The Kent, WA Career Guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Kent, Washington, is a city that often flies under the radar. Situated between the bustling hubs of Seattle and Tacoma, it’s a practical, affordable(ish) base for healthcare workers. For an LPN, it offers a stable job market, competitive pay, and a lifestyle that balances city access with suburban calm. This guide is for the LPN who’s done the math, packed their bags, and is ready to build a career here. We’re not selling you on the city; we’re giving you the data you need to decide if it’s the right fit.

The Salary Picture: Where Kent Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: LPNs in Kent earn a solid living, especially when you factor in the local job market. The median salary for an LPN in this metro is $56,750/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.28/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $54,620/year, a testament to Washington’s robust healthcare sector and cost of living.

The job market is active, with 266 LPN positions available in the metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 5%, a steady, reliable pace that ensures continued demand.

Insider Tip: The $27.28/hour figure is your baseline. With shift differentials for nights and weekends, plus experience, you can easily push into the $30+ range.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically scale from entry-level to expert in the Kent area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range	Key Employers for This Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$52,000 - $58,000	Long-term care facilities, home health agencies, some clinics
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$58,000 - $65,000	Hospitals (Valley Medical), specialty clinics, surgical centers
Senior	8-15 years	$65,000 - $72,000+	Management roles, case management, wound care specialists
Expert	15+ years	$72,000+	Clinical nurse educators, regulatory compliance, advanced wound care

Kent vs. Other WA Cities

Kent’s salary is competitive within the region. While Seattle proper pays more, the cost of living differential is significant. Tacoma and Everett offer similar pay, but Kent’s central location can shorten commutes for those working in multiple metro areas.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Median Home Price
Kent	$56,750	113.0	~$650,000
Seattle	~$62,000	152.0	~$880,000
Tacoma	~$55,500	110.0	~$550,000
Everett	~$57,000	112.0	~$625,000

Sources: BLS data, local MLS listings, Sperling's BestPlaces.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

With a median salary of $56,750, your gross monthly income is approximately $4,729. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your estimated take-home pay is around $3,700/month. This is a ballpark figure; use a WA-specific paycheck calculator for precision.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Kent is $1,864/month. Let’s see what that leaves for the rest of your life.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN Earning $56,750

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,700	After taxes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,864	50% of take-home
Utilities	$250	Includes electricity, heating, internet
Groceries	$400	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assumes a used car; public transit is viable
Gas/Transport	$150	Varies by commute
Healthcare (out-of-pocket)	$200	Premiums, copays
Debt/Student Loans	$300	Varies widely
Savings & Misc.	$136	Leftover for savings, entertainment, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? At the current median home price of $650,000, a 20% down payment is $130,000. With a monthly mortgage of ~$3,500+, buying alone on a single LPN salary is extremely challenging. However, with dual-income households or after significant career advancement, it becomes more feasible. Realistically, most LPNs here rent or buy with a partner.

Insider Tip: Look for rentals in the East Hill or West Hill neighborhoods for better value. Consider a roommate to drastically improve your cash flow and savings rate.

Where the Jobs Are: Kent's Major Employers

The healthcare scene in Kent is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities. Here are the key players:

1. Valley Medical Center (Renton, but major Kent employer): Not technically in Kent, but it’s the dominant regional hospital and a massive employer for Kent residents. They have a huge outpatient clinic network, including specialties like oncology and orthopedics. They hire LPNs for clinical roles, wound care, and surgical prep. Hiring Trend: Actively expanding their outpatient services, which is a goldmine for LPNs seeking clinic hours (no nights/weekends).

2. Kaiser Permanente (Kent Medical Center): A major integrated system with a significant presence. They hire LPNs for their clinics and urgent care centers. The culture is structured and corporate, with excellent benefits. Hiring Trend: Consistent demand for LPNs in primary care and specialty clinics.

3. Providence Health System (Swedish/Issaquah & St. Francis Burien): Similar to Valley Med, these facilities serve Kent residents. They often have openings in their post-acute care and home health divisions. Hiring Trend: Growth in home health and palliative care roles, offering more autonomy.

4. Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Network: This is Kent’s own community clinic system. It’s a fantastic place for LPNs passionate about public health and serving vulnerable populations. Roles are often M-F, 8-5. Hiring Trend: Steady, government-backed positions with strong job security.

5. Long-Term Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities: Kent has several, including Covington Care Center and Wesley Lea Hill. These are the backbone of LPN employment and offer a fast track to shift management roles. Hiring Trend: Always hiring. High turnover but high opportunity for advancement to Charge Nurse.

6. Private Specialty Clinics: From dialysis centers (DaVita) to surgical centers (Surgery Center of Kent), these private practices offer focused work environments. Pay can be higher, especially in dialysis, which requires specialized training. Hiring Trend: The shift from hospital-based to outpatient care is strong here.

Insider Tip: Set up job alerts on Indeed.com and Health eCareers for Kent and the surrounding 20-mile radius. The best jobs often don’t stay posted long.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State requires a license to practice as an LPN. If you’re already licensed in another state, the process is different than if you’re a new graduate.

For New Graduates:

1. Education: Complete a state-approved LPN program (typically 12-18 months).
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination.
3. Apply for License: Submit an application to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), pay the fee ($125), and undergo a background check.
4. Timeline: From application to license in hand, expect 4-8 weeks after passing the NCLEX.

For Out-of-State Applicants:

1. Endorsement: Apply for licensure by endorsement. You must have an active, unencumbered license from another state.
2. Verify Your License: You’ll need to verify your original license through the NURSYS system or your state board.
3. Background Check: Complete a fingerprint-based background check.
4. Cost: The application fee is $125, plus the background check fee (~$50).
5. Timeline: 6-10 weeks is standard.

Insider Tip: The WA DOH website is your bible. Start the process well before you move. Some employers will hire you with a temporary permit while your full license is processing.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Kent is geographically diverse. Your choice of neighborhood will impact your commute, rent, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
East Hill	Central, walkable, near highway. 10-20 min to most jobs.	$1,650	Those who want a central location without paying downtown prices.
West Hill	Residential, more suburban, some hills. 15-25 min commute.	$1,550	Families, those seeking more space and quieter streets.
Downtown Kent	Historic, revitalizing, walkable to restaurants. 5-15 min commute.	$1,800	Young professionals who want a lively, urban feel.
Covington	Suburban, family-oriented, near the Green River. 20-30 min commute.	$1,900	LPNs with families or those who prioritize quiet, community feel.
Maple Valley	More remote, wooded, excellent schools. 25-35 min commute.	$2,000	Those who don’t mind a longer drive for nature and space.

Insider Tip: If you work at Valley Medical in Renton, East Hill or West Hill offers the easiest commute. If you’re at a clinic in Kent proper, Downtown is a great lifestyle choice.

The Long Game: Career Growth

LPN career growth in Kent is robust, with multiple pathways beyond the bedside.

• Specialty Premiums: Obtain certifications to boost your salary.
  • Wound Care (WCC): +$3-$5/hour. High demand in outpatient and home health.
  • IV Therapy (CVRN): +$2-$4/hour. Essential for clinic roles and home health.
  • Gerontology (CGN): +$2-$3/hour. Valuable in long-term care settings.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Charge Nurse: In long-term care, you can lead a floor.
  2. Clinical Nurse Educator: Train new LPNs and CNA staff.
  3. Case Management: Coordinate care for patients in home health or Medicaid settings.
  4. Bridge to RN: Many employers (like Valley Med and Kaiser) offer tuition assistance to get your BSN. This is the most common and lucrative path.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 5% growth rate and an aging population, job security is high. The trend toward outpatient and home-based care will create new roles. LPNs who specialize and seek leadership will see the most financial growth.

The Verdict: Is Kent Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Job Market with 266 openings and 5% growth.	High Rent relative to national averages ($1,864 for 1BR).
Above-National-Average Pay ($56,750 vs. $54,620).	Buying a home is difficult on a single LPN salary.
Central Location to Seattle and Tacoma jobs.	Traffic on I-405 and I-5 can be severe during rush hour.
Diverse Employer Base from hospitals to home health.	Limited "walkable" nightlife outside Downtown Kent.
No State Income Tax in WA.	Cost of Living Index of 113.0 (13% above US avg).

Final Recommendation: Kent is an excellent choice for LPNs who are strategic. It’s ideal for those willing to start in long-term care or home health to gain experience, then specialize or bridge to an RN. The pay is good, the jobs are there, and the location is prime for a nursing career. If you can manage the rent and are motivated for advancement, Kent offers a sustainable and rewarding path. If your goal is to buy a solo home within 5 years, you’ll need to budget aggressively or look at more affordable suburbs.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living in Kent really that high?
A: Yes. The Cost of Living Index is 113.0, meaning it's 13% higher than the US average. The main driver is housing. However, Washington has no state income tax, which helps offset costs.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new LPN graduates?
A: Very competitive for the first job, but manageable. Long-term care facilities are the most common entry point. Once you have 1-2 years of experience, you'll find it much easier to move into clinic or hospital roles.

Q: What’s the commute like?
A: It depends on your shift. Pre-7 AM and post-6 PM on I-405 and I-5 can be congested. If you work an 11 PM to 7 AM shift, your commute is a breeze. Public transit (Sounder train, Metro buses) is viable for commutes to Seattle/Tacoma but less so for local travel in Kent.

Q: Can I survive on the median LPN salary?
A: Absolutely, but with careful budgeting. With an average 1BR rent of $1,864, you’ll be spending about 50% of your take-home pay on rent. Consider a roommate or a cheaper studio to improve your financial margin.

Q: Are there opportunities for LPNs to work in schools or corrections?
A: Yes. School districts in Kent (Kent School District, Federal Way Public Schools) hire LPNs for student health. The Washington State Department of Corrections also hires LPNs for its facilities in the region, for which pay is often higher.

Sources: Washington State Department of Health, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Kent, WA metro area, RentCafe for housing data, Sperling's BestPlaces for cost of living. All salary data provided and verified.