Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Lincoln, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Lincoln Stands

Lincoln offers a stable, if not spectacular, earning landscape for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). With a median salary of $53,309/year ($25.63/hour), the city sits slightly below the national average of $54,620/year. This isn't surprising; Nebraska’s cost of living is a key factor. The metro area supports 589 active LPN positions, indicating a consistent, though not explosive, demand. The 10-year job growth projection of 5% is modest, aligning with national trends for an aging population but not a booming industry like tech or finance.

Here’s how earnings typically break down by experience level in the Lincoln market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Lincoln)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $49,000	Basic patient care, medication administration, data collection under RN supervision.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$52,000 - $58,000	Proficient in wound care, IV therapy, patient education, and managing day-to-day patient flow.
Senior/Expert (10+ years)	$59,000 - $66,000+	Charge nurse duties, mentoring new staff, specialized clinical skills (e.g., geriatrics, pediatrics), quality improvement projects.

Insider Tip: Specializations in areas like geriatrics (common in Lincoln’s many long-term care facilities) or dialysis can push salaries toward the higher end of the senior range. Shift differentials for nights and weekends are standard and can add $1.50 to $3.00 per hour.

Lincoln vs. Other Nebraska Cities:
While Lincoln’s median is $53,309, it’s worth comparing to the state’s other major hubs. Omaha, a larger metro with more hospital systems, tends to offer a slightly higher median salary (often $54,000 - $56,000), but the cost of living is also higher. Grand Island and Kearney have lower costs of living but typically offer LPN salaries closer to $48,000 - $52,000. Lincoln strikes a balance—better pay than smaller towns with a more affordable lifestyle than Omaha.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real numbers. A Lincoln LPN earning the median $53,309 annually sees a significant portion of that go to taxes and housing. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown, using Nebraska’s 6.84% state income tax and an estimated 22% federal tax rate for a single filer (standard deduction applied).

• Gross Monthly Income: $53,309 / 12 = $4,442
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (Federal + State): ~$1,100
• Take-Home Pay (After Taxes): ~$3,342

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1-BR Average): $856
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Fuel: $500 (Lincoln is car-dependent; public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (if employer deduction): $200
• Student Loans/Other Debt: $300
• Savings & Discretionary: $906

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a stretch, but possible with planning. The median home price in Lincoln is around $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000. With a take-home pay of ~$3,342, a mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) could be $1,500 - $1,800, which is 45-54% of monthly take-home—well above the recommended 30%. This is challenging for a single income. However, dual-income households or those with significant savings can make it work. Many local LPNs partner with a spouse’s income or live in more affordable neighborhoods (see below) to achieve homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Lincoln's Major Employers

Lincoln’s healthcare ecosystem is a mix of large systems and specialized facilities. The 589 LPN jobs are distributed across these key employers:

1. CHI Health St. Elizabeth & Nebraska Heart Hospital: Part of the CommonSpirit Health system, St. Elizabeth is a major Level II Trauma and teaching hospital. They have robust inpatient units (Med-Surg, ICU, Orthopedics) and outpatient clinics. Hiring is steady, with a focus on nurses who can work in fast-paced environments. They offer tuition reimbursement, a significant plus for career advancement.

2. Bryan Health: Lincoln’s other major health system, operating Bryan Medical Center (East and West campuses). Bryan has a strong presence in behavioral health (The Center for Behavioral Health) and a renowned cancer center. They are known for investing in employee training and have clear career ladders for LPNs transitioning to RN roles. Their "Bryan College of Health Sciences" provides local pathways for education.

3. Lincoln Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System: The VA is a top employer for LPNs, offering federal benefits, a pension, and excellent job security. The Lincoln VA provides primary care, mental health, and specialty services to area veterans. Hiring processes can be slower but are highly competitive. Veterans preference applies, giving a significant edge to qualified veteran applicants.

4. Tabitha Health Care Services: A local, faith-based not-for-profit, Tabitha is Lincoln’s premier provider for senior care and hospice. They operate nursing homes, assisted living, and home health services. For LPNs passionate about gerontology, Tabitha is a premier employer. The culture is mission-driven, and they actively recruit LPNs for roles in long-term care and hospice.

5. Lincoln Regional Center (LRC): A state-run psychiatric hospital providing mental health services. LRC offers unique experience in psychiatric nursing. Positions here are state jobs, with excellent benefits (state pension, health insurance) and a structured work environment. It’s a great option for LPNs interested in behavioral health.

6. Local Schools (Lincoln Public Schools & SECEP): LPNs are employed by the school district to manage student health plans, administer medications, and provide basic care for medically fragile students. This is a daytime, weekday schedule with summers off—a huge lifestyle benefit. Positions are competitive and require a school nurse certification.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a noticeable push for LPNs in home health and hospice due to the aging population. Employers like Tabitha and private agencies often have on-call or flexible schedules, which can be a pro or con depending on your lifestyle.

Getting Licensed in NE

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health, Licensure Unit. The process is straightforward but requires advance planning.

Requirements & Costs:

• Current, Active LPN License in good standing from your home state.
• Verification of Licensure: Submitted directly from your original state’s board to Nebraska DHHS.
• Fingerprinting & Background Check: Required. You can get this done at the DHHS office in Lincoln or through a third-party vendor. Cost: ~$50.
• Application Fee: $102.50 for licensure by endorsement.
• Transcripts: May be required if your original application was over 5 years ago.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Week 1: Gather documents from your home state board and submit verification requests.
2. Week 2-3: Complete the online application through the Nebraska DHHS website. Schedule your fingerprinting.
3. Week 4-6: Nebraska DHHS reviews your application. If complete, they issue a license. The total process can take 4-8 weeks, so start before you move.

Insider Tip: Nebraska is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. If your home state is also an NLC state, you can practice in Nebraska with your multi-state license without applying for a new one. Check the NCSBN website to confirm your state’s status.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Lincoln is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Proximity to major hospitals (St. Elizabeth in the south-central, Bryan East in the northeast) is key for minimizing commute times.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1-BR Rent
Near South (Hartley, Clinton)	Historic, diverse, and walkable. Close to St. Elizabeth and downtown. Older housing stock, a mix of families and young professionals. Bike-friendly to work.	$800 - $950
East Lincoln (Cripple Creek, Yankee Hill)	Quiet, suburban, and family-oriented. Near Bryan East and the VA. Newer developments, good schools. Requires a car for everything.	$850 - $1,000
North Highlands	Affordable, established neighborhood with a strong community feel. Close to both major hospitals (10-15 min drive). Older homes, but great value for renters.	$750 - $900
Downtown/Railyard District	For the urban enthusiast. Walk to restaurants, breweries, and the Capitol. Commute to hospitals is 5-10 minutes. Apartments are newer but pricier.	$950 - $1,200+
Southwest Lincoln (Pine Lake)	Modern, master-planned communities. Great for families with kids. Farther from hospitals (20-25 min commute), but offers a quieter, suburban lifestyle.	$900 - $1,100

Insider Tip: If you work night shift, consider living within a 10-minute drive of your hospital. The drive home at 7 AM is easy with no traffic, but the reverse at 6 PM can add 10-15 minutes. Living close preserves your sleep schedule.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% 10-year growth indicates LPN roles will remain stable, but advancement requires proactive steps.

Specialty Premiums: While Nebraska doesn’t require national certifications for most LPN roles, obtaining them can increase your value and negotiating power.

• Wound Care (WCC): Highly valued in long-term care and home health. Can add $1-2/hour in some settings.
• IV Therapy Certification: Often required for hospital roles. In-demand skill.
• Gerontology Certification: Perfect for Lincoln’s aging population and employers like Tabitha.

Advancement Paths:

1. LPN to RN Bridge: This is the most common and impactful path. Bryan College of Health Sciences and Southeast Community College (SCC) offer accredited LPN-to-RN bridge programs (approx. 12-18 months). An RN in Lincoln can earn $70,000 - $80,000+, significantly expanding your career and earning potential.
2. LPN to BSN: For those aiming for management or specialized roles. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and Nebraska Wesleyan University offer RN-to-BSN programs, which an aspiring LPN would first need to complete an RN bridge.
3. Specialist LPN: Focus on a niche like dialysis (Bryan’s dialysis units), school nursing, or psychiatric care (LRC). This is a viable long-term career without becoming an RN, especially with added certifications.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will be driven by the VA, long-term care facilities, and home health. LPNs who specialize in geriatric or chronic disease management will be most sought after. The push from hospitals to use LPNs more efficiently in Med-Surg and outpatient settings may also grow, but with the caveat that RNs hold primary responsibility for complex assessments.

The Verdict: Is Lincoln Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $53,309 salary goes further here than in most metros. The 92.0 cost of living index means you keep more of your paycheck.	Modest Salary Growth: Pay is stable but doesn’t skyrocket. Significant raises often require changing jobs or getting an RN license.
Stable Job Market: With 589 jobs and major employers, you’re not in a boom/bust cycle. Job security is high.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable car. Winter commutes can be challenging.
Manageable City Size: Easy to get around, less traffic, a strong sense of community. Great for raising a family or avoiding big-city stress.	10-Year Growth is 5%: Not explosive. Career advancement is more about upskilling than simply waiting for new jobs to appear.
Strong Employer Benefits: Hospitals and the VA offer great benefits packages (health, retirement, tuition help).	Can Feel "Quiet": If you crave the amenities of a major coastal city (diverse food scene, nightlife, major concerts), Lincoln may feel limited.
Pathway to RN: Local SCC and Bryan College make the LPN-to-RN bridge accessible and affordable.	Weather: Hot summers and cold, windy winters. You must be prepared for all four seasons.

Final Recommendation: Lincoln is an excellent choice for LPNs who value job security, affordability, and a balanced lifestyle over a high-pressure, high-cost environment. It’s particularly well-suited for those planning to start a family, pursue an RN degree locally, or specialize in geriatric care. If your primary goal is to maximize your salary above all else, you might find more opportunity in Omaha or a larger coastal city—though you’ll pay significantly more for housing and daily life. For most LPNs, Lincoln offers a sustainable and rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. Can I work as an LPN in Nebraska without a license?
No. You must hold a valid license from the Nebraska DHHS or hold a multi-state license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Practicing without a license is illegal and carries severe penalties.

2. How competitive are LPN jobs in Lincoln?
For experienced LPNs, the market is reasonably competitive but not cutthroat. The 589 open positions provide a healthy number of opportunities. New graduates may face more competition, especially for coveted hospital roles. Building experience in long-term care or home health first can be a strategic entry point.

3. What is the typical shift for an LPN in Lincoln?
Hospital roles (St. Elizabeth, Bryan) typically offer 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shifts, covering days, evenings, and nights. Long-term care and home health often have more traditional 8-hour day shifts, though some weekend or on-call hours are expected. School nursing is strictly daytime, Monday-Friday, following the school calendar.

4. Is Lincoln a good place to start a family as an LPN?
Yes, for many. The affordable housing ($856 average 1-BR rent, and houses in the $200k-$300k range), quality public schools (Lincoln Public Schools), and community amenities like parks and trails make it family-friendly. The work-life balance in many nursing roles (especially outside of 24/7 hospitals) is better than in larger, more stressful metros.

5. How does the cost of living index (92.0) affect my salary?
This index (US avg = 100) means Lincoln is 8% cheaper than the national average. Your $53,309 salary feels like $57,500 nationally in terms of purchasing power. This is a key reason why the median salary, while below the national average, affords a comfortable lifestyle in Lincoln.