Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Raleigh, NC

The Salary Picture: Where Raleigh Stands

Raleigh’s healthcare market is robust, driven by the massive WakeMed and UNC Rex systems, plus a growing network of private clinics and long-term care facilities. For a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), this translates to steady demand, but with salaries that sit just below the national average. The key here is understanding the local pay scale, which is heavily influenced by experience, shift differentials (nights and weekends), and the type of facility.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in the Raleigh-Cary metro area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Often starts in nursing homes, home health, or rehab centers. Hospital roles may require 1 year of experience.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $58,000	Specialization in areas like geriatrics or wound care can boost pay. Hospital positions become more accessible.
Senior (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $64,000	Leadership roles (charge nurse), dialysis, or private duty nursing. High demand in home health.
Expert (15+ years)	$64,000+	Often involves case management, clinic management, or training roles. Top earners work in specialized private practices.

The Bottom Line: The median salary for an LPN in Raleigh is $54,292/year or $26.1/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620/year. However, the cost of living index of 98.0 (US avg = 100) helps offset this. The metro area has 964 LPN jobs, with a 10-year job growth projection of 5%, which is steady but not explosive.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Hospitals like WakeMed and UNC Rex offer significant shift differentials ($3-$5/hour extra for nights and weekends) and on-call pay. A mid-career LPN working nights can easily add $8,000 - $10,000 to their annual income.

Comparison to Other NC Cities:

• Charlotte: Slightly higher average pay, closer to $55,000, but cost of living is notably higher (index ~101.5). Competition is also fiercer.
• Greensboro/Winston-Salem: Salaries are similar to Raleigh ($53,500-$54,500), with a lower cost of living (index ~95). A strong alternative if you prefer a smaller metro.
• Asheville: Pay is comparable, but the housing market is extremely tight, making it a difficult city for new transplants to secure affordable rent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a single LPN earning the median Raleigh salary of $54,292. This is a practical look at what your budget can handle.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross $4,524/month):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Federal + State + FICA Taxes	~$950 - $1,100	Varies by deductions (401k, health insurance). NC has a progressive state tax.
Take-Home Pay (Est.)	$3,424 - $3,574
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,466	This is the average for the metro. You can find cheaper ($1,200) or pricier ($1,800+) options.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$180 - $220	High summer AC costs in Raleigh.
Car Payment + Insurance	$400 - $600	Public transit is limited; a reliable car is a must.
Groceries & Household	$350 - $450
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200 - $350	Most employers offer plans, but premiums vary.
Misc. (Discretionary, Savings)	$400 - $700	Leftover for dining, entertainment, savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a single $54,292 salary, buying a home in Raleigh is challenging. The median home price in the metro is around $430,000. With a 20% down payment ($86,000) not being feasible for most, a 5-10% down payment would lead to a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of $2,200 - $2,800/month. This would consume over 60% of the average take-home pay, which is unsustainable. Homeownership is far more realistic with dual incomes, a partner's salary, or with several years of career progression and salary increases.

Where the Jobs Are: Raleigh's Major Employers

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

1. WakeMed Health & Hospitals: The largest employer in the region. They have multiple campuses (Raleigh, Cary, North Raleigh). They heavily utilize LPNs in long-term care, rehab, and home health divisions. Hiring is constant, and they have a strong tuition reimbursement program for LPNs wanting to bridge to RN.
2. UNC REX Healthcare: Part of the UNC Health system. Located in North Raleigh, it's a major trauma and specialty care center. LPN roles are more common in their outpatient clinics, urgent care, and infusion centers. Their culture is very team-oriented.
3. Duke University Health System: While based in Durham, Duke has a significant clinical presence in Raleigh (e.g., Duke Raleigh Hospital). They often seek LPNs with specialized experience for their oncology and cardiology clinics. Pay is typically at the higher end of the local scale.
4. Novant Health: Primarily known for their large medical center in nearby Clayton, but they have a growing network of urgent care and primary care clinics in Raleigh's southern suburbs (Apex, Holly Springs). Good for LPNs seeking a community hospital feel.
5. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute: Located in North Raleigh, this is a dedicated inpatient rehabilitation facility. LPNs are crucial for post-surgical and stroke recovery patients. It’s a fast-paced, skilled environment.
6. Rex Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center: A long-term care facility operated by UNC Rex. A major employer of LPNs looking for stable, full-time roles in geriatric and post-acute care.
7. Apria Healthcare & Lincare (Home Health): These large national providers have significant operations in Raleigh. Home health LPN roles offer autonomy, driving to patient homes across Wake County. Pay is often per visit, which can be lucrative if you manage your schedule efficiently.

Hiring Trends: There is a strong, steady demand for LPNs in home health, long-term care, and rehab settings. Hospital-based LPN roles are competitive; many hospitals prefer to hire LPNs with 1+ year of experience. The post-acute care sector (rehab, nursing homes) is the most accessible entry point for new LPNs in the area.

Getting Licensed in NC

The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) governs licensure. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Graduate from an approved LPN program (typically 12-18 months).
2. Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
3. Submit a complete application to the NCBON, including official transcripts and a current background check (fees apply).
4. If you graduated from a non-Compact state, you must also apply for licensure by endorsement.

Costs & Timeline:

• NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE).
• NCBON Application Fee: $75 (as of 2023).
• Background Check: ~$45 (through the NCBON's designated vendor).
• Total Initial Cost: ~$320 (plus the cost of your education).
• Timeline: Once you have your transcripts and pass the NCLEX, the NCBON typically processes applications within 2-4 weeks. If you're moving from another state, the endorsement process can take 6-8 weeks.

Insider Tip: North Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multi-state license from another compact state (like VA, SC, GA), you can practice in NC without obtaining a separate NC license. This is a huge advantage for nurses moving from nearby states.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Raleigh is a sprawling city. Proximity to major employers and your lifestyle preference are key. Here’s a breakdown by commute and vibe:

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for an LPN
North Raleigh (Near I-540/US-1)	Suburban, family-friendly, near many major hospitals (WakeMed Main, UNC Rex).	$1,500 - $1,600	Best for hospitals. Short commute to WakeMed and Rex. More affordable than downtown.
Downtown/Raleigh City Center	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife. Longer commute to most hospitals (15-25 min).	$1,700 - $1,900	Ideal if you work at a downtown clinic or wake up late. Not practical if you work night shift at a suburban hospital.
Cary (West Raleigh)	Very safe, clean, excellent schools, dominated by tech professionals.	$1,550 - $1,700	Great for families. Commute to UNC Rex and Duke Raleigh is good. Home to WakeMed Cary Hospital.
Southeast Raleigh (Brier Creek, Crabtree)	Mixed, newer developments, easy access to I-40 and I-440.	$1,400 - $1,550	Budget-friendly option. Good highway access to most employers. Growing area with new apartments.
Rolesville/Wake Forest (Northeast)	Small-town feel, rapidly growing, more space.	$1,300 - $1,500	Excellent for those who want a quieter life. Commute to North Raleigh hospitals is manageable (20-30 min).

Insider Tip: If you work night shift, living near your hospital is critical. The traffic on I-40 and I-540 can be heavy during shift changes (7-9 AM / 4-6 PM). A short commute means less stress and more sleep.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the LPN role is stable, advancement is crucial for increasing your income and scope of practice.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dialysis: LPNs in dialysis centers can earn $58,000 - $65,000 due to specialized training and high demand.
• Infusion Therapy: Working in oncology or specialty infusion clinics (common at UNC Rex and Duke) can offer a premium of 10-15% over base pay.
• Private Duty Nursing: For high-acuity patients in their homes, pay can be $30-$35/hour (contract or agency), but benefits are often lacking.

Advancement Paths:

1. Bridge to RN: This is the most common path. Many employers (especially WakeMed and UNC Rex) offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs to get their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). An RN in Raleigh earns a median of $78,000+, a significant jump.
2. Case Management: With experience, LPNs can move into case management roles in home health or insurance, focusing on care coordination rather than hands-on care.
3. Education/Training: Senior LPNs can become clinical instructors for local community college LPN programs (e.g., Wake Tech, Johnston Community College).

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is solid. The aging population in the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) ensures demand in geriatrics and post-acute care. However, the trend is toward hiring more RNs for complex care. To stay competitive and increase earnings, upskilling is not just an option—it's a necessity.

The Verdict: Is Raleigh Right for You?

Raleigh offers a stable, growing market for LPNs with a reasonable cost of living and a high quality of life. It’s a city of transplants, making it easier to build a new social circle. However, the salary nuance and specific job requirements are critical to consider.

Pros	Cons
Steady Job Market: High demand in home health, rehab, and long-term care.	Slightly Below-Average Pay: Median $54,292 is below the national average.
Affordable Living (Relative): Cost of living index of 98.0 helps the salary go further.	Housing Pressure: Rent and home prices are rising quickly, squeezing budgets.
Excellent Career Growth: Major hospital systems offer tuition reimbursement for RN bridges.	Car-Dependent: Limited public transit means a reliable car is a must.
Dynamic, Growing Metro: Population of 482,425 means diverse neighborhoods and amenities.	Traffic: Commutes can be long during peak hours, especially from the suburbs.
Compact State Advantage: Easy licensure if moving from another NLC state.	Experience Requirements: Hospitals often prefer LPNs with 1+ year of experience.

Final Recommendation: Raleigh is an excellent choice for LPNs who are ambitious about growing their career. It’s ideal if you plan to bridge to an RN within 3-5 years, leveraging employer benefits. It’s also a great fit if you prefer the pace of home health or rehab over a hospital setting. For a new grad LPN, starting in a nursing home or home health agency here is a strategic way to gain experience. If your primary goal is the absolute highest starting salary without a plan for advancement, you may find other markets slightly more lucrative, but Raleigh’s balance of opportunity and lifestyle is hard to beat.

FAQs

1. How is the job market for new LPN graduates in Raleigh?
It's competitive for hospital jobs, which often require experience. However, there is strong demand in long-term care facilities, rehab centers, and home health agencies. These are excellent places to gain the 1-2 years of experience needed to move into a hospital role. Be prepared to apply broadly and consider starting in a nursing home.

2. Do I need a car to work as an LPN in Raleigh?
Absolutely. Public transportation (GoRaleigh) is limited and not reliable for shift work, especially nights. If you work in home health, you will drive to patient homes all over Wake County. For hospital work, a car is needed to get to and from work, as many hospitals are in suburban areas not served well by transit.

3. What's the typical schedule for an LPN in Raleigh?
It varies by setting. Hospitals and rehab centers often have 12-hour shifts (day/night) with weekend rotations. Nursing homes may have 8-hour shifts (7-3, 3-11, 11-7). Home health is typically Monday-Friday, daytime hours, but with some flexibility for evening visits. When interviewing, ask about shift differentials and weekend requirements.

4. How does the cost of living really break down?
While the index is 98.0, housing is the biggest variable. The average 1BR rent of $1,466 is manageable on a $54,292 salary, but you'll need to budget carefully. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are close to the national average. The biggest savings come from not living in a high-cost coastal or mountain city.

5. Can I work in Durham or Chapel Hill and live in Raleigh?
Yes, many people do this commute. It's a reverse commute from Raleigh to Durham/Chapel Hill (typically 20-30 minutes on I-40). However, traffic can be heavy. If you work at Duke or UNC in Durham, living in Raleigh is very common. Just ensure your housing budget accounts for the commute (gas and tolls).