Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Layton, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Layton Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Layton’s healthcare employment is anchored by the Davis Hospital and Medical Center and the nearby Hill Air Force Base, which creates a steady demand for licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The city’s healthcare sector is stable, though not booming like Salt Lake City’s. For an LPN, this translates to reliable employment but with salaries that sit just below the national average. The median salary for an LPN in Layton is $53,817/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.87/hour. For context, the national average for an LPN is $54,620/year, meaning Layton is slightly below the U.S. norm, a common trend in Utah’s suburban markets.

The job market itself is modest but consistent. There are approximately 167 LPN jobs in the metro area at any given time. Over the next decade, the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s positive, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient care centers. For someone seeking stability rather than high-risk, high-reward markets, this is a solid baseline.

To give you a clearer picture of how experience impacts your earnings locally, here’s a realistic breakdown. These figures are estimates based on local employer data and state wage reports, factoring in the Layton market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Context
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $50,000	Positions are often in long-term care facilities like Heritage Gardens or skilled nursing units. Expect shift differentials for evenings/nights.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$53,000 - $58,000	This is near the median. You’ll find roles in Davis Hospital’s med-surg units, home health agencies, or specialized clinics.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	Leads to charge nurse roles in SNFs, case management in home health, or specialized roles in areas like wound care or dialysis.
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$65,000+	Often involves educator roles, clinical coordination, or working in niche areas like hospice or occupational health, which are present in Davis County.

How Layton Compares to Other Utah Cities:

• Salt Lake City Metro: Salaries are higher, with a median closer to $56,500, but the cost of living, especially rent, is significantly higher.
• Provo/Orem: Similar cost of living to Layton, but salaries can be slightly lower, around $52,000, due to a larger pool of entry-level candidates from the university area.
• St. George: A growing retirement community drives demand, with salaries often matching or slightly exceeding Layton ($54,000 - $55,000), but the job market is smaller.
• Logan: More rural, with a lower cost of living but also lower salaries, typically around $50,000.

Insider Tip: The $25.87/hour median is a solid floor. Many facilities in Layton offer shift differentials of $2-$4/hour for nights and weekends, which can push your effective hourly rate closer to $30. Always ask about this during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is critical. Let’s break down a monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary of $53,817/year. This assumes you are single, take the standard deduction, and are a full-time employee with benefits (health insurance, 401k). We’ll use Utah’s state income tax (4.5%) and a conservative 7.65% for FICA (Social Security & Medicare).

• Gross Monthly Income: $53,817 / 12 = $4,485
• Estimated Deductions (Taxes & FICA): 17% = **$762**
• Estimated Health Insurance/Retirement (if pre-tax): ~$200 (varies by employer)
• Estimated Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,523

Now, let’s factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Layton is $1,283/month. This is for a standard, non-luxury unit in a safe area (like near the Hill or central Layton).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated):

• Net Take-Home: $3,523
• Rent (1BR): -$1,283
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet): -$200
• Groceries & Essentials: -$400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): -$400 (Layton is car-dependent)
• Healthcare (Copays, Medications): -$100
• Discretionary/Savings/Debt: $1,140

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Layton is approximately $450,000. With a 10% down payment ($45,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) would be around $2,400/month (PITI). That’s more than 65% of your net take-home, which is unsustainable. However, if you have a dual-income household, or if you advance to a senior LPN role ($65,000+) and save aggressively for a few years, homeownership becomes feasible in the $350,000-$400,000 range (e.g., condos, townhomes, or older homes in areas like South Layton or Clearfield). For a single LPN on the median salary, renting is the more realistic and financially sound choice initially.

Where the Jobs Are: Layton's Major Employers

Layton’s healthcare ecosystem is concentrated around a few key players. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Davis Hospital and Medical Center: The largest employer in the city. They hire LPNs for their medical-surgical floors, orthopedic units, and sometimes in their urgent care center. They are part of the Intermountain Health system (though technically a separate entity), which offers good benefits and potential for transfer within the network. Hiring Trend: Steady. They post jobs on their own website and on major boards. They often favor candidates with BLS and ACLS certification.

2. Heritage Gardens Rehabilitation & Living Center: A major skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Layton. This is a prime employer for LPNs, especially those starting out or specializing in geriatric care. Hiring Trend: Consistent. SNFs always need staff. They use local staffing agencies and direct hires. Weekend and night shifts are abundant here.

3. Layton Hills Home Health & Hospice: Part of a larger network serving Davis County. LPNs here work in patient homes, providing wound care, medication management, and post-surgical support. Hiring Trend: Growing, as the population ages. Requires a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle. Experience is preferred.

4. Davis School District: The district employs LPNs as school nurses for its many elementary, middle, and high schools. This is a coveted M-F, daytime job with summers off. Hiring Trend: Competitive. They post openings on the district website. It often requires prior pediatric or community health experience.

5. Hill Air Force Base (TAPS Clinic & 75th Medical Group): While many positions are for active-duty medics, the base’s civilian clinic and associated contractors hire LPNs for various roles. Hiring Trend: Stable, but hiring cycles can be tied to federal budget cycles. Requires the ability to pass a background check for base access.

6. Local Urgent Care Chains (e.g., Complete Care, GoHealth): These clinics, often located near shopping centers like Layton Hills Mall, hire LPNs for patient intake, vital signs, and assisting providers. Hiring Trend: Steady growth. Less physically demanding than hospital work, good for work-life balance.

7. BrightStar Care of Davis County: A private-duty home care agency. They place LPNs in clients' homes for extended shifts. Hiring Trend: High demand for reliable, skilled nurses. Offers flexibility in scheduling.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers don’t advertise on Indeed. Check their direct career pages weekly. Also, the Davis County Health Department occasionally posts public health nurse roles, which can be a great alternative to clinical settings.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah’s licensure process is managed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). It’s straightforward but has specific steps.

1. Education: You must graduate from a state-approved LPN program. In Layton, the closest major programs are at Davis Technical College (in Kaysville, just north of Layton) and Weber State University (in Ogden). These are reputable and their graduates are readily hired locally. Program length is typically 12-18 months.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: After graduation, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The pass rate for Utah schools is high (typically 90%+).
3. Application to DOPL: Submit an online application, pay the fee ($120 as of 2023), and provide official transcripts. Wait for approval to take the NCLEX.
4. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Required for all applicants. You schedule this through DOPL’s approved vendor. Cost is around $50-$60.
5. Temporary Permit: If you’re new to the state, you can apply for a temporary permit to start working under supervision while your full license processes. This is a huge advantage for job seekers.

Timeline to Get Started: If you’re already an LPN in another state, the process to get a Utah license by endorsement can take 4-8 weeks. If you’re starting from scratch (in school), it’s a multi-year process. For a local transfer, it’s relatively quick.

Costs (Approximate):

• NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200
• Utah Application Fee: $120
• Fingerprinting: $55
• Total (Licensure Only): ~$375

Insider Tip: Utah has reciprocity with many states. If you’re licensed in another state, check DOPL’s website for the endorsement application. You’ll need verification from your original state’s board.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Layton is a commuter city. Proximity to major employers is key. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Central Layton (Near Hill AFB & Davis Hospital):

   • Commute: <10 minutes to Davis Hospital, <15 to base.
   • Lifestyle: Older, established neighborhoods. Quiet, family-oriented. Close to shopping (Layton Hills Mall).
   • Rent (1BR): $1,200 - $1,350
   • Best For: Those who prioritize a short commute above all else. Very convenient for shift workers.

2. South Layton / Stone Ridge:

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Davis Hospital, 20 to base. Easy access to I-15.
   • Lifestyle: Newer suburban developments. More modern amenities, parks, and community pools. Higher density.
   • Rent (1BR/Condo): $1,300 - $1,500
   • Best For: LPNs who want newer housing and don’t mind a slightly longer drive. Good for those working at urgent care clinics or home health agencies.

3. Clearfield (Adjacent to Layton):

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Layton employers, 15 to base.
   • Lifestyle: Similar to Central Layton but often slightly more affordable. Has its own walkable downtown area on Main Street.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,100 - $1,250
   • Best For: Budget-conscious LPNs who still want a quick commute. It’s a hidden gem for value.

4. Kaysville (North of Layton):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Layton, 20 to base.
   • Lifestyle: Very family-focused, quiet, with excellent school districts. Slightly more conservative and community-oriented.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,250 - $1,400
   • Best For: LPNs with families or those who prefer a quieter, small-town feel within a metro area. Close to Davis Tech College.

5. Syracuse (West of Layton, near the Great Salt Lake):

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Layton, 25 to base.
   • Lifestyle: Rapidly growing, newer homes, more affordable housing stock. Further from amenities but more space.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,150 - $1,300
   • Best For: LPNs who want to maximize their housing budget and don’t mind a longer commute. Good for new graduates saving money.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-15 and Layton Parkway can be heavy during rush hour. If you work 7am-3pm or 3pm-11pm, your commute will be smoother. Consider this when choosing a neighborhood.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Layton isn’t a hotspot for dramatic career leaps, but steady advancement is possible. The key is specialization and additional certifications.

• Specialty Premiums: While specific local data is scarce, national trends show that LPNs with certifications can earn 5-10% more. In Layton, the most valuable certifications are:
  • IV Therapy Certification: Can add $1-$2/hour in hospital or home health settings.
  • Geriatric Certification (from the NCG): Highly valued in SNFs like Heritage Gardens.
  • Wound Care Certification (WCC): Needed for specialized roles in wound care clinics or hospital units.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Charge Nurse (in a SNF): You’ll supervise other LPNs and CNAs. Requires experience and leadership skills.
  2. Case Manager (Home Health): Move from direct care to coordinating care plans for multiple patients. Requires strong organizational skills.
  3. Clinical Instructor (at a tech college): If you get your RN (LPN-to-RN bridge), you can teach at Davis Tech College.
  4. Transition to RN: The most common path. Davis Tech and Weber State offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs. This is the single biggest salary jump, moving you from the $53,817 median to the RN median of $80,000+ in Utah.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 5% growth, the market will remain stable. Automation in healthcare is minimal for LPN hands-on roles. The biggest threat is not job loss, but wage stagnation. The only way to significantly beat inflation and the 53k median is to either specialize or become an RN. The LPN-to-RN bridge is a very real and utilized path in Davis County.

Insider Tip: The Davis County Medical Society and local healthcare associations occasionally host networking events. Attend these to learn about unadvertised opportunities and specialized roles.

The Verdict: Is Layton Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward pros and cons table to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in hospitals, SNFs, and home health.	Slightly Below-National-Average Pay: Median of $53,817 vs. national $54,620.
Lower Cost of Living: Index of 95.1 (US avg=100). Your dollar goes further than in SLC or Provo.	Limited High-End Specialties: Fewer niche opportunities (e.g., pediatric ICU, advanced wound care) compared to a major metro.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Suburban pace, less traffic than downtown SLC, proximity to outdoor recreation.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited. You will need a reliable vehicle.
Family-Friendly & Safe: Great schools, low crime, strong community feel.	Slower Career Trajectory: Advancement to high-paying roles often requires moving to an RN or leaving the city.
Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: Easy access to mountains, lakes, and parks for hiking and skiing.	Cultural & Dining Scene is Modest: If you crave a vibrant urban environment, Layton may feel quiet.
Strong Sense of Community: Residents are engaged and supportive.	Seasonal Air Quality: Inversions in winter can trap cold air and pollutants for days.

Final Recommendation:
Layton is an excellent choice for LPNs who value stability, family life, and a manageable cost of living. It’s ideal for those starting their career, returning to the workforce, or looking for a predictable schedule. If you’re a highly ambitious LPN seeking the highest possible salary and the most cutting-edge specialties, you might feel constrained. However, if your goal is a solid paycheck that affords a comfortable life in a safe, friendly community with