $1,621/month and a Cost of Living Index of 111.8 (11.8% higher than the U.S. average) tell the real story. Let's break down a monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $56,553 Annual)

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,713	Before taxes/deductions
Taxes & Deductions (Approx. 25%)	-$1,178	Includes federal, state (no income tax), FICA, health insurance
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,535	Your "real" paycheck
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,621	Can range from $1,400 (older buildings) to $1,900+ (newer complexes)
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	-$200	Florida's heat drives AC costs, especially in summer
Car Payment + Insurance	-$450	Essential in Hollywood. Insurance is high in FL.
Gas/Transport	-$150	Commuting can add up, even if you're close to work
Groceries	-$350
Healthcare (out-of-pocket)	-$100	Co-pays, prescriptions
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	-$164	Entertainment, dining, clothing, savings
Remaining	$0	This budget is tight. Savings or emergencies require cutting elsewhere.

Can they afford to buy a home? The short answer is not on a single LPN salary. The median home price in Hollywood is roughly $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would be over $2,200/month before taxes and insurance, which would push your housing cost to over 60% of your take-home pay. Homeownership is generally only feasible with a dual-income household or significant savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Hollywood's Major Employers

Hollywood's healthcare landscape is dominated by one major system, but there are diverse opportunities in between. Here are the key players:

1. Memorial Healthcare System (MHS): The largest employer in Broward County. Their flagship is Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. They also operate Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and various outpatient centers. MHS hires LPNs for med-surg, rehab, dialysis, and outpatient clinics. They are a stable employer with good benefits, but hiring can be competitive. Insider Tip: They often have career fairs; check their website directly.

2. Hollywood Memorial Hospital: This is actually part of the MHS system, but it's worth mentioning separately as a key acute-care facility. It serves the local community and has a steady need for LPNs in long-term care and skilled nursing units.

3. Home Health Agencies: This is a major sector for LPNs. Companies like Interim HealthCare and Gulf Coast Medical have a strong presence. This offers flexibility and a different pace than hospital work, but pay can be slightly lower, and you must be comfortable with autonomy and driving.

4. Long-Term Care & Rehabilitation Facilities: Hollywood has several large facilities, such as the Hollywood Pavilion (a psychiatric facility with medical units) and various skilled nursing homes. These are often the most consistent hirers for LPNs, offering shift differentials for nights and weekends.

5. Private Practices & Outpatient Clinics: Dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, and multi-specialty groups in Hollywood and nearby Davie/Weston hire LPNs for clinical support. These roles typically offer regular business hours and a lower-stress environment but may have slightly lower pay than acute care.

6. Broward Health: While its main hospital is in Fort Lauderdale, the system has fully integrated the former North Broward Hospital in Hollywood. It's a major competitor to MHS and offers similar opportunities.

Hiring Trends: Demand is steady. The aging population in South Florida ensures long-term care and home health jobs remain abundant. Hospitals are always looking for experienced LPNs, especially for night shifts. The 5% growth projection is realistic—don't expect explosive growth, but you won't struggle to find a job.

Getting Licensed in Florida

If you're moving from another state, Florida has a clear but specific licensure process.

1. Education: Graduate from an approved LPN program (minimum 12 months). If your program is from another state, you'll need to ensure it meets Florida's curriculum requirements.
2. NCLEX-PN: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
3. Florida Application: Apply for licensure by examination or endorsement through the Florida Board of Nursing.
4. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Mandatory for all applicants. Cost is approximately $85-$100 for the background check.
5. Costs: Application fee is $175 (as of 2023). Add the NCLEX exam fee of $200, plus the cost of your education and any review courses. Total upfront cost can range from $2,000 to $15,000+ depending on your educational path.
6. Timeline: If you have all documents ready and your background check clears, processing can take 4-8 weeks for endorsement. For new graduates, it can take 2-3 months after passing the NCLEX.

Important Note: Florida is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate license from another compact state, you can practice in Florida without getting a Florida-specific license. Check if your state is a compact member.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)s

Where you live in Hollywood dramatically impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown Hollywood	Walkable, historic, near the beach and MHS hospitals. Can be busy and noisy.	$1,650 - $1,900	Those who want a short walk to work and local nightlife.
South Hollywood (near Hallandale)	Quieter, more residential, closer to I-95 for a commute to other cities.	$1,500 - $1,700	LPNs who prefer a quieter home base and easy highway access.
West Park / West of US-1	More affordable, family-oriented. Commute to hospitals requires driving.	$1,350 - $1,550	Those prioritizing budget and space. Good for home health nurses with a car.
Davie (adjacent town)	Suburban, lots of new apartments, equestrian areas. A 10-15 minute commute to Hollywood hospitals.	$1,600 - $1,800	Those seeking a suburban feel with good amenities and slightly newer housing stock.
Cooper City (adjacent town)	Very suburban, top-rated schools, very safe. A bit farther from Hollywood core, but an easy drive.	$1,700 - $2,000	LPNs with families looking for a quiet, safe community.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-95 and US-1 can be brutal during rush hour. If you work at Memorial Regional, living in Downtown Hollywood or South Hollywood can save you 30+ minutes of stress per day. For home health nurses, being near major arteries like Stirling Road or Sheridan Street is key.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Progression beyond the bedside is possible but requires initiative.

• Specialty Premiums: LPNs with certifications in dialysis, wound care, or gerontology can command higher pay, sometimes adding $2-$5/hour. Experience in a specific unit (e.g., oncology) also makes you more valuable.
• Advancement Paths: The most common route is to become a Charge Nurse or Unit Supervisor in a long-term care facility. Some LPNs transition into case management or utilization review for insurance companies or home health agencies, which typically require more experience and computer skills.
• The Bridge to RN: Hollywood has several LPN-to-RN bridge programs (e.g., at Broward College). This is the most direct path to higher pay and broader scope. Many employers offer tuition assistance.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is reliable. With Florida's population aging, long-term care demand will remain high. However, automation in documentation and the push for all-RN staff in some acute care units may slightly slow LPN growth in hospitals. Diversifying into home health, private duty, or specialty clinics is a smart long-term strategy.

The Verdict: Is Hollywood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Steady Job Market: 307 jobs and 5% growth provide security.	High Cost of Living: Rent and general expenses eat up the $56,553 salary quickly.
Competitive Pay: $56,553 is above the national average.	Traffic & Commutes: Driving in South Florida is a daily reality.
Diverse Settings: Hospitals, home health, clinics, and long-term care.	Housing is a Stretch: Homeownership is unlikely on a single LPN salary.
No State Income Tax: Helps offset the high cost of living.	Summer Heat & Humidity: Intense and can be physically draining.
Beach & Lifestyle: Access to beaches and cultural amenities.	Hurricane Risk: Requires preparedness and potential evacuations.

Final Recommendation: Hollywood is a good, solid choice for an LPN if you are financially prepared for the high cost of living, ideally with a partner or roommate to share expenses. It's not a "get rich quick" market, but it offers stability, diverse job options, and a vibrant lifestyle. If you prioritize affordability and homeownership on a single income, you might find better options in Central or North Florida. If you value the South Florida energy and steady healthcare demand, Hollywood is a pragmatic and rewarding place to build a career.

FAQs

Q: How hard is it to find an LPN job in Hollywood immediately after moving?
A: If you're licensed and have your Florida application in, it's very manageable. Long-term care facilities and home health agencies are constantly hiring. It may take 1-3 months to land the right hospital job, but you can find work quickly.

Q: Is it better to work for a hospital or a home health agency?
A: It depends on your personality. Hospitals offer structured training, team support, and benefits, but with shift work and higher stress. Home health offers autonomy, regular hours, and less physical strain, but you're alone and must be self-motivated. Pay is often similar, but hospitals may offer better benefits.

Q: What's the reality of working night shifts in Hollywood?
A: It's common. Many facilities offer a significant shift differential ($3-$4/hour extra). The main challenge is the heat and humidity when driving to/from work at 7 AM or 7 PM in the summer. Ensure your car's AC is in top shape.

Q: Do I need to speak Spanish in Hollywood?
A: While not a strict requirement, it is a major advantage. A significant portion of the patient population in South Florida is Spanish-speaking. Being bilingual will open more doors and make you a more effective caregiver.

Q: Are there opportunities for overtime?
A: Yes, especially in hospitals and during flu season. Long-term care facilities often need extra coverage. Overtime can significantly boost your income, but be mindful of burnout.

Sources: Salary data is from the provided figures and cross-referenced with BLS OES data for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area. Cost of living and rent data are from publicly available sources like Zillow and the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Employer and neighborhood insights are based on local market knowledge. Always verify current costs and employer policies directly.