Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Lakewood, CO

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Lakewood, Colorado.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Lakewood isn't the highest-paying city in Colorado for healthcare workers, but it offers a solid middle ground with a strong job market and a more attainable cost of living compared to Denver or Boulder. The median salary for an LPN in Lakewood is $55,521/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.69/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $54,620/year, which is a good sign. It means the local market values LPNs competitively on a national scale.

However, it's crucial to understand that your experience level will be the biggest factor in your earnings. Here's a realistic breakdown of what you can expect in the Lakewood area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $53,000	Starting positions in clinics, nursing homes, or home health.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$54,000 - $62,000	This is where the median $55,521 salary sits. You'll have leverage for a higher rate with specialized skills.
Senior/Expert (10+ years)	$63,000 - $75,000+	Often involves lead LPN roles, clinical instruction, or high-demand specialties.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities:
While Lakewood's median of $55,521 is respectable, it's important to see how it stacks up against other major hubs in the state. Salaries in the Denver Metro Area are often higher, but so is the cost of living.

City	Median Salary (LPN)	Cost of Living Index (vs US Avg)
Lakewood	$55,521	105.5
Denver	$57,800	115.1
Colorado Springs	$54,100	99.8
Fort Collins	$56,200	109.3

As you can see, Lakewood offers a competitive salary without the extreme cost of living pressure found in Denver proper. The 10-year job growth projection of 5% is steady, not explosive, indicating a stable, reliable market for LPNs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. A salary is just a number until you see what's left after the government and your landlord take their share. Using Lakewood's median LPN salary and local cost data, here’s a monthly budget breakdown.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $55,521 Annual Salary)

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,627	$55,521 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes	~$1,065	Includes federal, state (4.4%), FICA. This is an estimate; your actual rate will vary.
Net Monthly Pay	~$3,562	This is your take-home pay.
Average 1BR Rent	$1,835	The city-wide average for Lakewood.
Utilities (Basic)	$150 - $200	Electricity, gas, internet. Varies by season.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350 - $600	Highly dependent on personal situation. Public transit is an option but a car is often necessary.
Groceries	$300 - $450
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous	$200 - $400	Savings, entertainment, personal care.
Remaining Balance	~$0 - $327	This shows the tightness of the budget, especially with a car payment.

Insider Tip: This budget is lean. If you have student loans, a high car payment, or childcare costs, it will be very difficult to save on this salary alone. Many LPNs in the area work overtime or pick up per diem shifts at other facilities to increase their income.

Can an LPN Afford to Buy a Home in Lakewood?
This is a tough question. The median home price in Lakewood is currently around $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000. On a $55,521 salary, getting approved for a $440,000 mortgage is a significant challenge and would likely require a dual-income household or years of aggressive saving for a down payment.

Insider Tip: Look into Colorado housing assistance programs for first-time homebuyers. Some employers, especially larger hospital systems, may offer down payment assistance as a recruitment tool. It's not common, but it's worth asking about during your interview.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood's healthcare scene is robust, anchored by the massive "Health District" in nearby Denver but with plenty of local opportunities. The metro area has 311 LPN jobs listed, a strong number for this profession.

1. St. Anthony Hospital (Part of CommonSpirit Health): Located just south of Lakewood in Lakewood/Golden, this is a major trauma and specialty hospital. They hire LPNs for med-surg, orthopedics, and outpatient clinics. Hiring trends here favor LPNs with BLS and ACLS certifications. They offer great benefits and tuition reimbursement for advancing to an RN.

2. Lakewood Rehabilitation Center: A large skilled nursing facility right in the heart of Lakewood. Consistent need for LPNs in long-term care. This is a prime location for new grads to get experience. They often have multiple shifts available.

3. Mount St. Vincent Home: A unique employer providing residential and therapeutic services for children and adolescents with complex trauma and behavioral health needs. They hire LPNs for on-site medical care. This is a specialty area that can pay a premium and offers a different pace than a hospital.

4. Interim HealthCare of Denver: A major home health agency that serves the entire Lakewood area. Perfect for LPNs who prefer autonomy and one-on-one patient care. Jobs are often per diem or part-time, offering flexibility but fewer benefits.

5. Jefferson County School District: LPNs are employed by the district to manage student health plans, administer medications, and provide care in school clinics. This is a highly sought-after role with summers and school holidays off. The hiring process is competitive and follows the school district calendar.

6. DaVita Dialysis: Multiple clinics are located in and around Lakewood. Dialysis LPNs specialize in caring for patients undergoing treatment. This field often pays at the higher end of the LPN scale due to the specialized skills required.

7. Centura Health Physician Group: Various clinics (like those at the St. Anthony Medical Plaza) hire LPNs for roles in physician offices, urgent care, and specialty clinics (e.g., cardiology, orthopedics). These are typically weekday, daytime hours.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to get licensed by the Colorado State Board of Nursing. The process is straightforward but requires planning.

• If you're already an LPN/LVN in another state: Colorado is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your primary state of residence is another compact state (like Texas or Florida), you can practice in Colorado with your home state license. If you're moving and update your residency to Colorado, you'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement.
• If you're a new graduate or from a non-compact state: You'll apply for licensure by examination. This involves submitting your nursing school transcripts, passing the NCLEX-PN exam, and a background check.
• Costs: Expect to pay around $88 for the initial license application fee, plus the NCLEX-PN registration fee of $200. Background checks are additional.
• Timeline: The application processing time can take 4-8 weeks. It's best to start the process before you move or as soon as you arrive. You cannot work as an LPN in Colorado without an active license.

Insider Tip: The Colorado State Board of Nursing website is your best friend. Bookmark it. The application process is entirely online. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Lakewood will dramatically affect your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent
Belmar	Urban, walkable, mixed-use. Close to St. Anthony Hospital and major bus lines. Easy access to I-70 and I-25. Can be pricier.	$1,900 - $2,200
Green Mountain	Quiet, suburban, family-friendly. More single-family homes and townhomes. A bit of a commute to downtown Denver but central to Lakewood employers.	$1,750 - $2,000
Lakewood Gulch	Up-and-coming. More affordable, with a mix of older apartments and new developments. Good access to light rail at the Garrison Street station for an easy commute to Denver.	$1,600 - $1,850
Virginia Dale	Classic suburban Lakewood. Established neighborhoods, great parks, and good value. Commute times are moderate to all major employers.	$1,700 - $1,900

Insider Tip: If you're working at St. Anthony, Belmar is unbeatable for a short commute. If you're working at a nursing home in central Lakewood, Green Mountain or Virginia Dale offer a quieter, more residential feel. For the budget-conscious, Lakewood Gulch is your best bet, especially if you can utilize the light rail.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Colorado is a fantastic foundation, but it's often a stepping stone.

• Specialty Premiums: To increase your salary without becoming an RN, specialize. LPNs in dialysis, wound care, or geriatrics often command higher pay. In Lakewood, dialysis and behavioral health are two areas with consistent demand.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Many of the employers listed above, especially St. Anthony and Jefferson County, offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs to get their Associate's or Bachelor's in Nursing. An RN salary in Lakewood starts around $75,000 and goes well over $100,000 with experience.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 5% job growth, the market is stable. The biggest factor will be the aging population, which will continue to drive demand in long-term care, home health, and palliative care. LPNs who embrace technology (telehealth, electronic health records) and specialize in high-demand areas will have the most opportunities and the best salary potential.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Lakewood offers a balanced, realistic career path for LPNs. It's not the place to get rich quickly, but it's a place to build a stable, comfortable life in a vibrant state.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: With 311 jobs and 5% growth, opportunities are consistent.	Tight Budget: The median salary of $55,521 makes buying a home difficult without a second income.
Competitive Salary vs. Cost of Living: Better than Denver and more attainable than Boulder.	Traffic: Commutes can be challenging during peak hours, even within the metro area.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Access to world-class hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities is right outside your door.	High Altitude: Lakewood is at 5,500+ feet. Newcomers need time to acclimate, which can affect physical stamina, especially in nursing.
Diverse Employer Options: From major hospitals to schools and home health, you can find your preferred work environment.	Weather: Four distinct seasons, including significant snow in the winter, which can impact commutes and lifestyle.

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood is an excellent choice for LPNs who prioritize a balanced lifestyle and stable employment over the highest possible salary. It is particularly well-suited for:

• New graduates looking to gain experience in a variety of settings.
• LPNs from other compact states seeking a lower-cost-of-living alternative to Denver.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who want easy access to nature without sacrificing a strong job market.

If you are the primary breadwinner for a family and your sole income is $55,521, you will need to budget carefully and likely work overtime. However, if you are part of a dual-income household or are willing to specialize and advance your career, Lakewood provides a fantastic foundation for a long and rewarding nursing career in Colorado.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Lakewood?
While you can use public transit (RTD light rail and buses), a car provides much greater flexibility, especially for jobs at nursing homes or hospitals with odd hours or on-call requirements. Most LPNs in the area drive.

2. Is the cost of living really that high?
The Cost of Living Index of 105.5 means it's about 5.5% more expensive than the national average. The biggest driver is housing. Groceries and utilities are close to the national average. Compared to Denver (115.1), Lakewood is a noticeable relief.

3. What is the typical work schedule for an LPN in Lakewood?
It varies by setting. Hospital and clinic jobs are often 8- or 12-hour shifts, which may include nights and weekends. Nursing homes and home health may offer more traditional 8-hour shifts or flexible per diem options. School nurse positions follow the academic calendar.

4. How competitive are the jobs?
With 311 jobs in the metro area, there is steady demand. However, the most desirable positions (e.g., a school nurse job or a day-shift role at a top-rated facility) are competitive. Having an active Colorado license, BLS certification, and a polished resume will set you apart.

5. What's the best way to find a job in Lakewood?
Start with the major employers listed above—they all have career pages. Indeed and LinkedIn are also heavily used by healthcare recruiters in the Denver metro area. For a more personal touch, connect with local nursing staffing agencies, which often have exclusive contracts with facilities in Lakewood.