Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Guide: Plymouth, MN

As a career analyst who’s logged more miles on Highway 55 and I-494 than I can count, I’ve seen the healthcare landscape in Plymouth, Minnesota, evolve from a sleepy suburb of the 1990s into a robust, multi-hub medical community. For an LPN, this isn’t just a place with a low cost of living compared to Minneapolis proper; it’s a network of specialized clinics, long-term care facilities, and hospital-affiliated practices that are actively hiring. This guide is your data-driven roadmap to making a smart move, based on local employment trends, real-world budgets, and the unvarnished truth about living and working in this specific metro area.

The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. The Plymouth area offers a solid, competitive wage for LPNs, sitting slightly above the national average but with a cost of living that can stretch those dollars further than in downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul.

The median salary for an LPN in the Plymouth metro area is $55,357/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $26.61/hour. It’s crucial to understand this is the median—meaning half of the LPNs here earn more, and half earn less. Your actual take-home will be heavily influenced by your experience, shift differentials (especially for nights and weekends), and the specific employer. The national average for LPNs sits at $54,620/year, so Plymouth is in a slightly better position nationally, and a significantly better one when you factor in Minnesota’s robust healthcare sector.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job board analytics, there are approximately 155 active LPN jobs in the metro area at any given time. This isn't a massive number like in the Twin Cities core, but it’s a stable, consistent demand. The 10-year job growth projection for the region is 5%, which, while modest, indicates steady replacement needs and expansion in senior care and home health, not a boom-and-bust cycle.

Local Insight: The $26.61/hour figure is your baseline. I’ve seen LPNs at the larger hospital systems in the adjacent areas (like Maple Grove or Minnetonka) push into the $28-$30 range with shift differentials and specialty certifications. In Plymouth’s own long-term care facilities, the base might be closer to $25-$26, but benefits and predictable schedules are often better.

Experience-Level Breakdown

| Experience Level | Typical Plymouth Salary Range (Annual) | Notes for Plymouth Market |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $48,000 - $53,000 | Often start in long-term care, home health, or outpatient clinics. Hourly rate ~$23-$25. |
| Mid-Level (3-7 years) | $53,000 - $60,000 | Can command higher rates in specialty clinics (e.g., dialysis, wound care) or with night/weekend shifts. |
| Senior-Level (8-15 years) | $58,000 - $65,000 | Often moves into charge nurse roles, case management, or supervisory positions in skilled nursing facilities. |
| Expert/Specialty (15+ years) | $62,000+ | Can exceed this with certifications (e.g., IV therapy, gerontology) and roles in palliative care or clinical education. |

How Plymouth Compares to Other Minnesota Cities

Plymouth isn’t the highest-paying metro in the state, but it’s in the sweet spot of value.

• Minneapolis-St. Paul Core: Higher wages (median ~$58,000-$60,000), but the cost of living is 15-20% higher, especially for rent and parking. The commute from Plymouth to downtown can be 25-35 minutes without traffic, but with rush hour on I-94 or 394, it can double.
• Rochester (Mayo Clinic): Wages are often higher (median ~$57,000-$62,000) due to specialized care, but the job market is more focused on the Mayo ecosystem. Plymouth offers more diverse employer types.
• St. Cloud or Duluth: Similar or slightly lower median salaries, but with a significantly lower cost of living. Plymouth provides a balance—proximity to the urban core’s opportunities without the urban core’s price tag.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Ask about differential pay. Many Plymouth facilities offer $2-$4/hour extra for evening (3-11 pm) and night (11 pm-7 am) shifts. Weekend differentials can add another $1-$2/hour. This can bump a $26.61 base to over $30/hour quickly.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be brutally practical. A $55,357 salary looks good on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget?

First, the numbers. For 2024, a single filer (no dependents) with this gross annual income in Minnesota will have:

• Federal Taxes: ~$4,800/year
• FICA (Social Security/Medicare): ~$4,200/year
• Minnesota State Taxes: ~$2,400/year
• Total Estimated Annual Taxes: ~$11,400
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: $3,663/month

Now, let’s layer in the average 1-bedroom rent in Plymouth of $1,201/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an LPN ($55,357/year)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Plymouth-Specific Realities
Gross Monthly Income	$4,613	Pre-tax
Estimated Net (Take-Home)	$3,663	After estimated taxes and deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,201	This is the citywide average. See neighborhoods section for variations.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	Plymouth winters mean higher heating bills Nov-Mar. Budget $200+ for those months.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450	Plymouth is car-dependent. No car is not a viable option. Insurance is lower than Mpls.
Groceries	$350	Access to Cub Foods, Aldi, and Target keeps costs reasonable.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$150	Many employers offer plans; this is a co-pay estimate.
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Personal)	$400	Plenty of free parks (French Regional Park), low-cost dining.
Remaining / Savings / Debt	$932	This is your buffer. It’s manageable, but tight if you have significant student loans.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

The Cost of Living Index for Plymouth is 104.5 (US average = 100). This means life here is about 4.5% more expensive than the national average, driven largely by housing, which is above the national median but below the Minneapolis average.

With a median home price in Plymouth around $375,000-$400,000, a standard 20% down payment is $75,000-$80,000. On a $55,357 salary, lenders will typically approve a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,200-$1,400/month. This puts a home in Plymouth at the very upper edge of affordability for a single LPN at this salary.

Verdict on Homeownership: It’s a stretch on a single LPN income. It becomes viable with:

1. A dual-income household (a partner’s salary).
2. A longer commute to a less expensive suburb (e.g., Corcoran or Rockford).
3. Waiting 5-7 years to save for a larger down payment and/or seeking a promotion to a higher salary bracket.

Local Insight: Many healthcare workers in this area buy in the "first-ring" suburbs like Brooklyn Park or Robbinsdale, where prices are slightly lower (median ~$325,000-$350,000), and commute 20-30 minutes to Plymouth. It’s a common compromise.

Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

Plymouth’s healthcare scene isn’t dominated by one giant hospital. Instead, it’s a constellation of specialized centers, long-term care, and home health agencies. Here are the key players:

1. Plymouth Geriatric Center: A 140-bed skilled nursing facility on Vicksburg Lane. They are a perennial hirer for LPNs, especially for weekend and night shifts. Hiring Trend: Steady. They value LPNs with geriatric experience and dementia care training.

2. Home Instead Senior Care (Plymouth Office): One of the largest home health agencies in the metro. They serve Plymouth, Maple Grove, and Wayzata. Hiring Trend: Very active. They need LPNs for client visits, medication management, and light medical tasks. Vehicle and clean driving record required.

3. The Plymouth Clinic (Part of Ridgeview Medical Center): A multi-specialty outpatient clinic offering primary care, orthopedics, and dermatology. Hiring Trend: Selective. They hire LPNs for MA/LPN hybrid roles, often requiring phlebotomy and EKG skills. It’s a weekday, no-nights job.

4. Phasys (Pharmacy Services): Located in the commercial area off Highway 55, they provide pharmacy services to long-term care facilities. Hiring Trend: Niche but growing. They hire LPNs for medication packaging and delivery coordination, a unique role that bypasses direct patient care.

5. Cardon (now part of Optum): The massive medical office complex on Highway 55 is a major hub. While Optum is the parent, many independent clinics lease space here, from cardiology to pain management. Hiring Trend: Cyclical. Jobs open up with clinic expansions or turnover. Networking here is key.

6. Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis: While technically just across the border in Minneapolis (near Fort Snelling), it’s a top employer for Plymouth residents. A federal facility with excellent benefits. Hiring Trend: Stable. Federal jobs are competitive; veterans get preference.

7. Brooklyn Park Medical Center (North Memorial): A 10-minute drive north, this hospital-affiliated clinic offers urgent care and primary care. Hiring Trend: Active. They often hire LPNs for their urgent care teams, requiring fast-paced skills.

Insider Tip: The "hidden" job market in Plymouth is in home health and private duty nursing. Many families hire LPNs directly for private pay, offering cash rates of $25-$35/hour. Check local Facebook groups like "Plymouth, MN Community" for leads.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has a clear path to licensure, but you must follow it precisely.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a state-approved Practical Nursing program (typically 12-18 months). Several community colleges in the metro offer these (e.g., Hennepin Tech in Brooklyn Park).
2. Exam: Pass the NCLEX-PN. You must apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing to take the exam.
3. Background Check: Submit to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
4. Application: Submit a complete application to the Minnesota Board of Nursing (mbn.gov). Include official transcripts, proof of exam passage, and the background check.

Costs & Timeline:

• Program Tuition: $10,000 - $15,000 (public college). Private schools can be higher.
• NCLEX-PN Fee: $200
• MN License Application Fee: $85
• Background Check: ~$50
• Total Initial Cost (excluding tuition): ~$335
• Timeline: From starting a program to holding your license, expect 18-24 months.

For Out-of-State LPNs: Minnesota has reciprocity with most states. You’ll need to verify your license is in good standing and may need to complete a Minnesota-specific jurisprudence exam. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks once all documents are submitted.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Plymouth is divided by major roads (I-494, Highway 55, Highway 169), creating distinct living zones. Your ideal spot depends on your commute and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
East Plymouth (Near Vicksburg Ln & 55)	Quiet, residential, older homes. Central to many clinics. 10-15 min drive to most jobs.	$1,150 - $1,300	LPNs working at Plymouth Geriatric Center or home health. Easy access to shopping.
West Plymouth (Near Hwy 169 & 694)	More commercial, newer apartments. Close to Maple Grove border. 15-20 min commute to Plymouth jobs.	$1,250 - $1,450	Those who want access to Maple Grove’s amenities (shops, restaurants) and don’t mind a slightly longer drive.
North Plymouth (Near Bass Lake Rd)	Family-oriented, close to French Regional Park. 10-15 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,250	Great for outdoor enthusiasts. Slightly more affordable.
Plymouth Creek / Medicine Lake	Established, wooded, some townhomes. 5-10 min commute to central Plymouth.	$1,200 - $1,400	A balance of nature and convenience. Very stable, good for long-term stays.
Downtown Plymouth (near City Center)	Walkable, developing, small-town feel. Fewer large apartments, more townhomes/condos.	$1,300+	Those who want a community feel and can walk to local shops/parks. Harder to find a 1BR under $1,300.

Local Insight: Avoid the immediate area around Highway 55 and I-494 for housing if you value quiet. It’s the commercial spine and can be noisy. A block or two away, however, is perfectly fine.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Minnesota is a fantastic foundation, but career growth requires strategic moves.

Specialty Premiums:

• IV Therapy Certification: Adds $1-$3/hour in many settings. Required for many hospital-adjacent roles.
• Gerontology Certification: Highly valued in Plymouth’s many senior care facilities.
• Wound Care Certification: Opens doors in home health and outpatient clinics.
• Catheterization Training: A key skill for home health and rehab roles.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Move from staff LPN to Charge Nurse (supervising other LPNs/CNAs) in a long-term care facility. This can push your salary toward the $60,000+ mark.
2. Case Management: Transition into home health or hospice case management, coordinating care for multiple patients. Requires strong organizational skills.
3. Bridge to RN: The most common path. Many local employers (like Ridgeview or North Memorial) offer tuition assistance for LPNs to become Registered Nurses (RNs). An RN salary in the area is $75,000-$85,000, a significant jump. Community colleges like Hennepin Tech offer LPN-to-RN bridge programs that can be completed in 12-18 months while working.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is solid, driven by aging demographics. The real opportunity isn’t in a boom of new jobs, but in the shifting roles. Telehealth coordination, chronic disease management in outpatient settings, and specialized home health are where the demand will grow. LPNs who adapt to technology and holistic care will be most secure.

The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Plymouth is a pragmatic choice for an LPN. It’s not the place for high-flying career ambition in a major academic medical center, but it’s an excellent place to build a stable, financially sustainable career with a high quality of life.

Pros & Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Stable, diverse employer base (not reliant on one hospital).	Car-dependent. No real public transit alternative for most commutes.
Slightly above-average salary with a below-average (for metro) cost of living.	Can feel suburban and sleepy if you crave urban nightlife.
Short commutes (typically 5-20 minutes to work).	Limited higher-tier specialty jobs (e.g., Level I trauma centers require a commute).
Excellent access to parks, lakes, and outdoor activities.	Rental market is tight; good deals go fast.
Strong sense of community and family-friendly environment.	Less diversity compared to core Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Final Recommendation: Plymouth is an excellent fit for LPNs who prioritize work-life balance, value a short commute, and are looking for a stable, community-oriented place to live. It’s ideal for those who may start in home health or long-term care and want to pursue an RN bridge degree without the