Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Longmont, CO

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

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As a career analyst who’s watched the Front Range nursing market for years, I can tell you that Longmont offers a unique blend of opportunity and livability for LPNs. It’s not the high-cost bustle of Denver or Boulder, but it’s far from a sleepy town. With a metro population of 99,306 and a cost of living index of 99.9 (just a hair under the national average of 100), it’s a practical place to build a career. Let’s break down what you can actually expect.

The Salary Picture: Where Longmont Stands

The first question everyone asks: "What will I make?" In Longmont, the numbers are solid, if not spectacular. The median salary for an LPN here is $54,603/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $26.25/hour. This is virtually identical to the national average of $54,620/year. While you won’t get the premium pay sometimes seen in larger metros, you also won’t face the brutal cost-of-living spikes that come with them.

To understand your earning potential, you need to look at experience. The local market rewards tenure. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Starting rates in home health or skilled nursing facilities. Often requires a shift differential for evenings/weekends.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$54,000 - $60,000	This is the median range. You’re likely in a hospital (like Longs Peak Hospital) or a stable clinic role with full benefits.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$61,000 +	Specialized roles (like wound care, dialysis, or case management) or charge nurse positions in long-term care.

How does this compare to other Colorado cities? It’s a middle-ground market.

• Denver Metro: Often starts $2-$4/hour higher ($58k-$62k median), but rent and commute costs eat that up quickly.
• Fort Collins: Very similar to Longmont, sometimes slightly lower due to a smaller medical hub.
• Colorado Springs: Can be competitive, but healthcare access is less dense than the Front Range corridor.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base number. The 10-year job growth for this metro is 5%. This is stable, not explosive. It means competition exists, but there’s consistent demand, especially in geriatrics and home health as the population ages.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $54,603 sounds different after the bills hit. Let’s run a realistic monthly budget for a single LPN living in Longmont.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax)

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,550
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$950
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,600

Monthly Expenses

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,548
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $180
• Car Insurance & Fuel: $250 (Longmont is car-dependent; I-25 commutes add up)
• Groceries: $350
• Health Insurance (if not covered): $200 (varies by employer)
• Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.): $150

Total Expenses: $2,678
Remaining Discretionary Income: ~$922

This leaves room for savings, student loans, or entertainment, but it’s tight. Buying a home is a major stretch on a single LPN income. The median home price in Longmont is around $515,000. With a 20% down payment, you’re looking at a mortgage of ~$3,000/month before taxes and insurance. This is significantly higher than the rent. For a dual-income household or with significant savings, it’s feasible, but for a single LPN, renting is the more practical and financially stable choice.

Where the Jobs Are: Longmont's Major Employers

Longmont’s healthcare scene is anchored by a few key players. The 198 LPN jobs in the metro area are concentrated here. Hiring trends show a strong push towards home health and long-term care, with steady needs in outpatient clinics.

1. Longs Peak Hospital (SCL Health/CommonSpirit): The largest acute-care facility in the area. They have med-surg floors, orthopedics, and a growing ED. They often hire LPNs for inpatient units, though RNs handle more complex cases. Trend: They’re expanding their surgical services, which means more recovery and step-down unit roles.
2. Longmont United Hospital (Banner Health): The other major hospital system. Banner has a strong focus on cardiac and stroke care. Their LPN roles are often in wound care, dialysis, or as unit clerks with clinical duties. Trend: Banner is investing in their cardiac unit, creating niche opportunities.
3. Bross Street Care (and other skilled nursing facilities): Longmont has several skilled nursing and rehab facilities. This is the bedrock for LPN employment. Roles are in long-term care, sub-acute rehab, and memory care. Trend: High demand, often with sign-on bonuses to combat turnover. It’s fast-paced but excellent for gaining diverse clinical experience.
4. Home Health Agencies (e.g., AccentCare, Heartland Home Health): This is a growing sector. As a home health LPN, you’ll manage care for patients post-discharge. You need strong autonomy and time management. Trend: The aging population is driving massive growth here. Pay can be slightly higher due to travel and autonomy.
5. Clinics & Specialty Practices: From orthopedic specialists to primary care groups like Longmont Clinic (part of UCHealth). These roles are typically Monday-Friday, 8-5, with no weekends. Trend: There’s a shift towards value-based care, meaning more chronic disease management roles (diabetes, COPD) in clinic settings.
6. Sunrise Medical Center (UCHealth): A large, integrated clinic offering everything from primary care to specialty services. They often have LPN roles in their urgent care or infusion centers. Trend: UCHealth is expanding its footprint on the Front Range, so watch for new openings.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use the same regional HR. Once you’re in the SCL/Banner/UCHealth system, it’s easier to transfer internally. Start in long-term care to get your foot in the door, then pivot to a hospital or clinic for better hours.

Getting Licensed in CO

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to get your Colorado license. The process is straightforward but requires time and money.

1. NCLEX-PN Exam: You must pass this national exam. If you haven’t taken it, you’ll apply for Colorado eligibility first.
2. Colorado Board of Nursing Application: Submit through the Colorado Board of Nursing website. You’ll need transcripts, proof of graduation, and a background check.
3. Endorsement: If you’re already licensed in another state, you apply for endorsement. Colorado is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your home state is an NLC state (like Nebraska, Utah, etc.), you can practice in Colorado without a new license. If not, you must endorse.
4. Costs:
   • Application Fee: ~$88
   • Background Check: ~$39
   • NCLEX Fee: $200 (if not already taken)
   • Total Estimated: $300-$400
5. Timeline: From submission to approval, expect 4-8 weeks. Start the process before you move.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Commute and lifestyle matter. Longmont is laid out in a grid, and traffic is manageable, but being close to your hospital or facility saves time.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Central Longmont	Walkable, historic. Close to Longs Peak Hospital & downtown. Can be a bit older.	$1,400 - $1,600	Those who want a short commute and love local coffee shops.
South Longmont (near 9th Ave)	Newer apartments, close to I-25 for an easy commute to Denver or Boulder. Very car-centric.	$1,550 - $1,750	Commuters who need quick highway access.
Roggen/Platteville (East)	More rural, significantly cheaper rent. Long commute (20-25 mins) to the hospitals.	$1,100 - $1,350	LPNs on a strict budget who don’t mind a drive.
Northwest (Near Hover Rd)	Mix of older homes and new builds. Close to Bross Street Care and shopping centers.	$1,500 - $1,650	A balanced option for work-life split.

Personal Insight: If you get a job at Longs Peak Hospital, living in Central Longmont is unbeatable. For Banner Health, being near the Hover/9th corridor is ideal. Avoid the very west side (near the foothills) unless you enjoy a longer commute for mountain views.

The Long Game: Career Growth

LPN career growth in Longmont is less about vertical promotion (to RN) and more about horizontal specialization. The 10-year job growth of 5% means you have to be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: You can earn $1-$3/hour more in specialties like:
  • Dialysis: Requires a separate certification (often paid by the employer).
  • Wound Care (CWOCN): Requires advanced training and certification.
  • Infusion Therapy: Common in oncology and specialty clinics.
  • Case Management: Less bedside, more administrative. Often requires experience.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Charge Nurse (in LTC): Supervise a shift, manage medication passes, train new staff.
  2. Clinical Supervisor (Home Health): Oversee a team of field nurses, coordinate with physicians.
  3. The LPN-to-RN Bridge: This is the most common path. Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Longmont has an excellent, affordable LPN-to-RN program. It’s a 1-2 year commitment, and your salary potential jumps by $15,000-$20,000/year.

10-Year Outlook: Demand will remain steady. The key will be in geriatrics and home health. If you specialize early in chronic disease management or palliative care, you’ll be highly employable. The worst-case scenario is being a generalist in a saturated market.

The Verdict: Is Longmont Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: At 99.9, it’s manageable on an LPN salary.	Transportation: Car is mandatory. Public transit is limited.
Job Stability: 5% growth and 198 jobs mean steady demand.	Salary Ceiling: Median is $54,603; you won’t find the high-end pay of Denver without a long commute.
Lifestyle: Access to Boulder, Denver, and mountains without the big-city chaos.	Limited Specialties: Fewer niche hospital roles compared to major metros.
Employer Mix: Multiple health systems create competition for staff, leading to benefits.	Housing: Rent has risen sharply; buying a home is a challenge for singles.

Final Recommendation: Longmont is an excellent choice for LPNs who value work-life balance, stability, and access to nature. It’s not the place for rapid salary jumps, but it’s perfect for building a solid career, gaining diverse experience in long-term care or home health, and enjoying a high quality of life. If you’re an adventurous LPN looking for a quick pace and higher pay, look to Denver. If you want a community where you can plant roots, Longmont is a smart, practical bet.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes, but it’s rising. The index of 99.9 is current, but rent has increased faster than the index. Your $1,548/month rent is average, but you can find cheaper in older complexes or shared housing.

2. Do I need my own car?
Absolutely. Longmont is designed for cars. The closest major hospital is a 10-15 minute drive from most neighborhoods. Rideshare is available, but not cost-effective for daily commutes.

3. Can I work in Boulder or Denver while living in Longmont?
Yes, but the I-25 commute during rush hour can be 45-60 minutes. Many LPNs do this for the higher salaries, but you’ll spend 1.5-2 hours in your car daily. It’s a trade-off.

4. What’s the job market for new graduates?
Tight but possible. Long-term care facilities are the most likely to hire new grads. Hospitals often prefer 1-2 years of experience. Networking during clinicals is crucial. The 198 job openings in the metro include all experience levels.

5. Is the weather a factor for nurses?
Yes. Winters are cold with snow, which can impact commutes. Summers are dry and hot. This affects home health nurses who drive all day—your car’s AC is critical. Most facilities are well-staffed for weather events, but you need reliable transportation.

Sources:

• Salary Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Longmont-Greeley Metropolitan Statistical Area.
• Cost of Living & Rent: Sperling's BestPlaces, local rental market analysis (Q2 2024).
• Job Growth & Openings: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
• Licensing: Colorado Board of Nursing (DORA).