Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Pompano Beach, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Pompano Beach Stands

As a local who’s watched the South Florida healthcare scene for years, I can tell you that LPN salaries in Pompano Beach are a mixed bag. You’re not breaking into the top tier of Florida nurse pay, but you’re also not at the bottom. The key is understanding where you fit in the local ecosystem.

The median salary for an LPN in Pompano Beach is $56,553 per year, which breaks down to a median hourly rate of $27.19/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $54,620/year, a small but meaningful buffer, especially when you consider the cost of living. With 227 active LPN jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 5%, the market is stable but not explosive. It’s a steady, reliable market for a career-focused individual.

Most local employers base their pay scales on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23.08 - $25.00	Often starts in long-term care or home health.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$54,000 - $60,000	$25.96 - $28.85	The sweet spot for most clinic and hospital roles.
Senior-Level (5-10 yrs)	$61,000 - $68,000	$29.33 - $32.69	Specialties (wound care, dialysis) start here.
Expert/Specialty (10+ yrs)	$70,000+	$33.65+	With certifications, management, or traveling contracts.

When you compare Pompano Beach to other Florida cities, the story gets clearer. You’ll earn notably less than in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, where median salaries can push $60,000+ due to higher patient volume and more specialty hospitals. You’ll also trail Orlando and Tampa. However, you’ll generally outpace smaller, inland Florida cities like Ocala or Lakeland. Pompano Beach offers a beach-adjacent lifestyle without the premium price tag of Miami, making the salary stretch a bit further.

Insider Tip: The $27.19 median is an anchor. Many local nursing homes and home health agencies hover near this rate. To push past it, you need to specialize or move into a hospital system. The real money in this region isn't in the base pay—it's in the overtime, shift differentials (nights/weekends), and the travel NCLEX contracts that pop up seasonally.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about the numbers. A median salary of $56,553 sounds solid until you factor in Florida’s cost of living. The biggest variable here is housing. The average 1BR rent in Pompano Beach is $1,621/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 111.8 (US avg = 100). That means everything from groceries to utilities is about 12% more expensive than the national average.

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

Category	Monthly Cost	% of Income	Notes
Gross Income	$4,713	100%	Before taxes.
Estimated Taxes	-$1,029	21.8%	FICA (7.65%), Federal (~12%), State (0%).
Take-Home Pay	$3,684	78.2%	After taxes.
Rent (1BR Avg)	-$1,621	44.0%	The biggest expense.
Utilities	-$200	5.4%	Electric can be high due to AC.
Car/Insurance	-$400	10.9%	Essential in this car-centric area.
Groceries	-$350	9.5%	Publix vs. Aldi makes a big difference.
Health Insurance	-$150	4.1%	If not covered by employer.
Misc/Debt	-$313	8.5%	Student loans, entertainment, etc.
Remaining Buffer	$650	17.6%	Savings, emergency fund, or debt.

Can you afford to buy a home? It’s tight. The median home price in Pompano Beach is roughly $350,000+. With a $650 monthly buffer, a 20% down payment ($70,000) is a monumental hurdle without significant savings or a dual-income household. An FHA loan with 3.5% down ($12,250) is more feasible, but your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,200/month—over 60% of your take-home pay. This is not recommended. For a single LPN on the median salary, renting is the practical choice. Homeownership becomes realistic only with career advancement, a partner’s income, or moving to a more affordable inland neighborhood.

Insider Tip: Many local LPNs I know split costs with a roommate or partner, which instantly makes the budget more comfortable. Also, look for apartments in newer buildings with energy-efficient windows; your electric bill can easily top $250 in summer if you’re not careful.

Where the Jobs Are: Pompano Beach's Major Employers

Pompano Beach isn’t a major hospital hub like Miami, but it has a solid network of employers that value LPNs. The job market here is heavily skewed toward long-term care, home health, and outpatient clinics. Here are the key players:

1. Pompano Beach Health & Rehabilitation Center: A large, 180-bed skilled nursing facility. This is often the first stop for new LPNs. They have steady turnover and frequently post for full-time and PRN (as-needed) positions. Hiring trend: Consistent, with a focus on reliable workers for overnight shifts.
2. Broward Health North: The closest major hospital, part of the Broward Health system. While they employ many RNs, they do hire LPNs for specific roles like medical-surgical units, dialysis, and same-day surgery. It’s competitive; you often need 2+ years of experience. Hiring trend: Steady but slow; they prefer candidates with ACLS/PALS certifications.
3. Home Health Agencies (Amedisys, LHC Group, local independents): A huge sector in Pompano. These agencies serve the large retiree population. You need a clean driving record and your own reliable car. Pay is often per-visit, which can be lucrative if you’re efficient. Hiring trend: Always hiring, especially for bilingual (English/Spanish) and weekend visits.
4. Coastal Medical Group (and other private practices): There are numerous cardiologist, orthopedic, and primary care clinics in the area (e.g., around the Cypress Creek corridor). LPNs here work in phlebotomy, vitals, and patient intake. The pace is predictable, 9-5. Hiring trend: Growing as the population ages and more specialty clinics open.
5. Sunrise Nursing Home / Various ALFs: Pompano has a high concentration of Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs). These are less intense than SNFs and offer a different work environment. LPN duties often include medication administration and wellness checks. Hiring trend: Very active, as the ALF industry is booming in Florida.
6. Palm Beach County School District: Yes, the need for school LPNs is growing. You’d be responsible for managing student meds, minor illnesses, and health plans. It’s a MY schedule (summers off). Hiring trend: Seasonal hiring in late summer; competitive due to the schedule.

Insider Tip: The Broward Health system is a major employer, but getting in can be tough. A common local pathway is to start at a nursing home (like Pompano Beach Health & Rehab) to gain experience, then network within the system to move to a hospital role. Don’t overlook smaller wound care clinics; they pay well and are in high demand.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Florida Board of Nursing is your governing body.

1. Education: Graduate from a state-approved LPN program. In South Florida, reputable options include Broward College (Fort Lauderdale campus) and Atlantic Technical College (Margate, just west of Pompano). These programs are competitive; have your prerequisites done.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: After graduation, apply to take the NCLEX-PN. Florida uses the Pearson VUE testing center. The application fee is $175, and the exam fee is $200 (total ~$375). Processing can take 4-8 weeks after submitting transcripts.
3. Background Check & Fingerprints: Florida requires a federal and state background check. This is done through a designated vendor (Live Scan). Cost: ~$80-$120. Any past misdemeanors or felonies must be disclosed; they can delay or deny licensure.
4. Temporary Permit: If you’re a new grad, you can get a temporary permit to start working under supervision while you wait for your full license. It’s valid for 6 months.

Total Estimated Startup Cost: $500 - $700 (Exam, fees, fingerprints, study materials).

Timeline:

• Program: 12-18 months.
• Post-Grad to Licensure: 2-3 months (apply for exam, wait for ATT, test, wait for results).
• Start Working: You can often start under a temp permit.

Insider Tip: The Florida Board website is your best friend. The process is all online. Start your application for the exam before graduation to save time. Also, once licensed, consider getting your IV certification (often offered by your employer) immediately—it opens up more job opportunities in home health and hospitals.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Pompano Beach drastically affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. The city is split by I-95, with the east side being more expensive and closer to the beach.

1. East Pompano (Beachside): The most desirable and expensive. Close to restaurants, the pier, and the ocean. Commute to hospitals (Broward Health North) is easy via Federal Hwy. Rent for 1BR: $1,800 - $2,200+. Ideal for those who prioritize lifestyle and can afford it.
2. Central Pompano (Downtown/NE 10th St area): The heart of the city. More affordable than the beach, with a mix of older apartments and new developments. Close to major employers like nursing homes and clinics. Rent for 1BR: $1,500 - $1,800. A great balance for most LPNs.
3. West Pompano (West of I-95): More residential, quieter, and significantly more affordable. You’re further from the beach but have easier access to the Turnpike and I-95 for commutes to Fort Lauderdale or Boca. Rent for 1BR: $1,300 - $1,550. This is where many healthcare workers live to save on housing.
4. Coral Springs/Coral Bay (Adjacent): While technically separate, these bordering areas are popular with healthcare workers. They offer great schools and family-friendly vibes. Commute to Pompano employers is 10-20 minutes. Rent for 1BR: $1,600 - $1,900.
5. Lighthouse Point (Adjacent): Upscale, with a small-town feel. More expensive, but safe and close to the water. Commute to Pompano jobs is very short. Rent for 1BR: $1,900 - $2,300+.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-95 and Sample Road is a nightmare during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM). If you work a 7 AM shift, living east of I-95 can cut your commute in half. Always test your commute in your car at your exact shift time before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying an LPN in Pompano Beach for the long term requires strategic specialization. The base is stable, but growth is where you make real money.

• Specialty Premiums: Getting certified in areas like Wound Care (CWOCN) or Dialysis can bump your hourly rate by $3-$5/hour. These are in high demand due to the aging population. IV Therapy certification is almost mandatory for better-paying home health roles.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to become an RN. With a bridge program (like at Broward College), you can go from LPN to RN in about 12-18 months. An RN license in Pompano Beach carries a median salary of $75,000+, a significant jump. Other paths include moving into case management (working for an insurance company or home health agency) or becoming a clinical coordinator in a clinic.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is solid. The trend is toward more care in the home and outpatient settings. LPNs who are tech-savvy (electronic health records) and have strong communication skills will thrive. Traveling LPN contracts, while less common than RN travel, do exist for short-term needs, especially during flu season or staffing shortages.

Insider Tip: The best career move many local LPNs make is getting their RN license. The local community colleges have excellent bridge programs. It’s a significant time investment but pays off within a year in salary. If you don’t want to be an RN, become the go-to wound care or dialysis expert at your facility—job security is high.

The Verdict: Is Pompano Beach Right for You?

Pompano Beach is a specific market. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it can be a great home.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in long-term care and home health.	Salary Stagnation: Hard to break past $60,000 without specialization or an RN.
Beach Adjacent Lifestyle: Access to the ocean without Miami prices.	High Cost of Living: Rent and utilities eat up a large portion of your income.
Proximity to Major Cities: Easy access to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach for more opportunities.	Traffic Congestion: Commutes can be frustrating, especially on I-95 and Sample Rd.
Strong Retirement Community: Guaranteed need for geriatric care for decades to come.	Limited Major Hospitals: Less variety in acute care settings compared to Miami or Orlando.
No State Income Tax: Helps offset the higher cost of living.	Seasonal Population Swings: Can lead to temporary overtime or scheduling chaos during "snowbird" season.

Final Recommendation: Pompano Beach is an excellent fit for a mid-career LPN (2-5 years experience) who values a slower pace than Miami but wants access to beach life. It’s a good starting point for new grads willing to start in long-term care. It is not ideal for LPNs seeking rapid salary growth without additional certification or an RN degree. If your priority is maximizing your income-to-cost ratio, you might look at Orlando or Jacksonville. If your priority is a stable, beach-adjacent career with a manageable pace, Pompano Beach is a solid choice.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new LPN graduate in Pompano?
A: It’s competitive but not impossible. Your best bets are nursing homes and home health agencies, which are always hiring. Having your IV certification and a clean driving record will set you apart. It’s highly recommended to apply for jobs before you graduate.

Q: Is it worth commuting from a cheaper area like Coral Springs or Lauderhill?
A: It depends on your shift. If you work 9-5, the traffic on I-95 can add 30-45 minutes to your commute. If you work nights or weekends, the commute is easy and worth the lower rent. Always do a test drive during your actual shift time.

Q: What’s the best way to afford living in Pompano Beach on an LPN salary?
A: Budget rigorously. Consider a roommate, look for apartments in West Pompano or bordering areas, and track your spending. Take advantage of public beaches and parks for free entertainment. Meal prep to avoid the high cost of eating out.

Q: Should I get my RN license in Florida?
A: Yes, absolutely. If you plan to stay in nursing long-term, the ROI is tremendous. The salary jump is significant, and job opportunities expand exponentially. Many local employers (like Broward Health) offer tuition assistance for this.

Q: What’s the weather like, and how does it affect work?
A: Hot and humid, especially May-October. Snowbirds arrive in late October, increasing the patient population and sometimes overtime. Hurricanes are a reality (June-November); healthcare workers are essential and often have to work during storms. Factor in the cost of hurricane preparedness.