Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Plantation, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Plantation Stands

As a Plantation local, I can tell you the first thing you need to know is this: the nursing market here is competitive but stable. You're not coming to a boomtown, but you're not moving into a dead-end either. The median salary for an LPN in Plantation is $56,553/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.19/hour. This is slightly above the national average for LPNs, which sits at $54,620/year. It’s a modest premium, but one that reflects the slightly higher cost of living and the demand in the South Florida healthcare ecosystem.

The metro area, which includes the broader Broward County region, has 193 LPN jobs listed at any given time. This isn't a massive number, but it's consistent. Over the past decade, the 10-year job growth for the profession has been 5%. This tells you two things: you won't see explosive growth, but you also won't face the kind of volatility that plagues other industries. It's a reliable field.

Here’s a realistic look at how salary breaks down by experience level in this market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations, aligned with the median data point.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23.08 - $25.00	Often starts in long-term care or home health. Hospitals like Broward Health may have training programs.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$54,000 - $62,000	$25.96 - $29.81	This is near the median. You'll find this range in most settings, from home health agencies to clinics.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$63,000 - $70,000+	$30.29 - $33.65+	Specialized roles (e.g., IV certification, wound care) or supervisory positions in nursing homes or hospice.

How does Plantation compare to other Florida cities?

• Miami: Salaries can be 5-10% higher, but the cost of living is significantly steeper, especially for housing. The commute from Plantation to Miami can be a brutal 60+ minutes in traffic.
• Tampa/St. Petersburg: Similar salary range, but with a lower cost of living. However, the job market is slightly less dense than South Florida's.
• Jacksonville: Salaries are often 2-5% lower than Plantation's median, but the cost of living is substantially cheaper. It's a different pace of life.
• Orlando: Salaries are comparable, but the job market is more tied to tourism and its associated healthcare needs. Plantation's market is more rooted in permanent residents and retirees.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Ask about shift differentials. In Plantation, night and weekend shifts can add $2 to $4 per hour. At a 40-hour week, that's an extra $4,160 to $8,320 annually on top of your base. This is a common way to boost your earnings significantly.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A $56,553 salary in Florida is subject to federal taxes (no state income tax is a major plus) and FICA. Your take-home pay will be roughly $43,000 - $44,000 annually, or about $3,583 - $3,666 per month.

Now, let's factor in the primary cost: rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Plantation costs $1,621/month. This is your baseline.

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

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,600	(Average estimate after federal taxes/FICA)
Rent (1BR)	$1,621	Average for Plantation. Could be higher in newer complexes.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity (AC is a must), water, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Florida car insurance is notoriously high.
Gas/Transport	$150 - $200	You will need a car; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300 - $400
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	If not covered by employer.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$300 - $500
Leftover/Savings	$179 - $479

Can you afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Plantation is over $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), you're looking at a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) of around $2,800 - $3,000. On a $56,553 salary, that's 60-65% of your pre-tax income, which is unsustainable for most. Homeownership is challenging for single LPNs on the median salary. It becomes more feasible with a dual-income household or by moving to a more affordable neighboring city like Lauderhill or Miramar.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially hospital systems like Broward Health, offer tuition reimbursement for RN programs. This is the most common path to a higher salary (RN median in FL is ~$75,000), which dramatically changes the home-buying equation.

Where the Jobs Are: Plantation's Major Employers

Plantation is a residential hub, so most jobs are in surrounding areas, but several major employers have a direct footprint or are a short commute away. The hiring trend is for LPNs with specialized skills like IV certification, wound care, or geriatric experience.

1. Broward Health Medical Center (Fort Lauderdale, 15-20 min commute): The largest public health system in the county. They have a constant need for LPNs in med-surg, rehab, and long-term care units. They offer strong benefits and pathways to RN education. Hiring is steady, with strong preference for candidates with acute care experience.

2. HCA Florida Plantation General Hospital (Plantation): Located right in the city. A smaller, community-focused hospital. LPN roles are often in outpatient clinics, same-day surgery, or patient care tech roles (with LPN scope). It's a great place for those who want to avoid the massive hospital environment. Hiring trends favor local candidates.

3. Home Health Agencies (Multiple): Companies like AccentCare and Amedisys have offices in the Plantation area. This is a huge sector for LPNs. The job involves visiting patients in their homes. It requires excellent assessment skills, independence, and a reliable vehicle. The pay is often $28-$32/hour plus mileage reimbursement. Hiring is very active, especially for those with geriatric or wound care experience.

4. Broward County Public Schools (Plantation): The school district employs LPNs to work as school nurses. This is a coveted 10-month position with summers off. The pay is on par with the median, but the lifestyle is a major draw. Competition for these jobs is fierce; having a background in pediatrics or public health helps.

5. Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities: Facilities like The Palace at Plantation or The Ivy at Plantation are always hiring. These roles are in geriatric care, providing medication administration, wound care, and daily living assistance. It's a stable sector, especially with Florida's aging population. The work can be demanding but offers consistent schedules.

6. Physician Practices & Specialty Clinics: Cardiology, orthopedic, and oncology clinics throughout Plantation and nearby Weston often hire LPNs for clinical support, phlebotomy, and patient education. These are typically Monday-Friday day jobs. Check practices affiliated with Memorial Healthcare System.

Insider Tip: Use LinkedIn and local job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor, but also check the career pages of these specific employers directly. Many positions are filled before they're widely advertised. Joining the Florida Nurses Association can also provide networking opportunities and job leads.

Getting Licensed in FL

If you're already an LPN licensed in another state, you'll need to apply for Licensure by Endorsement through the Florida Board of Nursing. If you're new to the profession, you'll need to apply for Licensure by Examination.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Education: Graduate from an approved LPN program.
• Exam: Pass the NCLEX-PN. The exam fee is $200.
• Background Check: State and federal fingerprinting. Cost: ~$85.
• Application Fee: $100 for licensure by exam; $175 for licensure by endorsement.
• Total Estimated Cost (New Licensure): $385 - $460 (not including cost of your nursing program).

Timeline to Get Started:

1. If you're already licensed in another state: The endorsement process can take 6-8 weeks once you submit a complete application. You can start applying for jobs immediately, but you must have a Florida license to work independently.
2. If you're a new graduate: After graduating, you'll apply to take the NCLEX. The Board of Nursing can take 4-6 weeks to process your application and send your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you pass the NCLEX, you'll get your license in 2-3 weeks.

Insider Tip: Start the endorsement process before you move. You can submit your application and fingerprints while you're still in your home state. The Board of Nursing website is your best friend here. It's bureaucratic, but accurate.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Plantation is not a one-size-fits-all city. Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. Rent (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown Plantation	Walkable, urban feel. Close to restaurants and shops. Easy access to I-595 to commute to Fort Lauderdale or Weston.	$1,700 - $1,900	Someone who wants a social scene and a short commute to local jobs.
Plantation Acres	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. More single-family homes and larger lots. Commute requires driving.	$1,500 - $1,700	Someone who wants space, quiet, and doesn't mind a 10-15 minute drive to the main hubs.
East Plantation (near Sunrise)	Older, established neighborhood. More affordable rents. Closer to I-595 for commutes to Fort Lauderdale.	$1,400 - $1,600	Budget-conscious LPNs who prioritize a shorter commute to major hospitals.
West Plantation (near Weston)	Newer construction, gated communities, higher rents. Feels very safe and modern. Commute to Weston jobs is easy.	$1,800 - $2,200	Those working at Weston clinics or hospitals (e.g., Cleveland Clinic Weston) who want a premium lifestyle.
Lauderhill (Adjacent)	Not Plantation, but a key option. More diverse, significantly more affordable rents. Commute to Plantation is 10-15 min.	$1,300 - $1,500	LPNs on a tighter budget who are willing to live just outside the city line for better affordability.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-595 and the Sawgrass Expressway can be brutal during rush hour. If you get a job in Fort Lauderdale, living in East Plantation or Lauderhill can cut 15-20 minutes off your daily commute compared to living in West Plantation.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license is a great entry point, but your long-term earning potential in Plantation is capped without advancement. The 10-year job growth of 5% indicates stability, not expansion.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• IV Certification: In Florida, LPNs can perform IV therapy with proper certification. This can add $1-$3/hour to your pay and opens up roles in infusion centers, home health, and some hospital units.
• Wound Care Certification: With Florida's aging population, wound care is a massive specialty. Certified Wound Care LPNs are in high demand in home health and nursing homes.
• The RN Bridge: This is the most significant advancement. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes 18-24 months. With an RN license, your median salary jumps to over $75,000 in Florida, and the job market (especially in hospitals) expands dramatically. Many local employers (Broward Health, Memorial) offer tuition assistance for this bridge.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable but requires proactivity. The 5% growth means new jobs will be created, primarily to replace retirees. The biggest growth areas will be in home health and geriatric care due to Florida's demographics. LPNs who specialize and those who pursue their RN will see the best opportunities and salary growth. Those who remain in generalist roles may see slower wage increases.

The Verdict: Is Plantation Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-Average Salary for the LPN profession.	High Cost of Living, especially for housing.
Stable Job Market with 193 local jobs and steady demand.	Homeownership is very difficult on a single LPN salary.
No State Income Tax boosts your take-home pay.	Traffic can be intense; a car is a necessity.
Access to Major Healthcare Systems (Broward Health, HCA, Memorial).	The 5% job growth is modest; career advancement often requires an RN degree.
Diverse Lifestyle Options from urban to suburban.	The city is spread out; you'll rely on your car for everything.

Final Recommendation:

Plantation is a strong choice for a mid-career LPN seeking stability and a Florida lifestyle without the extreme costs of Miami. It's ideal if you:

• Already have 2-5 years of experience and can target the $54,000 - $62,000 range.
• Are willing to pursue specialty certifications (IV, wound care) or are on a clear path to an RN degree.
• Are comfortable with a car-dependent lifestyle and a moderate commute.
• Have a financial plan for housing (renting long-term or buying with a partner).

It's a tougher choice for a brand-new LPN. The entry-level salary ($48,000 - $52,000) combined with high rent leaves little room for error. If you're just starting, consider gaining experience in a lower-cost-of-living area first, or be prepared to live with roommates in Lauderhill or Sunrise to make the budget work. The key is to view Plantation not as a final destination, but as a platform for building a specialized skill set that leads to the RN role and true financial stability.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find an LPN job in Plantation without local experience?
Yes, but it depends on the sector. Home health and nursing homes are often more willing to train motivated candidates. Hospitals, especially Broward Health, may prefer some acute care experience. Being open to night shifts or weekend schedules can significantly increase your chances.

2. What's the traffic like for a nurse working irregular hours?
It's a major factor. If you work 7a-3p or 3p-11p, you'll hit rush hour. A 15-mile commute can take 45 minutes. Working nights (11p-7a) or weekends can cut your commute time in half. Factor this into your job search and neighborhood choice.

3. Do I need to know Spanish to work as an LPN in Plantation?
While not a strict requirement, it is a huge advantage. South Florida has a large Spanish-speaking population. Being bilingual (English/Spanish) will make you a more competitive candidate, especially in home health, clinics, and nursing homes. It can also lead to higher-paying opportunities.

4. What's the cost of living like compared to the national average?
Plantation's cost of living index is 111.8, meaning it's about 12% higher than the U.S. average. The main driver is housing. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are closer to the national average, but housing costs are the critical factor for budgeting.

5. Can I live comfortably as a single LPN in Plantation on the median salary?
You can live, but "comfortably" is subjective. It requires a strict budget, likely living in a more affordable neighborhood like Lauderhill or East Plantation, and potentially having a roommate. You'll have enough for basics and some entertainment, but significant savings or a mortgage will be challenging without a second income or career advancement.