Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Overland Park, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Overland Park Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Overland Park’s healthcare job market is robust and stable. For an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), the numbers paint a clear picture. The median salary here is $53,522/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.73/hour. This sits just below the national average of $54,620/year, but don’t let that fool you—the cost of living here is significantly lower than the U.S. average, making your paycheck stretch further.

The metro area has 394 active jobs for LPNs, with a 10-year job growth projected at 5%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady and reliable, especially in a post-pandemic healthcare landscape. Overland Park is part of the larger Kansas City metro, so while the city itself has a population of 197,062, you’re really tapping into a regional network of opportunities.

Here’s how salary typically progresses with experience:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Overland Park)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $49,000	Often starts in long-term care or home health. Hospital roles may pay slightly more but are competitive.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$53,522 (Median)	This is the sweet spot. With solid experience, you can command the median or higher, especially in specialty clinics.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$58,000 - $65,000	Leads to charge nurse roles, education positions, or specialized units. Leadership potential increases pay.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$68,000+	Often in management, case management, or as a clinical instructor. This tier is less common for LPNs but achievable.

Insider Tip: While the median is $53,522, many local employers offer shift differentials (for nights/weekends) and on-call pay, which can bump your effective hourly rate by $2-$4. Always ask about these during interviews.

How Overland Park Compares to Other Kansas Cities:

• Wichita: Slightly lower median salary ($51,800) but a lower cost of living.
• Kansas City, MO: Higher median salary ($56,100) but a more competitive market and higher cost of living.
• Topeka: Similar to Wichita, with a median around $52,000.
• Olathe (adjacent to OP): Very comparable, with median salaries in the $52,500 - $54,000 range.

Overland Park strikes a balance: good pay, lower cost of living, and a stable job market. It’s not the highest-paying city in the state, but it’s one of the most livable.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what you can afford. Using the median salary of $53,522/year (or about $4,460/month gross), here’s a typical monthly budget breakdown for a single LPN in Overland Park.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Income	$4,460	Before taxes.
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	-$980	Roughly 22% effective tax rate for this bracket.
Take-Home Pay	$3,480	This is your realistic starting point.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$839	The city average. You can find options from $750-$1,000.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	-$150	Varies by season; summers can be pricier with A/C.
Internet/Phone	-$100	Competitive rates in the metro.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$350	Assumes a modest car payment and full coverage.
Gas/Commuting	-$120	Kansas has low gas prices, but Overland Park is spread out.
Groceries & Essentials	-$400	Planning meals and using local stores like Hy-Vee or Price Chopper helps.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	-$200	Employer-sponsored plans are common and cheaper.
Discretionary/ Savings	-$841	This is the key. You have a healthy buffer.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of Overland Park’s biggest draws. The median home price is around $320,000. With a $3,480 take-home pay, a conservative mortgage (including taxes and insurance) could be $1,500-$1,700/month, which is a significant but manageable portion of your income. Many LPNs I know have purchased homes within 3-5 years of moving here, especially if they have a partner or dual income. The Cost of Living Index of 93.3 (US avg = 100) means your dollar goes further here than in most of the country.

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Where the Jobs Are: Overland Park's Major Employers

The job market is diverse, from large hospital systems to specialized clinics. Here are the key players:

1. The University of Kansas Health System (Main Campus & Indian Creek Campus): The biggest game in town. KU Health has a massive footprint in Overland Park, especially at the Indian Creek Campus (near 119th & Nall). They hire LPNs for outpatient clinics, dialysis, and specialty units. Hiring is continuous, but competition is fierce. Insider Tip: Get your foot in the door with a per-diem or part-time role. It’s easier to transition to full-time from within.

2. Saint Luke's Health System (South & East Regions): Saint Luke's operates numerous clinics and a regional hospital in the area. They have a strong reputation for nurse-friendly culture and professional development. Look for openings in their primary care, cardiology, and oncology clinics.

3. AdventHealth (formerly Shawnee Mission Medical Center): Located in nearby Shawnee, it’s a major employer for the entire metro. They have a high volume of LPN roles in med-surg, pediatrics, and urgent care. Their system is growing, and they often post jobs with signing bonuses.

4. Olathe Medical Center (Part of HCA Midwest Health): Just south of Overland Park, this is a full-service hospital that actively recruits LPNs. The community feel here is strong, and the commute from most OP neighborhoods is manageable (15-25 minutes).

5. Major Clinic Networks & Private Practices:

   • Children’s Mercy Kansas City (has outpatient clinics in OP): Great for those interested in pediatrics.
   • The University of Kansas Health System's Great Plains network: Many primary care and specialty clinics.
   • OrthoKansas or other specialty surgical centers: These are often looking for LPNs with surgical or orthopedic experience.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for LPNs with experience in geriatrics, dialysis, and primary care. There's a growing need for case management and care coordinators, which is a great advancement path. As a local, I’ve seen a shift toward more outpatient and home-based care roles, which often offer more predictable schedules than hospital shifts.

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Getting Licensed in KS

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to navigate the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Licensure by Endorsement: If you hold an active LPN license in another state, you can apply for a Kansas license by endorsement. You must have passed the NCLEX-PN and have no active disciplinary actions.

   • Cost: The application fee is $100, plus a $200 fingerprinting/background check fee. Total: $300.
   • Timeline: The KSBN website states processing can take 4-6 weeks after a complete application is received. Start this process before you move or as soon as you have a job offer.
   • Compact State Note: Kansas is part of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). If your primary state of residence is another compact state (like Missouri), your license is already valid in Kansas! This is a huge advantage for those living in the KC metro.

2. NCLEX-PN Exam: If you’re a new grad, you must pass the NCLEX-PN. The KSBN will grant you a temporary permit to work under supervision while you await results.

   • Cost: The exam fee is $200 (paid to Pearson VUE).
   • Timeline: From application to exam date can be 3-4 weeks. Results are typically available within 2 business days.

Insider Tip: The KSBN online portal can be clunky. Call them directly if you have questions—they’re generally helpful. Also, keep a digital copy of all your documents (transcripts, license verification) handy for multiple employer applications.

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The Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Overland Park is sprawling, so your commute matters. Here are top picks based on lifestyle, commute, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Downtown Overland Park	Walkable, charming, historic. 5-15 min drive to KU Health Indian Creek, Saint Luke's clinics.	$900 - $1,150	The LPN who wants a "small town" feel with city amenities. Great restaurants and parks.
South Overland Park (135th & Metcalf)	Family-oriented, safe, excellent schools. 10-20 min commute to major employers.	$850 - $1,050	Those planning for a family or wanting a quiet, suburban neighborhood.
College Boulevard Corridor	Commercial hub, dense with apartments. Super convenient for jobs at KU Health or the many clinics on College Blvd.	$795 - $995	The practical LPN who wants the shortest possible commute and easy access to shopping.
Lenexa (City Center)	Technically its own city, but part of the OP area. A booming new downtown with a great community vibe.	$875 - $1,100	Someone who wants a newer apartment and a tight-knit community feel, with a 15-25 min commute.
Old Town Lenexa	Similar to Downtown OP but a bit more rustic. Quaint, with lots of character.	$800 - $1,000	LPNs who love a historic, walkable area and don't mind a slightly longer commute (20-30 mins).

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-435 and I-35 can be heavy during rush hour. If you work at a hospital like Olathe Medical Center, living in the southern parts of Overland Park or Lenexa will cut your commute significantly.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth is 5%, the path for an LPN in Overland Park is about specialization and advancement, not just volume.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dialysis (in-center or home): Often pays $2-$5/hour more than the base rate.
• Oncology/Infusion: Specialized training can lead to a 10-15% salary increase.
• Case Management/Utilization Review: These roles, which often require experience and additional certifications, can push you toward the $65,000+ range.
• School Nursing: A popular choice for those seeking a school-year schedule. Pay is often aligned with teacher salaries, which in the area is competitive.

Advancement Paths:

1. LPN to RN Bridge Programs: This is the most common path. Johnson County Community College (JCCC) in Overland Park has an excellent, affordable ADN program. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement.
2. Leadership: Charge LPN, Unit Coordinator, or Clinical Supervisor roles.
3. Education: Becoming a clinical instructor for a local CNA or LPN program.
4. Specialized Certification: Pursuing certifications in wound care, gerontology, or IV therapy can make you highly marketable for premium roles.

10-Year Outlook: The need for frontline care will remain strong due to an aging population. The 5% growth reflects a stable, not booming, market. Your biggest leverage will be gaining specialized experience and potentially pursuing an RN license for higher earning potential and scope of practice.

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The Verdict: Is Overland Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Quality of Life: Safe, clean, excellent public services.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable car. Public transit (KC Metro) exists but is limited.
Affordable Cost of Living: A median salary of $53,522 goes far here.	Limited Nightlife: It’s a family-oriented suburb. For a big city vibe, you’ll drive to downtown Kansas City, MO.
Strong, Stable Job Market: 394 jobs and steady 5% growth.	Competitive for New Grads: Getting that first hospital job can be tough; outpatient clinics are an easier entry point.
Excellent Commute Times: Most commutes are under 30 minutes.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and cold, icy winters. You must be prepared for all four seasons.
Proximity to Kansas City: All the amenities of a major city (sports, culture, airport) are a 20-30 minute drive away.	State Licensing: If you’re not from a compact state, the endorsement process takes time and money.

Final Recommendation: Overland Park is an excellent choice for LPNs who value stability, a family-friendly environment, and financial comfort. It’s ideal for those in mid-career looking to buy a home, or for new grads who are willing to start in outpatient or long-term care to gain experience. If you’re seeking the fast pace and high-energy of a major urban center, you might find it a bit quiet. But for a balanced, rewarding career in nursing with a great quality of life, Overland Park delivers.

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FAQs

1. I'm a new LPN grad. What are my best chances of getting hired in Overland Park?
Start with home health agencies, long-term care facilities (like skilled nursing homes), or outpatient clinics. These settings often have more openings for new grads. Getting 1-2 years of experience here will make you a strong candidate for hospital jobs at KU Health or Saint Luke's.

2. How does the cost of living in Overland Park really compare to the national average?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93.3, Overland Park is about 6.7% cheaper than the U.S. average. The biggest savings are in housing and transportation. Your $53,522 salary here would feel like earning about $57,300 in a city with an index of 100.

3. Is the job market saturated?
Not saturated, but competitive. With 394 jobs in a metro of nearly 200,000 people, you have options, but you need to be strategic. Tailor your resume to the specific employer. A cover letter mentioning your understanding of the local community (like the importance of the KU Health system) can help.

4. What’s the commute really like?
Overland Park is designed for cars. Most nurses live within 10-20 miles of their workplace. Rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) adds about 10-15 minutes to a typical commute. Living near your job cluster (e.g., near 119th & Nall for KU Health) is a major quality-of-life win.

5. Can I live comfortably on the median salary as a single person?
Yes. As the budget breakdown shows, you have a $841 monthly buffer after essential expenses. This allows for savings, vacations, and discretionary spending. If you have a partner or roommate, your financial flexibility increases dramatically, making homeownership very attainable.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Kansas State Board of Nursing, U.S. Census Bureau, local real estate market reports, and employer career pages.