Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Lee's Summit, MO

The Salary Picture: Where Lee's Summit Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Lee's Summit offers a solid middle-of-the-road salary for LPNs. It’s not the highest paying metro in Missouri—that title usually goes to St. Louis or Kansas City proper—but it’s significantly better than rural areas and has a cost of living that makes it very livable. The median salary for an LPN in Lee's Summit is $53,522/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.73/hour. This is just slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, a gap that is easily closed by the lower cost of living.

The job market here is stable but not booming. According to local job board data specific to the metro area, there are approximately 208 active LPN jobs posted at any given time. Looking at the broader 10-year outlook, the job growth for LPNs in the region is projected at 5%, which is in line with national trends but indicates a steady, reliable demand rather than explosive growth.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities in Lee's Summit
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $51,000	$23.00 - $24.50	Med-pass in skilled nursing facilities, basic wound care in clinics, assisting RNs in hospital units.
Mid-Career (2-5 years)	$53,522 (Median)	$25.73	Managing a caseload in home health, leading shifts in a long-term care unit, specializing in geriatrics or rehab.
Senior (5-10 years)	$58,000 - $62,000	$27.88 - $29.80	Charge LPN roles, precepting new hires, wound care certification, working in specialty clinics (e.g., dialysis, cardiology).
Expert (10+ years)	$65,000+	$31.25+	Case management, education roles, hospice care coordination, consulting for local facilities.

Comparison to Other Missouri Cities

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Relative Affordability
Lee's Summit	$53,522	93.3	High
Kansas City, MO	$55,100	94.5	High
St. Louis, MO	$56,000	95.0	Moderate
Springfield, MO	$49,800	88.5	Very High
Columbia, MO	$52,000	91.2	High

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the salary number. An LPN in St. Louis might make an extra $2,500 a year, but they'll pay more in rent and taxes. In Lee's Summit, that $53,522 goes further, especially if you're willing to live just outside the city limits in areas like Blue Springs or Independence where rent can be even lower.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. For a single filer earning $53,522/year in Lee's Summit, here’s a rough breakdown of take-home pay after taxes (using standard federal, state, and FICA deductions—this is an estimate; consult a tax pro).

• Gross Annual Pay: $53,522
• Estimated Monthly Gross: $4,460
• Estimated Monthly Net (Take-Home): ~$3,400 (This accounts for ~23% effective tax rate, including MO state tax).

Now, let's budget for life in Lee's Summit.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN Earning $53,522:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $886
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $150 - $200
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $450 (Assuming a modest car payment)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $150
• Savings/Retirement (10% of gross): $446
• Discretionary Spending (Entertainment, Dining, etc.): $500
• Total: ~$2,882

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, with discipline. The median home price in Lee's Summit is around $280,000. With a $53,522 salary, you're likely to qualify for a mortgage, but it will be tight. The key is having a solid down payment and keeping debt low. A common rule of thumb is that your housing payment shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross income. For an LPN in Lee's Summit, that's about $1,250/month for a mortgage (including taxes and insurance). It's doable on a $280k home with a 10-20% down payment, but you'd need to be very frugal elsewhere. Many local LPNs buy homes in more affordable areas like Raymore or Harrisonville to make it work.

Where the Jobs Are: Lee's Summit's Major Employers

The job market for LPNs here is anchored by a few key sectors: long-term care, home health, and outpatient services. The major hospital systems are in nearby Kansas City, but Lee's Summit itself has a robust network of employers.

1. Saint Luke's East Hospital: While technically in Lee's Summit, this is a major medical center. LPNs here typically work in med-surg, rehab, or as patient care techs (often a bridge role for new grads). Hiring is competitive; they often prefer candidates with a year of experience.
2. Lee's Summit Medical Center: This HCA facility is a primary employer. They have a dedicated long-term acute care (LTAC) unit and a growing outpatient surgery center. LPN roles here are often specialized in post-surgical care or wound management.
3. Silvercrest Senior Living: A large, non-profit continuing care retirement community in the heart of Lee's Summit. They have a skilled nursing facility (SNF), assisted living, and independent living. This is a prime spot for LPNs wanting a consistent schedule without hospital stress.
4. The Healthcare Resort of Lee's Summit: A short-term rehabilitation facility. They specialize in helping patients recover after a hospital stay. LPNs here manage medication, assist with PT/OT, and coordinate with RNs and case managers.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Heartland Home Health, Visiting Nurse Association): The home health sector is growing. LPNs visit patients in their homes for wound care, medication management, and post-op checks. This offers more autonomy but requires strong time management and driving around the metro.
6. Nursing Homes/SNFs (e.g., Lee's Summit Health & Rehabilitation): A staple of the job market. These facilities always need LPNs for med-pass and direct patient care. Shifts are often 12-hour, and turnover can be high, making it a good entry point.
7. Private Clinics & Specialty Practices: Cardiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and primary care groups in the area (often in the 50 Highway corridor) hire LPNs for front-office, triage, and assisting with procedures.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift towards outpatient and home-based care. The aging population in Lee's Summit (a suburb with many retirees) drives demand in long-term care. Hiring is steady, but competition is fiercer for hospital-based roles. Many facilities offer sign-on bonuses, especially for night shifts or weekend commitments.

Getting Licensed in Missouri

To practice as an LPN in Missouri, you must be licensed by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Here’s the practical path:

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from an approved practical nursing program (typically 12 months). Several community colleges in the KC metro offer approved programs (e.g., Metropolitan Community College, Penn Valley).
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
3. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check.

Timeline & Cost:

• Program: 1 academic year (9-12 months).
• NCLEX-PN: You can apply to take the exam as soon as you graduate. Scheduling can take 2-4 weeks.
• Total Time to Licensure: From starting school to holding a license, expect 12-15 months.
• Costs:
  • Tuition (in-state, community college): $4,000 - $8,000 (varies greatly by program).
  • NCLEX-PN Fee: $200.
  • Application & Background Check: $175 (approximate, includes initial license fee).
  • Total (excluding tuition): ~$375.

Insider Tip: Missouri is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you already hold a multistate LPN license from another compact state, you can practice in Missouri without getting a new license. This is a huge advantage for experienced nurses moving here.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Lee's Summit has distinct neighborhoods with different vibes and price points. Commute times to major employers are generally short (under 20 minutes).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Key Employers
Downtown Lee's Summit	Walkable, historic, with restaurants and shops. Younger professionals, older homes.	$950 - $1,100	5-10 mins to St. Luke's East, 10 mins to L.S. Medical Center.
The Vineyards / Southwest	Newer subdivisions, family-oriented, top-rated schools.	$900 - $1,050	10-15 mins to most employers. Requires a car.
North Lee's Summit	More affordable, mix of older and newer homes, easy highway access.	$800 - $950	10 mins to St. Luke's East, 15 mins to downtown.
Blue Springs (adjacent)	Slightly more suburban, some areas are very affordable. Great for home buyers.	$750 - $900	15-20 mins to Lee's Summit employers via I-70 or 50 Hwy.
Raymore (adjacent)	Quiet, small-town feel, very affordable for renters and buyers.	$700 - $850	20-25 mins commute. Best for those with a reliable car.

Personal Insight: For a single LPN, North Lee's Summit offers the best balance of affordability and proximity. You can find a decent apartment without breaking the bank, and you're a short drive from everything. If you want a more vibrant social scene, Downtown LS is worth the extra cost.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Missouri is a fantastic foundation, but it's not a ceiling. Here’s the path forward:

• Specialty Premiums: To earn more than the median, you need to specialize. In Lee's Summit, Wound Care Certified LPNs are in high demand in SNFs and home health, often commanding an extra $2-4/hour. IV Therapy Certification can open doors in clinics and some hospital roles. Hospice LPNs also see a premium due to the specialized nature of the work.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Bridge to RN: The most common path. Many local employers (like Saint Luke's) offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs to get their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). With an ADN, you become an RN, and your salary potential jumps significantly (median RN salary in the area is ~$75,000).
  2. Case Management: With experience, LPNs can move into care coordination for home health agencies or insurance companies.
  3. Education: Become a clinical instructor for a nursing program or a preceptor for new hires at your facility.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is solid. The demand will be driven by the aging population and the continued shift to outpatient and home-based care. Technology integration (like telehealth assistance) is also creating new roles. An LPN who actively seeks specialty certifications and considers bridging to RN will have no trouble finding well-paying work for the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Lee's Summit Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: The Cost of Living Index of 93.3 means your $53,522 salary goes far.	Limited Hospital Jobs: While good hospitals are nearby, the core of Lee's Summit is long-term care and outpatient. Hospital roles are more competitive.
Stable Job Market: 208 jobs and 5% growth offer security.	Car Dependency: You absolutely need a car. Public transport is not a reliable option for commuting to most healthcare jobs.
Family-Friendly: Excellent schools, parks, and a safe community. Great for raising kids.	Can Feel Suburban/Spread Out: If you crave a dense, urban, walkable life, you might find it a bit quiet.
Short Commutes: Most commutes are under 20 minutes, reducing stress.	Competition for Top-Tier Roles: The best-paying hospital and specialty jobs can be competitive, often going to those with 2+ years of experience.

Final Recommendation: Lee's Summit is an excellent choice for a practical, career-focused LPN who values quality of life, stability, and affordability over a high-stress, high-cost urban environment. It's ideal for those starting a family or looking to put down roots. If you're a new grad, it's a great place to get your first 1-2 years of experience in a SNF or home health before potentially bridging to an RN. If you're an experienced LPN seeking a lower cost of living and a better work-life balance, Lee's Summit is a very strong contender.

FAQs

Q: I'm a new LPN graduate. Will I be able to find a job in Lee's Summit?
A: Yes, but you'll need to be flexible. Your first job will likely be in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) or home health. These are excellent places to build foundational skills. Hospital jobs at St. Luke's or Lee's Summit Medical Center are more competitive and often prefer candidates with 1 year of experience. Consider starting in a SNF, then applying to hospitals after 12 months.

Q: How does the commute from Blue Springs or Raymore compare?
A: It's very manageable. From Blue Springs or Raymore to Lee's Summit proper, the drive is typically 15-25 minutes, primarily on highways (I-70, 50 Hwy, 291). Traffic is nothing like a major city. The trade-off is a slightly longer commute for significantly lower rent and home prices.

Q: What's the typical work schedule for an LPN in Lee's Summit?
A: It varies by setting. SNFs and hospitals often use 12-hour shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a), which can give you more consecutive days off. Home health and clinic roles are typically Monday-Friday, 8-5. Many facilities offer weekend-only options (Friday-Sunday) with a premium pay rate.

Q: Are there any local resources for LPNs looking for jobs?
A: Yes. The Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) has local chapters. Also, check the job boards for the specific employers listed above. Many local nursing homes and home health agencies post directly on their websites. Networking with nurses you meet during clinicals (if you're a local student) is invaluable.

Q: Is the licensure process different if I'm moving from another state?
A: If you hold a single-state license from a non-compact state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement to the Missouri State Board of Nursing. You'll need proof of your current license, verification from your original state board, and a background check. If you're from a compact state, you're already set to practice. The process can take 6-8 weeks, so start early.