Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Lawton, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Lawton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Lawton isn't a place where nurses chase the highest paychecks in the state. It's a cost-of-living play. The median salary for an LPN here is $52,588/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.28/hour. That's slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, but when you factor in our low living costs, it feels like a different story. The metro area has about 180 LPN jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%—stable, not explosive, but consistent. This growth is tied to an aging population at Fort Sill and in the surrounding rural counties, where Lawton serves as the healthcare hub.

Here’s how experience level typically translates to pay in our local market. These are estimates based on local job postings and conversations with hiring managers at our major hospitals and clinics.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Lawton)	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$47,000 - $51,000	Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), nursing homes, home health agencies.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $58,000	CCMH, Integris Health Lawton, specialty clinics (cardiology, orthopedics), VA Clinic.
Senior (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	CCMH (charge nurse roles), home health supervisory positions, dialysis centers.
Expert/Management (15+ years)	$65,000+	CCMH management, clinic directors, state/county public health roles.

Compared to other Oklahoma cities: You’ll make less than in Oklahoma City or Tulsa, where the median can be $56,000+. However, the rent in those cities is easily double what it is here. In Norman, a similar-sized city, you might see a slight premium (maybe $54,000 median), but competition is fiercer with the OU Health system. Lawton’s advantage is the combination of a stable job market and a low cost of living, not top-tier wages.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. For an LPN earning the median salary of $52,588/year, here’s a rough monthly budget breakdown after taxes and core expenses in Lawton. This assumes you’re single, filing as head of household, and using standard deductions (you should consult a tax pro for your exact situation).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $52,588 / 12 = $4,382
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): 22-25% = **$1,000**
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$3,382

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $717 (This is the city average, but we'll break it down by neighborhood later)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $180 - $220 (Summer AC bills can spike)
• Groceries: $300 - $350
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $250 - $400 (Lawton is car-dependent; public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (if through employer, premium share): $150 - $250
• Miscellaneous (Phone, personal, etc.): $200
• Total Core Expenses: ~$1,800 - $2,150

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is Lawton’s biggest draw. The median home price here is around $140,000 - $160,000. With a $52,588 salary, a 20% down payment (around $30,000) is a stretch but achievable with savings. A standard 30-year mortgage at current rates would be roughly $800 - $950/month, including taxes and insurance. That’s often less than or equal to renting a 2-3 bedroom house. Many LPNs I know bought homes within 3-5 years of moving here. It’s a key part of the local lifestyle—owning property is very attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Lawton's Major Employers

The job market is anchored by a few key players. The Fort Sill military base is the economic engine, and its healthcare needs ripple through the entire community.

1. Comanche County Memorial Hospital (CCMH): The 283-bed community hospital is the single largest employer for nurses in the area. They have med-surg, ICU, ER, rehab, and long-term care units. Hiring is steady but competitive. Insider Tip: They often post jobs on their website before they hit national boards. Knowing someone who works there helps, but it's not required. They host regular LPN job fairs.

2. Integris Health Lawton (formerly Southwestern Medical Center): This is the other major hospital system. It’s part of a larger Oklahoma network, which can mean more structured career paths and benefits. They have a strong focus on cardiology and orthopedics. Their ER sees a high volume due to Fort Sill and surrounding counties.

3. Fort Sill Military Treatment Clinic (MTF): Not a hospital, but a major employer for civilian LPNs. You’ll need a Secret Security Clearance (they guide you through it, but it takes time). The patient population is active-duty soldiers and families. The pace is different—more focused on primary care and readiness. Hiring Trend: They hire periodically, often in waves. Patience is key.

4. Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) College of Nursing: While not a direct employer for patient care, SWOSU drives the local nursing ecosystem. They have an LPN-to-RN bridge program. Many of their clinical instructors are working LPNs or RNs. Networking here is invaluable.

5. Oklahoma Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic - Lawton: A smaller but prestigious employer. They serve veterans from the Fort Sill region. Hiring is less frequent but highly stable. The benefits are excellent (federal job). Insider Tip: USAJobs.gov is where they list openings. It’s a different application process, so read the postings carefully.

6. Local Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities: Lawton has several, including Brookdale Lawton and The Wellington of Lawton. These are often the best places for first jobs. They offer consistent hours and a chance to build geriatric skills, which are in high demand everywhere.

7. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Amedisys, LHC Group): These are excellent for experienced LPNs who want autonomy. Pay can be variable (often per visit), but you control your schedule. With the aging veteran population, demand is solid.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma’s process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBON) is your governing body.

Requirements:

1. Graduate from an approved LPN program: This can be a 1-year diploma or certificate program. In Lawton, the primary option is the SWOSU College of Nursing LPN Program (on their main campus). There are also community college programs in the region (e.g., Western Oklahoma State College in Altus). Cost: Programs range from $5,000 to $10,000. SWOSU’s program is well-regarded locally.
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN: This is the national licensure exam. You apply to the OBON, get your Authorization to Test (ATT), and schedule the exam.
3. Costs:
   • NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200
   • Oklahoma Licensing Application Fee: $120 (plus a $200 background check fee for fingerprints).
   • Total up-front cost (excluding tuition): ~$520.
4. Timeline: From starting a program to holding a license, expect 12-18 months. Once you graduate, the NCLEX-PN results come back in about 2-3 weeks after you take it.

Insider Tip: Oklahoma is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold an active LPN license in another compact state (like Texas, Arkansas, or Missouri), you can practice in Oklahoma without getting a new license. This is a huge perk if you’re moving from a neighboring state.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Lawton is a driving city. Commutes are short (15-20 minutes max), but safety and convenience matter. Here are four areas LPNs often choose, based on commute to major employers and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
East Side (near CCMH)	Quiet, residential, older homes. 5-10 min drive to CCMH, Integris, and the VA Clinic.	$650 - $800	LPNs working at the main hospitals. Easy to get home for breaks or after long shifts.
Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport Area	Newer developments, more apartment complexes. 10-15 min to CCMH, 15-20 min to Fort Sill clinic.	$750 - $900	Those who want modern amenities and easy access to I-44 for weekend trips to OKC or Dallas.
Southwest Lawton (near SWOSU)	Collegiate, more diverse. 10-15 min to CCMH and Integris.	$700 - $825	LPNs who are students at SWOSU or enjoy a younger, slightly more active social scene.
North Side (near the VA Clinic)	Mixed, some older, some newer. Very close to the VA and I-44. 10 min to CCMH.	$620 - $750	Budget-conscious LPNs, especially those working at the VA or in home health.

Insider Tip: The "Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport" area has seen the most new construction. While the rent is on the higher end, the units are clean and management is responsive. If you have a car, you're not limited by neighborhood. Most nurses I know prioritize being within a 15-minute drive of their workplace over a specific zip code.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 5% job growth may seem modest, the pathways to advancement are clear if you’re strategic.

Specialty Premiums: In Lawton, the biggest pay bumps come from moving into:

• Dialysis: LPNs in dialysis centers (like DaVita or Fresenius) can see a $3-5/hour premium over the $25.28 median.
• Home Health Supervisory Roles: With experience, moving into a supervisory or case management role with an agency can push you into the $58,000 - $65,000 range.
• Infusion Nursing: Specialized clinics (oncology, rheumatology) sometimes hire LPNs for infusion roles, which carry a premium.

Advancement Paths:

1. LPN to RN (BSN): This is the most common and impactful move. CCMH and Integris both offer tuition reimbursement for RN programs. The SWOSU LPN-to-RN bridge is a 12-month program. An RN in Lawton has a median salary of $75,000+, a significant jump.
2. LPN to LPN (Specialty): Become the go-to person in a unit (e.g., wound care, IV therapy). This makes you indispensable and gives you leverage for raises.
3. LPN to Management: With 8+ years of experience, you can move into charge nurse or unit coordinator roles. This path often requires additional certifications.

10-Year Outlook: Lawton’s healthcare demand is tied to Fort Sill and rural health. The 10-year job growth of 5% is reliable because these are non-cyclical drivers. As long as the military base is active (and it’s a strategic U.S. Army installation), LPNs will have jobs. The real growth for you personally will come from advancing your education, not from a booming job market.

The Verdict: Is Lawton Right for You?

Here’s the straightforward breakdown from a local perspective.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living is King. Your $52,588 salary goes much further here than in a big city. Homeownership is a real possibility.	Salaries Are Modest. You won’t get rich as an LPN here. The pay is stable but not high-growth.
Stable, Predictable Job Market. The military base and aging population create steady demand for healthcare.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife. It’s a quiet, family-oriented town. If you want a bustling arts scene or trendy restaurants, this isn’t it.
Short Commutes. You can get almost anywhere in 15-20 minutes. Your car is your freedom.	Isolation. You’re a 2-hour drive from Oklahoma City and 3.5 from Tulsa. It can feel remote.
Small-Town Community. It’s easy to get to know people in your field. Networking feels personal, not corporate.	Limited Specialty Fields. If you’re into cutting-edge neonatal or pediatric ICU, your options are very narrow.

Final Recommendation: Lawton is an excellent choice for a practical, stability-focused LPN. If your primary goals are to own a home, pay off debt, and work in a stable environment without the stress of a high-cost city, it’s a smart move. It’s ideal for: career starters building experience, LPNs with families, or those looking to transition to RN while living affordably. If you’re chasing the highest possible salary or a vibrant urban lifestyle, look toward Oklahoma City or Tulsa. For most, the math in Lawton works.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Lawton?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is very limited (Lawton Transit has a few routes, but they’re not reliable for shift work). Most employers, especially hospitals and the VA, have large parking lots. Factoring a car payment and insurance into your budget is non-negotiable.

2. How competitive are LPN jobs at Comanche County Memorial Hospital?
Moderately competitive. They’re the largest employer, so they get many applications. Having a clean record, good references from your clinicals, and being willing to work evenings/nights or weekends will significantly boost your chances. Applying directly through their careers page is the best first step.

3. Is the VA Clinic in Lawton a good place to work for an LPN?
Yes, if you can get in. It’s a federal job, so the benefits (health insurance, retirement) are excellent and the pay is competitive with the median. The application process on USAJobs.gov can be slow and complex. Patience is required, but it’s a coveted position for its stability and mission.

4. Can I live on a starting LPN salary in Lawton?
Yes, comfortably. A starting salary of $47,000 - $51,000 is very manageable here. With the average 1BR rent at $717, you’d have a significant portion of your net pay left for savings, food, transportation, and entertainment. Many new LPNs live with roommates or in older, cheaper apartments to save for a down payment on a house.

5. What’s the best way to get my first LPN job in the area?

1. Network with SWOSU: If you’re a student there, talk to your clinical instructors and use their career services.
2. Apply directly to nursing homes and home health agencies: They have the highest turnover and are often the first to hire new grads. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door.
3. Monitor CCMH and Integris job boards weekly. Set up alerts.
4. Consider a per-diem or part-time role at a smaller facility to build experience while you look for a full-time position at your preferred hospital.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for LPNs, Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBON), U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow rental data for Lawton, and local employer job postings (CCMH, Integris, USAJobs) as of 2023-2024.