The Complete Career Guide for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pasco, Washington

So, you’re an LPN, and you’re thinking about Pasco, Washington. Let me cut through the noise. I’ve lived in the Tri-Cities for years, and I know Pasco like the back of my hand. It’s not Seattle or Tacoma. It’s a working city, built on agriculture, energy, and healthcare. For an LPN, that means steady demand and a lower cost of living, but also a specific lifestyle. This guide isn’t about selling you a dream; it’s about giving you the data and the local insight to make a smart, informed decision. We’ll talk numbers, neighborhoods, and the nitty-gritty of living and working here.

The Salary Picture: Where Pasco Stands

First, the cold, hard cash. Let’s get the salary data out front because it dictates everything else. According to the most recent data, the median salary for an LPN in Pasco is $54,456 per year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.18 per hour. For context, the national average for LPNs sits at $54,620 per year. So, Pasco’s median is virtually identical to the national average. This isn’t a high-cost coastal city paying a massive premium, but it’s also not a low-wage area.

When you compare this to other Washington cities, the difference is stark. Pasco is part of the Kennewick-Pasco-Richland metro area, which has a population of about 81,415. The broader metro area supports 162 LPN jobs. While the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%—which is modest—this figure often underestimates the constant churn in healthcare and the retiree population driving demand in a city with a median age of 32.9.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Pasco)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$54,000 - $60,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$60,000 - $68,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$68,000 - $75,000+

Insider Tip: Your specialty matters immensely. An LPN with a geriatric certification working in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) may hit the mid-to-senior range faster than a generalist in home health. The $54,456 median is your starting point, not your ceiling.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

An annual salary is just a number. What does it actually buy you in Pasco? Let’s break down a monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary of $54,456.

First, taxes. For 2024, a single filer with no dependents earning $54,456 would pay approximately:

• Federal Income Tax: ~$4,600
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$4,166
• State Income Tax (WA has no income tax!): $0
• Note: This is a simplified estimate. Actual withholdings vary.
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$45,690 (or ~$3,808/month)

Now, let’s layer in the cost of living. Pasco’s Cost of Living Index is 99.0, meaning it’s essentially on par with the national average. However, housing is the biggest variable. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Pasco is $1,633 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN in Pasco:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,808	After taxes
Rent (1-BR Avg)	$1,633	43% of take-home pay
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$200	Varies by season
Internet	$70	Planning for basic
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	WA has higher insurance rates
Gas (Commuting)	$150	Tri-Cities is car-dependent
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200	Premiums vary
Miscellaneous (Clothing, Out)	$300
Total Expenses	$3,303
Remaining	$505	Savings, debt, or emergencies

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in the Tri-Cities area is approximately $385,000. With a 20% down payment ($77,000), you’d be looking at a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of around $2,200-$2,400. That’s 58-63% of your take-home pay. It’s a stretch on a single LPN income. Buying a home is possible with a partner, careful budgeting, or by targeting less expensive neighborhoods, but it’s a significant financial commitment compared to renting.

Insider Tip: Many LPNs here work extra shifts (12-hour weekends) or take on PRN (as-needed) roles at other facilities to boost their income, making homeownership more attainable. The side hustle culture is strong in healthcare.

Where the Jobs Are: Pasco's Major Employers

Pasco’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few key players. The job market for 162 LPNs is competitive but stable. Here are the major employers you need to know:

1. Lourdes Medical Center (Part of Ascension): Located right in Pasco, this is the city’s primary hospital. They have med-surg, ER, and specialty clinics. Lourdes is a major employer and often hires LPNs for inpatient units. Hiring trends are steady, with a focus on bedside nursing in med-surg and long-term care sub-acute units.

2. Trios Health (Part of CommonSpirit Health): Based in Kennewick but serving the entire metro, Trios has a strong presence. They operate the Trios Women’s & Children’s Hospital and multiple clinics. They tend to hire LPNs for their specialty clinics (like dialysis or oncology) and in their network of primary care offices. It’s a great place to find a 9-to-5 schedule away from the hospital floor.

3. Prosser Memorial Hospital: While not in Pasco proper, it’s a critical 15-minute drive west on I-82. This rural hospital is a huge employer for LPNs from Pasco. They offer a close-knit, community hospital feel. Hiring trends are very active here due to the rural setting and difficulty retaining staff. They often provide sign-on bonuses to attract talent from Pasco.

4. Kadlec Regional Medical Center (Part of Providence): Located in Richland, Kadlec is the largest hospital in the region. It’s a Level II Trauma Center and a major teaching facility. For an LPN, this means more complex patient cases and more opportunities for specialties like orthopedics, surgery, or intensive care (often as a tech or aide under RN supervision). Competition for jobs here is the highest, but the experience is top-tier.

5. Benton-Franklin County Public Health: This government entity hires LPNs for community health roles, including immunization clinics, WIC programs, and home visits. It’s a different pace—more predictable hours, no weekends/holidays. A great option for those seeking work-life balance. They typically have a slower but steady hiring process.

6. Local Long-Term Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities: This is the backbone of LPN employment in Pasco. Facilities like Columbia Basin Nursing Home and Cascade Gardens (in Richland) are always hiring. Demand is high due to the aging population. These jobs often offer shift differentials for nights and weekends. This is where many new grads get their start and build experience.

7. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare or Visiting Nurse Association have offices serving Pasco. They hire LPNs for private-duty cases. This offers incredible schedule flexibility but requires strong time management and the ability to work independently. Pay can be higher for complex cases.

Insider Tip: Many employers in the Tri-Cities are part of large health systems (Ascension, CommonSpirit, Providence). Check their internal job boards first. Also, the “hospital float pool” is a common entry point, giving you experience across multiple units.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state has specific requirements for LPNs. If you’re licensed in another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. If you’re a new grad, you’ll apply for an initial license.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Education: Graduate from an approved LPN program.
• NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
• Background Check: You must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and FBI. The fee is currently $49.25 (paid to the Washington State Department of Health).
• Application Fee: The initial license application fee is $120.
• Fees Total: Expect to pay around $170 for the state application and background check, plus the NCLEX exam fee of $200 (paid to Pearson VUE). Total upfront cost: ~$370.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. If you’re out-of-state: Contact the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) for the licensure-by-endorsement application. It can take 4-8 weeks to process once all documents are received. Start this process 2-3 months before your planned move.
2. If you’re a new grad: Apply for your Washington license after graduation but before taking the NCLEX. Once you pass, your license is issued. This can take 2-4 weeks after passing the exam.
3. Compact State Note: Washington is NOT part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). You cannot use a compact license to work here. You need a specific Washington license.

Action Step: Bookmark the Washington State Board of Nursing website. It’s your single source of truth for applications, forms, and status checks.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Pasco impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Pasco is divided by the railroad tracks. The east side is older, more established, and closer to downtown and the hospitals. The west side is newer, more suburban, and closer to the interstate and shopping.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg 1-BR Rent	Best For...
East Pasco (Downtown)	Historic, walkable, close to Lourdes. Older homes, some grit. 5-10 min commute to most employers.	$1,300 - $1,500	LPNs who want an urban feel, lower rent, and a short drive to work.
South Pasco	Suburban, family-oriented, near Sacajawea Park. 10-15 min commute to hospitals.	$1,500 - $1,700	Those seeking a quiet, established neighborhood with good amenities.
West Pasco (Newer Suburbs)	Master-planned communities (e.g., Canyon Lakes), modern apartments. 15-20 min commute to hospitals, but easy freeway access.	$1,600 - $1,850	LPNs who prioritize newer construction, amenities, and don’t mind a longer commute for more space.
South Richland	Technically a different city, but a very common commute. Clean, park-like, near Kadlec. 15 min commute to Kadlec, 20 to Pasco.	$1,550 - $1,750	LPNs working primarily at Kadlec who want a higher-end, quiet neighborhood.
Prosser (West of Pasco)	A true rural town, 15-20 min commute. Small-town feel, very affordable.	$1,100 - $1,300	LPNs working at Prosser Memorial or seeking the lowest cost of living. Requires a car.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal in Pasco, but the I-82 and US-395 junctions can get busy during rush hour. Living on the same side of town as your job (e.g., East Pasco for Lourdes, West Pasco for Trios) saves 10-15 minutes and gas. For renters, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are huge here for finding private landlords with better rates than big complexes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN career in Pasco is solid, but advancement requires strategy. The 10-year job growth of 5% means competition for the best positions will remain steady.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Gerontology/Geriatrics: With a large retiree population, LPNs with geriatric certifications are in high demand in SNFs and home health. This can command a $2,000-$5,000 premium over the median.
• Dialysis: LPNs can train to work in outpatient dialysis centers (like Fresenius or DaVita). This is a specialized, technical role with higher pay and regular hours.
• Case Management: With experience, an LPN can move into a case coordinator role, often in home health or public health. This is a desk-based job with more regular hours.
• The RN Bridge: The most common advancement path. Several local schools (like CBC in Pasco) offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs. An RN in Pasco earns a median of $81,000+, significantly higher than an LPN. Many employers offer tuition assistance for this.

10-Year Outlook: The demand for LPNs in Pasco will remain stable, driven by the aging population. However, the trend is toward LPNs taking on more complex tasks as the healthcare system adapts. The key to growth is specialization and considering the RN bridge. The long-term outlook is positive but requires proactive career management.

The Verdict: Is Pasco Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here than in most WA cities.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable car. Public transit is limited.
Stable Job Market: Healthcare is a pillar of the local economy.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: It’s a family-friendly, working city. Not a cultural hub.
No State Income Tax: 5% of your income stays in your pocket.	Extreme Weather: Summers are very hot (often over 100°F), winters can be cold and smoky from wildfires.
Easy Commute: Minimal traffic compared to major metros.	Political Landscape: The area is conservative. Socially, it may not suit everyone.
Outdoor Access: Great for hiking, biking, and wine country nearby.	Rent is High Relative to Salary: The $1,633/month rent is a significant portion of the median LPN income.

Final Recommendation: Pasco is an excellent choice for an LPN who is budget-conscious, values a stable job, and prefers a slower pace of life. It’s ideal for those working in long-term care or home health who want a lower-stress environment. However, if you are a new grad looking for high-acuity, fast-paced hospital experience, you may find the options more limited compared to a larger city. The financial math works, but you must be strategic about your specialty and side income to get ahead.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job in Pasco with a compact license from another state?
No. Washington is not part of the nurse licensure compact. You must obtain a Washington state license before you can work here as an LPN.

2. How competitive is the job market for new LPN grads in Pasco?
It’s moderately competitive. New grads often start in long-term care or home health to gain experience. Having your BLS/CPR certification and being willing to work nights or weekends significantly improves your chances. Apply broadly and don’t be afraid to start in a SNF.

3. Do employers in Pasco offer sign-on bonuses for LPNs?
Yes, especially for facilities in Prosser or SNFs that are short-staffed. Bonuses can range from $2,000 to $10,000, often paid in installments over 1-2 years of employment. Always read the fine print.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for LPNs moving to Pasco?
For most, it’s the combination of housing costs and salary. While the $54,456 median is decent, the $1,633/month rent creates a tight budget. Many LPNs address this by having roommates, living in a cheaper neighborhood like Prosser, or picking up significant overtime.

5. Is there a demand for bilingual LPNs (English/Spanish)?
Absolutely. Pasco has a large and growing Hispanic/Latino population (over 50%). Being fluent in Spanish is a major asset in any healthcare setting, from hospitals to clinics and home health. It can make you a top candidate and open doors to community-focused