Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Killeen, TX

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Killeen, Texas. I’ve structured this to give you a clear picture of the job market, finances, and lifestyle, using local insights and the exact data you requested.

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The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

As a prospective LPN in Killeen, the first thing you need to know is how your paycheck will stack up. Killeen’s salary landscape is heavily influenced by two factors: its status as a military community (Fort Cavazos) and a lower cost of living compared to major Texas metros.

The median salary for an LPN in Killeen is $53,276/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.61. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620/year. However, this comparison doesn’t tell the whole story. When you factor in Killeen’s cost of living, which is 91.8 (US avg = 100), your dollar stretches further here than in many other parts of the country.

Experience is a major driver of earnings. Here’s a local breakdown of what you can expect, based on regional job postings and industry knowledge:

| Experience Level | Expected Annual Salary Range (Killeen) | Key Notes |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $44,000 - $49,000 | Often starts in nursing homes or home health. Shift differentials for nights/weekends are common. |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $51,000 - $58,000 | Moves into hospital roles (MGH, Baylor Scott & White) or more specialized clinic work. |
| Senior/Expert (8+ years) | $59,000 - $66,000+ | Typically involves charge nurse duties, specialized certifications, or roles in supervisory/educational capacities. |

How does Killeen compare to other Texas cities?

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Median LPN salary is around $58,000, but rent for a 1BR is often $1,300+.
• Houston: Median LPN salary is near $55,000, with cost of living slightly above the national average.
• San Antonio: Median LPN salary is approximately $52,000, with a cost of living similar to Killeen's.

Insider Tip: The largest employer in the region, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Killeen, often starts its LPNs at or slightly above the local median, especially for those with prior experience. Always negotiate, citing your specific certifications (e.g., IV certification, gerontology).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $53,276 translates to roughly $4,440 per month before taxes. After federal, state (Texas has no income tax), and FICA deductions, you’re looking at a net monthly take-home of approximately $3,400 - $3,500.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single LPN in Killeen:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (After Tax)	$3,450	Based on $53,276/year
Rent (1BR, average)	$900	See neighborhood breakdown below.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Killeen summers are hot; AC costs can spike.
Groceries	$350	Comparable to national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Killeen is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$200	Employer plans are common.
Miscellaneous (Gas, Personal, Savings)	$1,400	This is where you have flexibility.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, home ownership is far more attainable in Killeen than in coastal or major metro areas. The median home price in the Killeen metro is around $180,000 - $210,000. On your salary, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be between $1,200 - $1,400—comparable to or only slightly more than renting a 1BR apartment. Many LPNs with a few years of experience and dual incomes find homeownership very feasible here.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

The Killeen job market for LPNs is stable, with a 10-year job growth projection of 5% and roughly 319 LPN jobs in the metro area (data from BLS and state workforce commission). The economy is anchored by Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), which drives demand in both direct healthcare and supporting services.

Here are the top employers you should target:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Killeen: The largest hospital in the area. They handle a wide mix of trauma, orthopedic, and general medical cases. They are known for good benefits and opportunities for internal advancement. Hiring trends show a steady need for LPNs in med-surg, orthopedics, and same-day surgery.
2. Metroplex Health System (Ascension): This includes the Dell Seton Medical Center at Metroplex. It's a major competitor to BSW and often has high turnover in its busy emergency department and surgical units, creating frequent openings.
3. Fort Cavazos (Military Installation): The on-post clinics and the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) are massive employers. Civilian LPN positions here are federal jobs (USAJobs.gov) and come with excellent benefits, including a pension. The hiring process is slower but highly competitive. Insider Tip: Veterans receive hiring preference.
4. Local Nursing Homes & Rehabilitation Centers: Facilities like The Phoenix House (a substance abuse rehab) and The Care Center at Killeen (long-term care) are consistently hiring. These roles often offer more predictable schedules but can be physically demanding.
5. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and LHC Group serve the large senior population, including veterans. This path offers more autonomy but requires reliable transportation and comfort with driving across the rural outskirts.
6. Killeen Independent School District (KISD): School nurse positions are highly coveted for their hours and summers off. While these roles often prefer RNs, LPNs with pediatric experience can find opportunities, especially in special education support.

Hiring Trend Insight: The military hospital (CRDAMC) and BSW are the most stable. However, the post-COVID market has seen increased demand for LPNs in home health and outpatient clinics as patients shift away from inpatient settings.

Getting Licensed in TX

If you’re licensed in another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Texas is a compact state (NLC), meaning if you hold a multi-state license from another compact state, you can practice in Texas without a new license.

Requirements & Timeline:

1. Application: Submit online via the Texas BON website ($100 fee).
2. Fingerprint Background Check: Mandatory ($38.25 fee).
3. Verification of Licensure: From your original state’s board.
4. NCLEX-PN Exam: If you’re a new grad or need to retake it, you must apply for Texas exam authorization.
5. Timeline: Allow 6-10 weeks for the entire process. Start your application before you move.

Costs:

• Application Fee: $100
• Background Check: $38.25
• NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200 (if required)
• Total (New License): ~$338.25

Insider Tip: Texas has a robust "Nurse Licensure Compact" (NLC). If you already have a multi-state license from another NLC state (like Oklahoma or Florida), you can start working immediately upon moving. Always check the Texas BON website for the most current rules.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Killeen is a sprawling city shaped by military presence and highway expansion. Your choice of neighborhood depends heavily on your commute to your chosen employer.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For...
Nolanville (East Killeen)	Quiet, suburban feel. Easy commute to Fort Cavazos (15-20 min) and BSW. Family-friendly.	$850 - $1,000	LPNs working on post or at BSW who want a quieter home life.
Killeen Downtown/ Historic District	Walkable, with local cafes and bars. Mixed housing. Commute to BSW/Metroplex is 5-10 minutes.	$800 - $1,100	Younger professionals who want a bit of character and a short commute.
Harker Heights (North of Killeen)	Higher-end, very safe, excellent schools. Commutes to all major employers are 20-25 minutes.	$950 - $1,300	LPNs with families or those prioritizing safety and amenities.
South Killeen (Near 360/Hwy 190)	More affordable, but can be less walkable. Commutes to BSW are very short (5-15 min).	$750 - $950	Budget-conscious LPNs who want to maximize savings or are new to the area.
Cove (Unincorporated Bell County)	Rural, spacious lots, lower taxes. Commutes to all Killeen employers are 25-35 minutes.	$800 - $1,000+ for a house	LPNs who want land, a quiet setting, and don't mind driving.

Insider Tip: Traffic around the I-14 / Fort Cavazos gates during shift changes (6:30 AM & 4:30 PM) can be brutal. If you work on post, living in Nolanville or Harker Heights can save you 30+ minutes daily compared to South Killeen.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While Killeen may not be a major medical research hub, it offers solid growth paths for proactive LPNs.

• Specialty Premiums: LPNs with certifications in IV Therapy, Wound Care (WCC), or Gerontology can command an extra $1-$3/hour. Hospitals often pay a differential for nights/weekends ($2-$4/hour extra).
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Charge Nurse: In nursing homes or rehab centers.
  2. Clinical Supervisor: In home health or outpatient clinics.
  3. Transition to RN: Many local employers (like BSW and Metroplex) offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs to bridge to an RN or BSN. This is the most common and impactful career move.
• 10-Year Outlook (5% Growth): The demand is driven by the aging population (both military retirees and the general community) and the expansion of outpatient and home-based care. While growth is steady, it's not explosive. The key to advancement is specialization and pursuing further education. The proximity to larger cities like Austin (1.5 hours) also allows for weekend courses or online programs.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Killeen offers a stable, affordable entry into the Texas healthcare market, with unique ties to the military community.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living allows for comfortable living or saving on a median salary.	Limited cultural/entertainment options compared to Austin or DFW.
Stable job market with large, consistent employers (BSW, Fort Cavazos).	Car-dependent city with limited public transportation.
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay.	Military town culture can be transient; building long-term community takes effort.
Short commutes to most major employers (under 20 mins).	Summers are extremely hot and humid (May-September).
Great home ownership opportunity for LPNs.	Career advancement may require commuting to Austin for certain specialties.

Final Recommendation:
Killeen is an excellent choice for LPNs who are budget-conscious, value job stability, and are open to a suburban/rural lifestyle. It's particularly well-suited for those with a military background or connection, or LPNs who plan to use it as a financially stable stepping stone to absorb education costs for an RN degree. If you're seeking a bustling, diverse urban scene, look toward Dallas or Austin, but be prepared for a much higher cost of living.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find an LPN job in Killeen without connections?
A: Yes. The large employers (BSW, Metroplex, nursing homes) post jobs consistently on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn. While knowing someone can help, the sheer demand makes it feasible to secure a position through a standard application process.

Q: What is the typical shift for an LPN in Killeen?
A: Most hospital LPNs work 12-hour shifts (7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM), often with a weekend rotation every other weekend. Nursing homes and home health typically offer 8-hour shifts with more traditional hours.

Q: How does the military presence affect civilian nursing jobs?
A: It creates a large, stable patient base for the entire community's healthcare system. It also means many civilian jobs (especially on post) are federal positions, which come with great benefits but have a longer, more competitive hiring process.

Q: Are there opportunities for LPNs to work in schools?
A: Yes, but they are competitive. Killeen ISD and surrounding districts (like Copperas Cove and Harker Heights) hire LPNs, primarily in special education. A pediatric experience or a school nursing certification can improve your chances.

Q: What's the biggest surprise new LPNs face moving to Killeen?
A: The heat. The summer humidity is intense, and you'll be running your AC a lot. Also, the community's rhythm is tied to the military schedule—pay days and event times often align with the post's pay cycles.

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Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas Board of Nursing (BON), Texas Workforce Commission, U.S. Census Bureau, and local job market analysis (Indeed, Glassdoor) for Killeen, Texas (2023-2024 data).