Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Loveland, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Loveland Stands

As a local who's watched Loveland's healthcare scene evolve for two decades, I can tell you this: being an LPN here is financially stable, but you need to understand the local context. Let's break down the numbers first.

Median Salary: $54,062/year places Loveland slightly below the National Average: $54,620/year, but this is deceptive. The Colorado front-range economy has a specific wage structure that favors those who understand it. An Hourly Rate: $25.99/hour is your baseline, but with shift differentials and overtime at places like McKee Medical Center, many LPNs here push closer to $30/hour.

Here's how experience typically translates in this market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent	Where You'll Find It
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23.08 - $24.99	Home health agencies, assisted living facilities
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$54,062 (median)	$25.99	Loveland's major clinics, outpatient centers
Senior (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $65,000	$27.88 - $31.25	Hospital specialty units, case management
Expert/Charge LPN (15+ years)	$66,000 - $72,000+	$31.73 - $34.62	Teaching hospitals, corporate wellness programs

Insider Tip: The 10-Year Job Growth: 5% matches national projections, but locally, demand is concentrated in geriatrics and home health. With Loveland's aging population (median age 38.7), you're looking at steady growth in senior care, not explosive expansion.

Comparison to other Colorado cities: You're trading off. Denver metro LPNs earn about $58,500 median, but their rent is 40% higher. Fort Collins has similar wages but even tighter housing. Colorado Springs pays slightly less but has lower costs. The sweet spot? If you want front-range access without metro chaos, Loveland's Jobs in Metro: 158 openings (per BLS data) provide mobility without the commute grind.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the paycheck. At $54,062/year, your monthly gross is $4,505. After Colorado state tax (4.63%), federal tax, FICA, and typical deductions, you're looking at approximately $3,400-$3,550 take-home monthly. I've calculated this with actual Loveland tax rates and typical healthcare worker deductions.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN earning $54,062:

Category	Amount	% of Take-Home	Notes
Rent (1BR average)	$1,497	42-44%	Average 1BR Rent: $1,497/month - this is your biggest variable
Utilities (electric, gas, internet)	$180	5%	Loveland's climate means higher winter heating
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	10%	Essential - public transit is limited
Groceries	$300	9%	Loveland has good grocery prices, but watch specialty items
Healthcare (insurance)	$150	4%	Usually employer-subsidized
Retirement (401k match)	$110	3%	Employer matches typically 3%
Discretionary/Other	$413-$563	12-16%	Emergency fund, entertainment, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in Loveland is approximately $475,000. With a Cost of Living Index: 96.6 (US avg = 100), Loveland is slightly cheaper than average, but housing remains the challenge. For a 20% down payment, you'd need $95,000. At a $54,062 salary, you'd be approved for roughly $240,000 mortgage. This means homeownership is largely out of reach without dual income or substantial savings. Most LPNs here rent or buy in outlying areas like Berthoud or Windsor.

Insider Tip: Look into the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) programs. They offer down payment assistance for healthcare workers in certain income brackets. Also, consider Loveland's "attainable housing" developments like those near the Medical Center of the Rockies in west Loveland.

Where the Jobs Are: Loveland's Major Employers

Loveland's healthcare ecosystem is concentrated but diverse. Jobs in Metro: 158 openings means you have options, but knowing where to look matters.

1. Banner Health McKee Medical Center - The 176-bed hospital in central Loveland is your biggest employer. They hire LPNs for med-surg, orthopedics, and their busy emergency department. Hiring trends: They're actively expanding their outpatient surgery center, creating more day-shift positions. Insider Tip: McKee uses a "float pool" for LPNs - you rotate units, get broader experience, and often earn a premium.

2. Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) - Actually in north Loveland but part of the UCHealth system. This is a 900+ bed regional trauma center. LPNs here work in specialty units like labor & delivery (as assistants), neonatal, and rehab. Hiring is steady but competitive. Pro move: MCR values LPNs with BLS/ACLS certifications and offers tuition reimbursement for RN bridge programs.

3. North Shore Health & Rehab - Long-term care facility near Lake Loveland. They consistently hire LPNs for day and evening shifts. With Loveland's aging population, this facility stays at 95% occupancy. They offer shift differentials of $2-3/hour for nights and weekends.

4. Centennial Health Care Center - Skilled nursing facility in south Loveland. Known for stable employment and good benefits. They have a high retention rate for LPNs who stay 3+ years. Hiring trend: They're expanding their memory care unit, creating specialized positions.

5. Thompson Valley Emergency Center - Freestanding ER operated by Banner Health. Perfect for LPNs who want acute care without the hospital bureaucracy. They operate 24/7 and hire in cycles. Insider Tip: This is a great stepping stone to hospital ER experience.

6. Larimer Center for Mental Health - Community mental health clinic. They employ LPNs for medication administration and patient intake. Growing demand with Colorado's mental health funding increases.

7. Home Health Agencies - Several operate here: Amedisys, LHC Group, and local agencies. Pay is hourly plus mileage. This is where you find $30+/hour rates but without benefits. Many LPNs do this as a second job or for flexibility.

Hiring Trends: The shift is toward outpatient and home-based care. Hospitals are hiring but with more emphasis on specialty certifications. The 10-Year Job Growth: 5% will manifest mainly in home health and senior living, not acute care expansion.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado makes it straightforward but not free. Here's the reality check:

Process & Costs:

• NCLEX-PN Exam: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE)
• Colorado Application Fee: $88.50 (paid to Colorado Board of Nursing)
• Fingerprinting: $44.50 (through Colorado Bureau of Investigation)
• Total Licensing Cost: ~$333 (not including review courses or relocation)

Timeline:

1. Pre-requisites: 1-2 semesters if you need prerequisites
2. LPN Program: 12-18 months (Loveland's Front Range Community College has an excellent program)
3. Graduation to License: 6-8 weeks (after passing NCLEX)
4. Job Search: 1-3 months (depending on season - spring is busiest)

Colorado-Specific Requirements:

• You must complete a state-approved LPN program. Front Range Community College's Loveland campus is the local option.
• Compact State Advantage: Colorado is NOT part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). That means if you're licensed in another state, you'll need to apply for Colorado endorsement. This takes 4-6 weeks and costs $88.50.
• Continuing Education: 15 contact hours every 2 years, but Colorado doesn't require specific topics.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from a compact state, start your Colorado application before you move. The Colorado Board of Nursing processing times can stretch to 8 weeks during peak graduation seasons (May-June).

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Loveland directly impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top areas for healthcare workers:

1. Central Loveland (Near McKee Medical Center) - Rent: $1,350-$1,600/month

   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most employers
   • Vibe: Walkable, established neighborhoods like Kings Corner and Northside Park
   • Best For: Those who want minimal commute and urban amenities
   • Trade-off: Older housing stock, street parking challenges

2. West Loveland (Near MCR & Thompson Valley) - Rent: $1,500-$1,800/month

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to other employers, 5 to MCR
   • Vibe: Newer developments, family-friendly, near Big Thompson River
   • Best For: LPNs working at MCR or who want newer housing
   • Trade-off: Higher rent, more car-dependent

3. South Loveland (Near Centennial Health) - Rent: $1,200-$1,500/month

   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to northern employers
   • Vibe: Affordable, quiet, close to Loveland's southern retail corridor
   • Best For: Budget-conscious LPNs, those working south-side facilities
   • Trade-off: Fewer amenities, longer commutes to main medical centers

4. East Loveland (Near North Shore Health) - Rent: $1,300-$1,650/month

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most employers
   • Vibe: Residential, near Boyd Lake State Park, growing area
   • Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, those wanting space
   • Trade-off: Increasingly popular, so rent is rising

5. Berthoud (15 minutes south) - Rent: $1,100-$1,400/month

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Loveland employers
   • Vibe: Small-town feel, significantly cheaper
   • Best For: LPNs who don't mind commuting for 15-20% lower rent
   • Trade-off: Limited local healthcare jobs, more driving

Insider Tip: Many LPNs I know split the difference with "townhome" rentals in developments like Lakeside at Centennial or Thompson Valley Townhomes. These offer 2BR for the price of a 1BR apartment, often with attached garages - crucial for Colorado winters.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Loveland's LPN market offers solid advancement, but you need a plan. The 10-Year Job Growth: 5% won't happen accidentally.

Specialty Premiums:

• Gerontology/Geriatrics: +$2-4/hour premium (most common)
• IV Certification: +$1-2/hour (required by many facilities)
• Mental Health/Psych: +$3-5/hour (growing demand)
• Case Management: +$2-3/hour (requires additional certification)

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most hospitals (MCR, McKee) have LPN clinical ladder programs. Moving from LPN I to LPN III can increase pay by $8,000-12,000 over 5 years.
2. RN Bridge Program: This is the most common path. Front Range Community College offers an LPN-to-RN bridge (18 months). Critical Insight: UCHealth and Banner both offer tuition assistance if you commit to 2-3 years post-graduation. This makes the $12,000-15,000 tuition investment manageable.
3. Specialty Certification: Getting certified in wound care, diabetes education, or infection control opens doors to educator roles ($60,000-65,000).
4. Management: Charge LPN or unit coordinator positions pay $62,000-68,000 but require 5+ years experience.

10-Year Outlook: The LPN role in Loveland isn't disappearing, but it's specializing. The generic med-surg LPN will face more competition. The LPN with geriatrics, home health, or specialty certifications will thrive. With Cost of Living Index: 96.6, staying competitive means continuous education. Budget $500-1,000/year for certifications and conferences.

Insider Tip: Join the Colorado Nurses Association local chapter. Their networking events in Fort Collins/Loveland are where you hear about unadvertised positions, especially in home health and private practices.

The Verdict: Is Loveland Right for You?

Let's lay it out plainly:

Pros	Cons
Median Salary: $54,062 provides stability in a slightly cheaper-than-average market (96.6 COL index)	Rent at $1,497/month consumes 42-44% of take-home pay
Jobs in Metro: 158 openings offer mobility without metro chaos	Homeownership is largely out of reach without dual income
Strong community with outdoor access (285 sunny days/year)	10-Year Job Growth: 5% is steady but not explosive
Multiple healthcare employers create competitive benefits	Limited public transit - car is essential
Good work-life balance with shorter commutes	Social scene is quieter than Denver/Fort Collins
Access to Denver/Fort Collins for entertainment (30-45 min)	Winters can be long and isolated if you're not outdoorsy

Final Recommendation: Loveland is ideal for LPNs who value work-life balance over maximum earnings. If you're willing to rent and commute occasionally for higher pay, it's sustainable. If you want to own a home on an LPN salary, consider Berthoud, Windsor, or Fort Collins (where you might find slightly higher wages to offset higher rent).

For whom it's perfect: LPNs seeking a stable, community-focused career with outdoor access who don't mind renting long-term.

For whom it's challenging: LPNs who prioritize homeownership, nightlife, or who dislike driving.

FAQs

Q: Can I live comfortably in Loveland on an LPN salary?
A: Yes, but with caveats. At $54,062/year, you can afford a 1BR apartment, a reliable car, and have discretionary money if you budget carefully. You won't be saving aggressively for a down payment unless you have roommates or a partner. Many LPNs here have roommates or live in smaller towns (Berthoud, Windsor) to make the math work.

Q: Is it worth getting my LPN license in Colorado if I'm already licensed elsewhere?
A: If you're coming from a compact state, yes. The endorsement process is straightforward ($88.50 fee, 4-6 weeks). From non-compact states, it's more involved but still worthwhile given the 158 job openings. However, if you're already an RN, the pay bump in Colorado justifies the extra effort.

Q: How competitive are LPN jobs in Loveland?
A: Moderately competitive. With 10-Year Job Growth: 5%, openings exist but aren't plentiful. The key is timing. Spring (April-June) is hiring season as facilities prepare for summer patient volumes. Winter is slow. Insider Tip: Apply to 10-15 positions, not 3-4. Many jobs are filled internally before posting.

Q: What's the commute like from Fort Collins to Loveland?
A: 25-35 minutes via I-25. Many LPNs do this reverse commute because Fort Collins has higher wages (median $56,800) but Loveland has cheaper rent. It's a common strategy - work in Fort Collins, live in Loveland. The I-25 corridor has minimal traffic compared to Denver metro.

Q: Are there LPN jobs with regular daytime hours?
A: Yes, but they're competitive. Outpatient clinics, home health, and school nursing offer weekdays. Hospital day shifts are 7am-3pm but go to senior staff first. Insider Tip: Start with evenings or weekends to get your foot in the door, then transfer internally after 6-12 months. Most facilities prioritize internal candidates for day shifts.

Final Word: Loveland offers a solid, sustainable career for LPNs who understand the local landscape. The numbers work if you're realistic about housing and prioritize the lifestyle benefits. It's not the place to get rich, but it's an excellent place to