Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Marysville, WA

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking the healthcare job market across the Pacific Northwest, I’ve watched Marysville evolve from a quiet military town into a key healthcare hub for Snohomish County. For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), this shift means opportunity, but it comes with the specific cost-of-living pressures of the Seattle metro area. This guide cuts through the noise with hard data and local insights to help you decide if Marysville is the right move for your LPN career.

The Salary Picture: Where Marysville Stands

Marysville’s LPN salary landscape is solidly above the national average but reflects the competitive Puget Sound market. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area, the median salary for an LPN is $56,750/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.28. This is a healthy $2,130 above the national average of $54,620/year. The metro area currently supports about 145 LPN jobs, with a 10-year job growth projection of 5%—steady, if not explosive, growth.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in the Marysville area:

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary (Marysville Metro) | Notes |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $48,000 - $52,000 | Often starts in long-term care or home health. Sign-on bonuses are common. |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $56,750 - $62,000 | This is the median range, typical for hospital or clinic roles. |
| Senior/Expert (8+ years) | $63,000 - $72,000+ | Specialized roles (e.g., dialysis, wound care) or charge LPN positions. |

Insider Tip: Your pay will heavily depend on your employer type. Hospital systems like Providence and PeaceHealth generally offer higher base pay and better benefits than smaller private clinics or home health agencies. However, private-duty nursing in affluent areas like Silver Lake can sometimes command higher hourly rates.

Comparison to Other WA Cities:

• Seattle/Bellevue: Higher base pay (+5-10%), but rent is 30-40% higher. The commute from Marysville can be brutal (60-90 minutes each way).
• Everett: Very similar to Marysville in both salary and cost of living. Everett has more hospitals but also more competition.
• Bellingham: Slightly lower salary (-3-5%) but significantly lower housing costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real: the headline salary is only part of the story. With a median salary of $56,750, your monthly take-home pay after taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction, and WA’s lack of state income tax) is approximately $3,550.

Now, layer in the local cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Marysville is $1,864/month. The Cost of Living Index is 113.0 (US average = 100), meaning you’re paying about 13% more for goods and services than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,550	Post-federal tax, no state income tax.
Rent (1BR avg)	$1,864	This is a major chunk (~52% of take-home).
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, water, garbage. Internet/Phone extra.
Groceries	$400	For a single person.
Transportation	$300	Gas, insurance, maintenance. Public transit (Community Transit) is limited.
Healthcare	$150	Co-pays, medications (assuming employer insurance).
Misc. (Food, Fun, Savings)	$686	Left for everything else.

Can they afford to buy a home?
It’s a significant stretch on a single LPN income. The median home price in the Marysville area is around $615,000. A 20% down payment is $123,000. With current mortgage rates, you’d need an income well over $120,000 to comfortably afford that. Most LPNs in Marysville who own homes are either dual-income households or have been in the area for many years, building equity before the market surged. Renting is the standard for newcomers.

Where the Jobs Are: Marysville's Major Employers

Marysville is part of the larger North Snohomish County healthcare network. The job market is dominated by a few key players:

1. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (Colby Campus): While technically in Everett, it’s a major employer for Marysville residents. This Level II Trauma center has a steady demand for LPNs in med-surg, orthopedics, and the emergency department. Hiring is continuous, but competition is high.
2. PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center: Located in Friday Harbor but with a Marysville clinic presence. They often have openings for LPNs in their family medicine and specialty clinics. The culture is mission-driven.
3. Cascade Valley Hospital (Arlington): Just 15 minutes north of Marysville. This is a critical access hospital that values LPNs for its inpatient and swing-bed units. The community vibe is strong here.
4. Private Long-Term Care Facilities: Marysville has several, including Marysville Post Acute and The Post Acute Medical Center of Marysville. These facilities are always hiring LPNs for floor nursing. The work is demanding but offers consistent schedules and experience.
5. Home Health & Hospice Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and Kaiser Permanente’s Home Health have a growing presence. This is a great option for those seeking autonomy and a different pace.
6. U.S. Naval Hospital Everett (Clinic at Bangor): For those with a DoD clearance or willing to pursue one, this is a unique, stable employer with excellent benefits, though the hiring process is slower.

Hiring Trends: The shift is toward integrated care. Employers increasingly want LPNs who can work in team-based models, especially in chronic disease management (diabetes, COPD). Bilingual (Spanish) skills are a major advantage in the community health centers.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State licensure is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) oversees the process.

Requirements:

1. Graduate from a state-approved LPN program.
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
3. Submit a complete application to the WA DOH, including fingerprints for a background check.
4. Pay the fees: Application ($75) + Background Check ($49.25) + NCLEX registration ($200). Total: ~$324.25 (not including exam prep).
5. You must also complete a Washington State-approved course on HIV/AIDS and a course on suicide prevention (often offered by employers post-hire).

Timeline: From submitting a complete application to receiving your license can take 4-8 weeks. It’s faster if your fingerprints are processed without issues. Insider Tip: If you’re already licensed in another compact state (like Idaho or Oregon), you can apply for licensure by endorsement, which is quicker. Washington is not a compact state for LPNs.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Marysville affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here are the top neighborhoods to consider:

1. Downtown Marysville: The historic core. Walkable to some shops and restaurants. Commute to local clinics is easy. Rent for a 1BR: ~$1,600. Best for those who want a small-town feel.
2. Sunset Hill: A quiet, residential area north of downtown. More single-family homes, good for families. Rent for a 1BR/Condo: ~$1,700. Commute to Cascade Valley Hospital is short.
3. Kellogg Marsh: Near the Tulalip Resort and I-5. High convenience, but traffic can be noisy. Rent for a 1BR: ~$1,750. Ideal if you work odd hours and need quick highway access to Everett.
4. Shoultes/Island: The eastern side, closer to the Tulalip Reservation. Quieter, more rural feel. Rent for a 1BR (in a newer complex): ~$1,800. Commutes to hospitals can be 20-30 minutes.
5. Silver Lake (Adjacent to Everett): Actually in Everett but a top choice for Marysville workers. Family-friendly, good schools, lake access. Rent for a 1BR: ~$1,900+. The commute to Marysville employers is reverse-commute (easy).

The Long Game: Career Growth

LPNs in Marysville have clear advancement pathways, but they often require additional certifications or education.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dialysis: +$3-$5/hour. Demand is high at clinics in Everett and Marysville.
• Wound Care Certification (WCC): +$2-$4/hour. Valuable in long-term care and home health.
• Infusion Therapy: +$4-$6/hour. Requires additional training, often sponsored by employers.

Advancement Paths:

1. Charge LPN: Supervising other LPNs in a facility. Requires experience (5+ years).
2. Transition to RN: Many local hospitals (like Providence) offer tuition assistance programs for LPNs to become RNs. This is the most common and financially rewarding path.
3. Specialty Clinic LPN: Moving into a specific clinic (e.g., cardiology, oncology) for deeper expertise and more regular hours.

10-Year Outlook (5% Growth): The growth is steady, driven by an aging population. However, the role of the LPN is evolving. The future LPN will need to be tech-savvy (electronic health records), skilled in patient education, and adept at working in team-based models. The jobs will be there, but those who specialize will have the best prospects.

The Verdict: Is Marysville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-national-average salary for LPNs.	High cost of living, especially housing (rent eats ~52% of take-home).
Stable job market with major employers nearby.	Competitive job market; need strong resume and interview skills.
Strategic location between Seattle and Canadian border.	Limited public transit; a reliable car is essential.
Small-town feel with big-city amenities (Tulalip Resort, proximity to nature).	Rainy, gray winters can affect mood; not for those seeking sun.
No state income tax helps offset high cost of living.	Career advancement often requires further education (RN).

Final Recommendation: Marysville is a strong fit for LPNs who value stability and a community feel but are prepared for financial discipline. It’s ideal for those with 2-5 years of experience ready for a mid-career role, especially if they have a partner or roommate to share costs. It’s less ideal for new graduates expecting to buy a home quickly or those who crave the urban energy of downtown Seattle. If you’re willing to specialize and potentially pursue an RN degree down the line, Marysville offers a solid foundation for a long-term healthcare career.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the LPN job market in Marysville?
A: Moderately competitive. While there are jobs (145 in the metro), there is a steady pipeline of LPN graduates from local community colleges (like Edmonds CC). Having a clean license, a strong clinical externship, and being open to long-term care will significantly increase your hireability.

Q: Is it worth commuting from Marysville to Seattle for a higher-paying job?
A: Generally, no. The higher Seattle salary is often offset by the higher Seattle rent and the brutal commute (I-5 traffic). You’d need a salary increase of at least 15-20% to make it financially worthwhile, and the quality-of-life cost is high.

Q: What’s the best way to find LPN jobs in Marysville?
A: Go beyond Indeed. Check the “Careers” pages directly on the websites of Providence, PeaceHealth, and Cascade Valley Hospital. Also, connect with local healthcare staffing agencies like Aya Healthcare or KPG Healthcare; they often have exclusive contracts with Marysville facilities.

Q: Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Marysville?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transit (Community Transit) exists but is not reliable for shift work, especially early mornings, nights, or weekends. Parking is generally free at hospitals and clinics, which is a plus.

Q: How does the cost of living impact an LPN’s lifestyle?
A: It requires careful budgeting. After rent and essentials, discretionary income is limited. You’ll likely need to cook at home more, limit expensive entertainment, and prioritize saving. The trade-off is access to incredible outdoor recreation (hiking at Mountain Loop Highway, kayaking in the Salish Sea) on the weekends, which is low-cost.